Rocky Mountain National Park spans more than 415 square miles of pristine land in north-central Colorado and offers about 355 miles of hiking trails. If you are seeking challenging hikes with spectacular views, backpacking through the park may be the perfect vacation. Since the majority of the park sits at a high altitude (12,000 feet up to more than 14,000 feet above sea level), you will need to be prepared for the temperature and terrain changes that can occur rapidly by planning your backpacking trip well in advance.
Maps
A detailed topography map of Rocky Mountain National Park is an essential purchase prior to your backpacking trip. Since there are dozens of different hikes, you will need to have a close look at the map to decide which are the most interesting to you. Maps can be purchased at any of the Rocky Mountain National Park visitor centers.
Permits
In some sections of Rocky Mountain National Park it may be necessary to obtain a permit prior to hiking in an area. Permits are most often required for the more rugged back-country hikes, so if your chosen backpacking area is in the back country, obtain the necessary permit from any Rocky Mountain National Park visitor center prior to the hike.
Clothing
The high elevation of Rocky Mountain National Park makes for chilly weather, even during summer nights. Prepare yourself for cold weather and pack your clothing accordingly. At a minimum, you should have thermal underwear, a light fleece jacket, a heavier jacket, and a warm cap. If your backpacking trip is planned to last more than a few days, you may want to bring along an extra pair of sturdy shoes as well.
Stops and Resting Areas
Part of the fun of backpacking Rocky Mountain National Park is the stops you'll make along the way. There are a number of rest areas located throughout the park, and you should plan to enjoy the spectacular views as you rest and recharge. If you have questions about the trails, rest areas, or the wildlife you may encounter, the ranger stations located throughout the park are always happy to answer them.
Overnight Camping
If you are camping in the park overnight, make sure you are camping in an area that your map designates as a camping zone. Follow all of the rules posted for overnight camping, paying close attention to any fire warnings. During droughts, camping fires in the park are prohibited, so you may be limited to using a camp stove or eating cold food at such times. While you are camping, it is always important to follow the "no trace" rule: Leave no trace that you were there, which will affect the environment as little as possible.
Staying Hydrated
Since Rocky Mountain National Park can be quite cold, some visitors may forget to bring adequate water along when backpacking. Staying hydrated is always important in backpacking, regardless of the environment--so make sure to have plenty of water with you at all times.
