Cincyguy63

We are planning to do some moderate day hikes around RMNP (Estes Park) and Aspen early August this year and I am seeking advice around clothing and temperatures. Trying to plan what to pack ie long sleeves, sweaters/ lightweight hoodies, long pants etc? In addition to shorts, tee shirts, polo shirts, bathing suits, sandals etc.

Any suggestions??

fmpden

Yep !!! All of the above except the bathing suit and sandals. There is no such thing as a casual or moderate day hike. You always need to be prepared with extra clothing, rain jackets, extra battery for cell, food and water. If, by chance, you get lost, you will appreciate having it all. Just last week in a popular hiking area a father with three kids made a couple of wrong turns and suddenly were lost for three days. Fortunately they were prepared with water and food. The big problem is that popular day hiking areas will have lots of trails criss-crossing and they can be misleading and confusing. And the marking are not always the best. So you need to be prepared. Know how to use a compass.

ElendilPickle

Wear a high SPF sunscreen as well. You can burn really fast, especially the higher you go.

Lee Ann

PaulRabe

I don't want to sound nasty (well, okay, actually I do, in order to make a point), but one of the most important things to pack when you go hiking in the mountains in the summer is your BRAIN. Specifically, when you see thunder clouds forming in the afternoon (VERY common in summer), then get DOWN from the mountain trails! By the time you hear thunder, it may already be too late to out-run the storm.

https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/safety.htm

Because storms can come up on you VERY quickly and very intensely, you'll have to always carry a rain poncho. An umbrella is NOT sufficient in a mountain thunderstorm.

fmpden

The rule with our scout troops was below the timberline by 2pm.