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Rocky Mountain National Parka photo of backcountry tenting
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Rocky Mountain National Park
Planning Checklist
 
2 Months Ahead
  • Decide who is going on the trip
  • Decide when and where you are going
  • Outline your hiking route
  • Call Backcountry Office for likely snow, trail or campsite conditions at time of trip
  • Call or write for reservations or permits for campsites
  • Backcountry Office (970) 586-1242; mailing address: Backcountry Office; Rocky Mountain National Park; 1000 Highway 36 West; Estes Park, CO 80517.
  • Check permit regulations
  • Order maps and guidebooks and compass
  • Begin breaking in new boots

3 Weeks Ahead

  • Confirm group gear with hiking partners
  • Go over checklist of backpacking gear
  • Make sure your gear works and replace or repair
  • Plan your menu

1-2 Weeks Ahead

  • Buy and repackage food

Days Before

  • Pack gear, checking each piece off list as it enters the pack
  • Verify departure plans with hiking partners
  • Give a copy of itinerary and return time to a friend or relative

Day of Trip

  • Recheck gear when you meet with your group
  • Stop at Backcountry Office for permit and current backcountry information
  • Permit cannot be issued without license plate number(s)
  • Put car keys in safe place; give a duplicate to your hiking companion.
  • Head for backcountry and have a great time
Summer Gear Checklist     Winter Gear Checklist
a photo of an ice climber
Winter Gear List
Link to a printable winter gear list
more...
a photo of hikers in the backcountry
Summer Gear List
Link to a printable Summer Gear List
more...
a photo of a comfort station  

Did You Know?
Daily during the summer, Rocky's custodial crew cleans 102 toilets in comfort stations at trailheads and along roads. They also clean around 100 toilets in campground comfort stations, 30 visitor center toilets, and 35 toilets for park staff. That's 267 toilets cleaned every day of the summer!

Last Updated: September 30, 2006 at 18:34 EST