6 Hiking Outfit Ideas for Your Next Colorado Adventure
You can’t visit Colorado and not hit the trails! There’s so many national parks, state parks, and even local parks to choose from that will completely blow you away with their natural beauty. But don’t take my word for it, get out there and see for yourself! What you wear depends on the season and the intensity of the hike you’re doing. I’ve curated a variety of outfits that you can pick and choose from depending on the type of adventure you decide to embark on.
Key takeaways:
Dress in layers - Colorado weather can change in a heartbeat, so be prepared for both hot and cold temps, especially in the mountains.
Always have a rain jacket with you - afternoon storms are common in the summer. They are usually short, but can come out of nowhere. It’s actually advised to be off the mountains by noon to avoid being caught in a storm.
Protect yourself from the sun - the UV here is no joke. Wear a hat, wear long sleeves when you can, and put on sunscreen before leaving the house.
1. Simple Summer Hiking Outfit
Keep your whole body cool in this outfit from your head to your toes. The Patagonia barely baggie shorts are lightweight, airy, and quick drying. The top is both a cropped tank with a sports bra, so no need to wear another layer overtop.
I typically only wear sandals on short, easy trails with terrain that is relatively flat and not super rocky. Keep in mind, that if you are hiking a trail that is more technical, hiking boots or trail running shoes are a must.
Key pieces:
2. The Sunny Day Outfit
To keep hikes enjoyable during the warm summer months, wear lightweight, wicking clothing, and protect yourself from the sun. A sun hoodie (or a shade hoodie) is a MUST if you’re hiking on a sunny Colorado afternoon to prevent the sun completely zapping your energy. Always wear a hat to keep your face and head cool.
In addition to wearing the right clothing, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water with electrolytes and eat salty snacks. Hiking with heat exhaustion is the worst, so take the appropriate steps to prevent it, starting with your wardrobe.
Key pieces:
3. The Casual Crunchy Hiker
Step into your crunchy granola girl persona before your next hike. Grab your favorite flannel, a fun outdoorsy graphic tee to pair underneath, and you’re all set to hit the trail. I love the comfort of this outfit and it’s perfect for a short, low key trek in the woods.
I like trail running shoes for trails with non-technical terrains. For trails that are super rocky or have a lot of uneven roots, I always were boots that have ankle support to prevent ankle injuries. But boots aren’t always necessary which is why I prefer trail running shoes, like Hoka, that are lighter weight and not bulky boots. My go to socks are always Darn Tough. They complete the look and the padded bottoms make them extra comfy and prevent sore feet.
Key pieces:
4. Early Fall Leaf Peeping Fit
Fall is the best time of the year for hiking in my opinion. It’s a bit cooler out and the fall foliage is spectacular. In the early fall, like September or early October, it can still be warm during the day so a light jacket would suffice as an additional layer. I’ve had this black Columbia rain jacket forever and it’s still in great condition. Get in the fall spirit with a cute beanie and some cozy wool socks. My favorite part of this outfit are the earthy colors that pop, like the orange hat and the olive green hiking pants.
Key pieces:
5. Bundle Up Hiking Outfit
Want to get outside in the brisker months? No problem! Lots of warm layers is key, especially a pair of thick leggings and a fleece, like the Patagonia better sweater. What I like about these leggings is that I can wear a pair of thin leggings underneath for extra warmth without the pants looking baggy. Sturdy, waterproof boots are an essential if you plan on hiking in any snow (Merrell’s are my favorite). Even when it’s cold, it’s important that you still wear wicking material as your base layer and avoid cotton so that your sweat doesn’t freeze. And of course, the outfit isn’t complete without some cute Darn Tough bear socks.
Key pieces:
6. Casual Spring Hiking Outfit
Picture this: the snow has finally melted, you have so much pent up energy and you can’t wait to get back into hiking season. Start the season off with some easy to moderate trails to get your hiking legs into shape again after some months off. Keep it simple with a nice full zip fleece, some comfortable layers, and a hat as always to protect that beautiful face of yours. Just pair with your favorite shoes, bring any additional layers since the temperature will fluctuate and you’re all set.
Key pieces:
