Two Months Ahead
- Decide who is going on the trip
- Decide when and where you are going
- Outline your hiking route
- Call Backcountry Office (970-586-1242) for likely snow, trail, or campsite conditions at time of trip
- Call or write for reservations or permits for campsites:
Backcountry Office
Rocky Mountain National Park
1000 U.S. Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517
970-586-1242
- Check permit regulations
- Order maps and guidebooks and compass
- Begin breaking in new boots
Three 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
One-Two Weeks Ahead
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