Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links.
Traveling to Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Rocky Mountain National Park, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Rocky Mountain National Park
- Important essentials for Rocky Mountain National Park
- Activities for Rocky Mountain National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park in January: weather and what to pack
- Rocky Mountain National Park in February: weather and what to pack
- Rocky Mountain National Park in March: weather and what to pack
- Rocky Mountain National Park in April: weather and what to pack
- Rocky Mountain National Park in May: weather and what to pack
- Rocky Mountain National Park in June: weather and what to pack
- Rocky Mountain National Park in July: weather and what to pack
- Rocky Mountain National Park in August: weather and what to pack
- Rocky Mountain National Park in September: weather and what to pack
- Rocky Mountain National Park in October: weather and what to pack
- Rocky Mountain National Park in November: weather and what to pack
- Rocky Mountain National Park in December: weather and what to pack

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.
When to go to Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Rocky Mountain National Park, the best time to go is June. See below for details.
Important essentials for Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, United States of America
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.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly option.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can become worn. An unreadable vaccine card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection possible.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
General health necessities
Rocky Mountain National Park is at a somewhat high altitude, and could cause problems for some. For that reason, you will want to be constantly hydrated and pack altitude sickness remedies.
-
Supplements
Ginko biloba or other supplements (ask your doctor before using)
-
Over-the-counter medicine
Don't forget these
-
For families with young children
-
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.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be sufficient for most locations, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you are traveling to Rocky Mountain National Park in January, you will notice that it is very cold. Expect it to rain or snow 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Thick pajamas
-
Night cap
It's a good idea to wear a cap at night here like this
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Heated gloves
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather face mask
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Rocky Mountain National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Rocky Mountain National Park has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
February 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:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Thick pajamas
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Neck warmer/cold weather face mask
-
Lip balm
Our pick: here
-
Heated gloves
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Night cap
It's important to wear something on your head at night in this weather like this
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Coveralls
We pick:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
Rocky Mountain National Park has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
If you go to Rocky Mountain National Park in March, you will notice that it is cold. 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:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Pajamas
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Lip balm
The best choice: this one
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Rocky Mountain National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Rocky Mountain National Park has some good skiing If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
If you are traveling to Rocky Mountain National Park in April, you will notice that it can be brisk. Expect it to rain or snow a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pajamas
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Lip balm
The best pick: this one
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Thermal undergarments
We like:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
Rocky Mountain National Park has some famous ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
May
In May, Rocky Mountain National Park is chilly. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 20s 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:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this one
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Rocky Mountain National Park, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Rocky Mountain National Park has some famous skiing If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
June
June here is mild. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains or snows a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this one
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is important here. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
Rocky Mountain National Park has some excellent ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
July
If you vacation in Rocky Mountain National Park during July, you might see that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 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:
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this one
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
August
Traveling to Rocky Mountain National Park in August, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
September
If you vacation in Rocky Mountain National Park during September, you will probably see that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain or snow/sleet regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Rocky Mountain National Park has some famous ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
October
If you go to Rocky Mountain National Park in October, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain or snow regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Rocky Mountain National Park, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Rocky Mountain National Park has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
November
November is brisk. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Lip balm
The best pick: here
-
Pajamas
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Rocky Mountain National Park has some excellent skiing If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
December
December is very cold. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Thermal undergarments
We chose:
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Night cap
It's important to wear something on your head at night in this climate like this
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Lip balm
Our pick: here
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Thick pajamas
-
Neck warmer/cold weather face mask
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Heated gloves
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Rocky Mountain National Park, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is important here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Rocky Mountain National Park has some excellent ski areas If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
Activities for Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Rocky Mountain National Park.
If you go to Moraine Park Visitor Center, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
Check out our guides for these other locations: Middle Florida, Florida, United States of America, Peekskill, New York, United States of America, Iranian Azerbaijan, Iran, Sintra, Portugal, Shivanasamudram, India, Altiplano, Bolivia, Čičmany, Slovakia, Andria, Italy, Kandovan, Iran, Antipolo, Philippines, and Mpanda, Tanzania.