Hike the Parks: Rocky Mountain National Park. Brendan Leonard

COLD

      Even when it’s 75 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny in Estes Park, it can be winter temperatures at higher altitudes. In general, you can expect a 3-degree drop in temperature for every 1000 feet (305 m) of elevation you ascend, and even more if there’s any wind. Bring more layers than you think you need, even if you’re not planning on being outside for very long. As the saying goes, “There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing.”

       STEEP DROP-OFFS

      Most of the hikes in this book avoid lots of exposure to large, steep drop-offs, but be aware that even a short fall on a switchback, or down a brief steep section of trail, can be very dangerous. If you fall on a hike, you’re very likely going to land on something hard and angular—it’s not like the ball pit at Chuck E. Cheese. Be aware of your environment and watch your step, especially when you’re fatigued and it’s extra easy to catch a toe on a rock or a tree root sticking out of the trail.

       NAVIGATION CHALLENGES

      The hikes in this book are mostly on well-established trails, and, as a rule, should not present navigational challenges. In cases where a trail crosses a section of rock, talus, or a boulder field, or is otherwise more challenging to follow, look for cairns to guide you, or for deadfall or rocks lining the sides of a trail. Always carry a map and compass—and know how to use them. In addition, a smartphone app that works offline, such as Gaia GPS, can answer the question, “Are we on the right path?” in seconds. Just be sure you have downloaded the proper map before setting out on your hike, since there’s often no cell service in many parts of the park.

       WILDFIRES

      As in many places across the western United States, wildfires have been increasing in breadth and destruction in Colorado the past several years. Some recent fires have burned portions of Rocky Mountain National Park and may affect some of the trails described in this book. As part of your trip or hike planning, check with the park (see Contacts) for current trail conditions. And while you’re in the park, be careful not to start a new fire and, of course, always follow regulations and restrictions for campfires, whether you’re car camping or traveling into the backcountry.

       THE TEN ESSENTIALS

      The Ten Essentials, originated by The Mountaineers, are particular items necessary to answer two crucial questions: Can you prevent emergencies and respond positively should one occur? And can you safely spend a night—or more—outside? This list is a starting point to guide you in preparation for your Rocky Mountain National Park adventure.

      1.Navigation: The five fundamentals are a map, altimeter, compass, GPS device, and a personal locator beacon or other device to contact emergency first responders. (Note that smartphone apps can provide the first four, but battery-powered devices are known to fail.)

      2.Headlamp: A light source that is not your smartphone will help you find your way in darkness should you run out of daylight. Bring spare batteries.

      3.Sun protection: Wear sunglasses and sun-protective clothes, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated at least SPF 30.

      4.First aid: Basics include bandages; skin closures; gauze pads and dressings; roller bandage or wrap; tape; antiseptic; blister prevention and treatment supplies; nitrile gloves; tweezers; needle; nonprescription painkillers; antiinflammatory, anti-diarrheal, and antihistamine tablets; topical antibiotic; and any important personal prescriptions, including an EpiPen if you are allergic to insect bites and stings.

      5.Knife: Also consider a multitool, strong tape, some cordage, and gear repair supplies.

      6.Fire: Carry at least one butane lighter (or waterproof matches) and firestarter, such as chemical heat tabs, cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly, or commercially prepared firestarter.

      7.Shelter: In addition to a rain shell, carry a single-use bivy sack, plastic tube tent, or jumbo plastic trash bag.

      8.Extra food: For shorter trips a one-day supply is reasonable.

      9.Extra water: Carry sufficient water and have the skills and tools required to obtain and purify additional water.

      10.Extra clothes: Pack additional layers needed to survive the night in the worst conditions that your party may realistically encounter.