It’s been a while since we’ve had any snow, but it’s still cold in the mornings. This means you’ll have to make sure that you are properly prepared with the right gear before venturing outside. Let me walk you through what I carry when I go hiking in Colorado in September:
What to Wear Hiking in Colorado in September

Hiking in Colorado in September
Hiking in Colorado can be a little tricky. The weather can change rapidly, sometimes within an hour. Here’s what to wear in Colorado in September.
If you’re planning a trip to Colorado in September, you might be worried about what to wear hiking in Colorado. There are so many variables to consider: the weather, altitude, and terrain can all make or break your hike.
So what should you take into account when dressing for your hike? The good news is that we’ve got some great tips on what to wear hiking in Colorado in September.
Learn more: What to Wear Hiking in Utah in June
Long pants, shirt and jacket
For your hike, you should wear long pants and a jacket. The temperature can be warm during the day, but it can also drop at night and early in the morning. You’ll want to have a jacket that is lightweight and has room to layer underneath it.
Hiking boots are also recommended for this trip because they are comfortable and will help keep you safe while hiking on rocky trails.
Learn: What to Wear Hiking to Avoid Ticks
Your hiking shoes
Hiking shoes are designed for comfort and support, and they’re not just for hiking. They have a stiff sole to prevent slippage, which can be dangerous if you’re climbing over rocks or walking on muddy trails. They also have good grip on the sole so that you don’t slip in mud or ice patches.
Your best bet is to wear hiking boots with ankle support since this will help protect your ankles from injury when going up steep inclines or down steep declines. If you don’t want hiking boots but still want some protection against rough terrain, try out trail running shoes instead—they tend to be lighter than regular hiking boots but provide better traction on slippery surfaces like mud or snow.
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Sun protection (long sleeve cotton shirt, wide brimmed hat and sunscreen)
You should always wear sunscreen when you are in the sun. It’s important to protect your skin from sunburn, which can cause serious long-term damage. You can get a wide brimmed hat to shade the face and neck, or even better: a baseball cap with a neck flap that goes down past your ears. If you do not have one of these hats already, consider buying one for this trip—they’re very helpful!
Learn: How to Avoid Ticks While Hiking?
Sunglasses
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun, UV rays, and dust, dirt and debris. While hiking in Colorado in September you will be exposed to all of these elements. One of the best ways to protect your eyes is by wearing sunglasses that shield them from the wind as well.
Sun Damage: The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause sunburns and skin cancer if they are not properly protected from exposure. Many people associate these kinds of problems with summer months when they spend a lot more time outdoors than during other times of year but this isn’t always true; even on cloudy days outside you can still get burned by UV light rays that manage to filter through cracks between clouds or reflections off water surfaces or snow fields – especially if those surfaces reflect light at an angle parallel to where you’re standing! Wearing quality sunglasses is one way you can help prevent this kind of damage while hiking Colorado in September weather conditions which tend toward cloudy skies but still pose some risk due their reflective qualities
Water bottle and water
You can never bring enough water on a hike. In Colorado, you’ll be exposed to the elements and exerting yourself more than you might at home. That means that hydration is important for your body and your energy levels. You don’t want to leave your bottle at home because it takes up space in your bag, but if it has to come with you, make sure it doesn’t weigh down your daypack or backpack. A collapsible bottle is ideal here—they pack down small but expand when full so they don’t take up too much room in your bag.
Having something easy to drink from can also help keep you feeling refreshed as well as energized during longer hikes or multi-day treks. Look for a water bottle that has a wide mouth opening so ice cubes can fit inside without taking an extra hour out of your day trying not to spill them everywhere (and wasting precious water). If possible, find one that allows easy refills so there’s no waste in carrying around an empty container all day long!
Food: energy bars or dried fruit
Dried fruit is a great source of calories when you’re hiking and has a long shelf life. You can buy it in bags at the grocery store and keep it in your backpack for easy access. Dried fruit also makes a good snack on the go, which is helpful when you’re navigating trail obstacles or scrambling up steep slopes to get to the top of something (like Mount Elbert).
Extra clothing and first aid kit in a backpack
- Wear extra clothing and a first aid kit in your backpack. If you are hiking with a group, make sure everyone has an adequate amount of food and water. If you are hiking alone, make sure to have enough food and water for yourself to get back safely to the trailhead or car.
- Listen carefully to instructions from park rangers about weather conditions before going on any hike or mountain climb.
This is what you should wear if you go hiking in Colorado in September
This is what you should wear if you go hiking in Colorado in September.
- Long pants, shirt and jacket
- Your hiking shoes
- Sun protection (long sleeve cotton shirt, wide brimmed hat and sunscreen)
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle and water
- Food: energy bars or dried fruit
- Extra clothing and first aid kit in a backpack
Conclusion
We hope that this list has provided you with some ideas on what to wear when hiking in Colorado in September. While hiking is a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, it can also be dangerous if you’re not properly prepared. It’s important to consider your personal needs and what type of terrain you’ll be exploring before heading out on your next adventure!
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Michael has been a traveler and blogger since he was 17 years old. Now his passion is hiking, traveling, camping, and revealing his outdoor secrets. Stay connect with us for outdoor events and camping trips together.