Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Rocky Mountain National Park, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Rocky Mountain National Park
  2. Important essentials for Rocky Mountain National Park
  3. Activities for Rocky Mountain National Park
  4. Rocky Mountain National Park in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Rocky Mountain National Park in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Rocky Mountain National Park in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Rocky Mountain National Park in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Rocky Mountain National Park in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Rocky Mountain National Park in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Rocky Mountain National Park in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Rocky Mountain National Park in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Rocky Mountain National Park in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Rocky Mountain National Park in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Rocky Mountain National Park in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Rocky Mountain National Park in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, United States of America, the best time to go is June. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, United States of America by month

January

January in Rocky Mountain National Park is freezing. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rocky Mountain National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the right type. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

If you go to Moraine Park Visitor Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

In February, Rocky Mountain National Park can be extremely cold. Temperatures routinely are in the 30s F (single digits C) and 5-10 days this month jump into the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). This is also a rainy time for Rocky Mountain National Park, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rocky Mountain National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Moraine Park Visitor Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

Traveling to Rocky Mountain National Park in March, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to rain or snow a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rocky Mountain National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the right kind. Most adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Moraine Park Visitor Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

April in Rocky Mountain National Park can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rocky Mountain National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the right kind. Many adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

If you go to Moraine Park Visitor Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

May in Rocky Mountain National Park is relatively cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rocky Mountain National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the right type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Moraine Park Visitor Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

June in this region is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains or snows about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rocky Mountain National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Moraine Park Visitor Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

If you go to Rocky Mountain National Park in July, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rocky Mountain National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the right kind. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Moraine Park Visitor Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

If you visit Rocky Mountain National Park during August, you will probably find that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rocky Mountain National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the right type. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

If you go to Moraine Park Visitor Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

In September, Rocky Mountain National Park is mild. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (low 20s C) and about half of the time jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Rocky Mountain National Park, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rocky Mountain National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the necessary type. Most adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

If you go to Moraine Park Visitor Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

October is crisp. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains or snows regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rocky Mountain National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the right kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you go to Moraine Park Visitor Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

November in Rocky Mountain National Park is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rocky Mountain National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you go to Moraine Park Visitor Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

In December, Rocky Mountain National Park is freezing. Temperatures routinely are in the low 30s F (single digits C) and sometimes jump into the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). This is also a rainy time for Rocky Mountain National Park, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rocky Mountain National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the correct kind. Most adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

If you go to Moraine Park Visitor Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, United States of America

Rocky Mountain National Park is located in the northern region of Colorado, United States of America. This national park is one of the most visited parks in the country and covers an area of more than 415 square miles. It is divided into two distinct areas: the eastern part which is dominated by the arid and flat plains and the western part which is dominated by the Rocky Mountains. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Rocky Mountain National Park:

1. Trail Ridge Road: This is the most popular road in the park and it stretches for 48 miles, crossing over the Rocky Mountains. It reaches an elevation of more than 12,000 feet and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

2. The Continental Divide: This is a geological feature that runs through the park and separates the watersheds that flow to the Pacific Ocean and those that flow to the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can hike to the top of the divide and experience the picturesque views.

3. Glacier Gorge: This is a beautiful section of the park that features several hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning cliffs. It is a popular spot for hiking and backpacking.

4. Moraine Park: This is a large meadow located in the park that has an abundance of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and mule deer. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the different animals that live in the park.

5. Bear Lake: This is a crystal clear lake located at an elevation of 9,475 feet. It is a popular spot for fishing, hiking, and picnicking.

6. Grand Lake: This is the largest natural lake in the state of Colorado and is located on the western side of the park. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in the lake.

7. Longs Peak: This is the highest peak in the park and is a popular spot for hiking and mountaineering. It offers excellent views of the surrounding landscape.

8. Colorado River Trailhead: This is a scenic and well-marked trail that leads through the park’s backcountry. Visitors can explore the Colorado River and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding wilderness.

Overall, Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-visit destination for all nature lovers. With its diverse fauna and flora, stunning landscapes, and adventure activities, the park has something for everyone. So, if you are planning a trip to Colorado, make sure to add Rocky Mountain National Park to your list of must-visit destinations.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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