Colorado Hiking Essentials: What’s In My Pack After 30 Years on the Trail
The Trail Truths I Wish I Knew Sooner
How one rookie mistake on a 14er—and years of hard lessons—shaped the way I hike Colorado now.
Hi, I’m Melody—one of the guides with Hike for Life—and I learned the hard way how important trail prep really is.
When I first moved to Colorado, I had zero idea what I was doing on the trail. I’d just returned from Africa (by way of four years in the Midwest for college), and while I knew how to walk, I didn’t know how to hike. Especially not at elevation.
Naturally, I decided to climb a 14er within 24 hours of arriving from Wisconsin. No time to acclimate. No knowledge of hydration, altitude, or pacing. Just me, a CamelBak I barely used, and a terrible headache that took me out for days.
I still remember lying on the floor of our apartment thinking, “So this is Colorado, huh?”
That first hike taught me that elevation doesn't play around—and neither should your trail prep.
Since then, I’ve logged thousands of miles, from family strolls at Garden of the Gods to alpine climbs that made me question my life choices (in the best way).
And while I’ve gotten stronger and savvier over the years, one thing hasn’t changed: the basics matter.
More than the brand of your boots or how cool your backpack looks, it’s the little things—like bringing enough water or checking the weather—that make or break a hike.
So whether you’re a seasoned trekker or stepping onto Colorado trails for the first time, here’s what I’ve learned the hard way (so you don’t have to).
The Five Fundamentals That Keep You Safe, Happy & Coming Back for More
1. Water: Don’t Underestimate It
Dehydration doesn’t always show up dramatically. Sometimes it’s a slow fade—fatigue, crankiness, brain fog. Other times it hits fast, like it did for me on that first 14er. Now I always bring more water than I think I need—and I actually drink it.
On shorter hikes, I love my flip-top bottle. For longer ones, I switch to a hydration bladder so I can sip constantly without stopping.
Bonus tip? Keep extra water in your car so you’re not rationing what you’ve brought on the trail.
2. Snacks: Not Just a Reward
Early on, I thought snacks were optional—something you packed if you remembered. These days, snacks are non-negotiable. I once ran out of food halfway through a hike and ended up cranky, dizzy, and trying to ration half a protein bar while my friend breezed ahead munching trail mix like a pro.
Now I pack more than I think I’ll eat. Salty snacks (pretzels), protein (jerky or peanut butter packets), and something sugary (gummy bears, forever).
The key is eating before you feel drained.
3. Layers: Because Colorado Has a Sense of Humor
I’ve left trailheads under blue skies and finished under hail clouds.
I’ve sweated through a sunny morning only to freeze when clouds rolled in. Colorado weather changes fast, and if you’re not layered up, you’ll feel it.
Now I bring three basics no matter what:
A moisture-wicking base layer
A light fleece or long sleeve for warmth
A waterproof shell for sudden storms
And yes, sunscreen—even on cloudy days. I’ve been sunburned in the snow. Learn from me.
4. Navigation: Paper Maps Are Not Just for Grandpas
I love COTREX and all the free hiking apps, but I’ve lost service in enough mountains to know better. Now I take a photo of the trail map at the start, and keep a physical map or printout in my bag for longer routes.
One time, a friend and I ended up doing a loop backwards because we didn’t read the trailhead info right.
We added two miles and got home much later than expected.
We still laugh about it—but that’s the best-case scenario when you’re off-track.
5. Emergency Basics: Just In Case is Enough of a Reason
You don’t have to be an Alone contestant to think ahead. I keep a little emergency kit in my pack at all times—bandages, snacks, hand warmers, an emergency blanket, and a headlamp (even on daytime hikes).
It’s small peace of mind that makes a big difference.
Before I leave, I also text someone where I’m going and when I’ll be back. Sometimes I leave a note on my car’s dashboard with trail info, especially in less-trafficked areas.
If you're new to hiking or just want a gut check before your next trip, I really recommend checking out Hike for Life’s pre-hike tips. Their five-step guide is perfect—easy to follow and surprisingly helpful even for experienced hikers.
My Morning Must-Do List
Before I lock the car and hit the trail, I always do a final gear glance:
Water: full and accessible
Snacks: variety and enough to share
Layers: packed even if it’s sunny
Navigation: downloaded, photographed, or printed
Emergency kit: always in the daypack
One habit I’ve picked up? Keeping extra food and water in the car. That way I don’t have to skimp mid-hike, and I can help someone else out if needed.
The Payoff for All This Prep? Freedom
Here’s the thing: we don’t hike to stress about logistics. We hike for the open sky, the quiet, the surprise deer crossing the trail or the shade of a pine grove in late July. We hike to feel something shift in our chest—something slower, deeper, and awake.
When you’re prepared, you’re not thinking about what you forgot. You’re free to explore that side trail, to linger at the overlook, to turn a short walk into a full-day adventure.
So go meet the trail. Just maybe don’t do your first 14er right after flying in from sea level.
And please—drink your water.
Want to go deeper? Learn more about the Five Fundamentals of Hiking and how to stay safe, smart, and trail-ready—wherever your boots take you.