I'm going on a 4 day hiking/camping trip in the Rocky Mountains. Any advice, tips, hints, suggestions would be great. Thanks!

Be sure to enjoy the waterall, and don't miss that scenic overlook. Be sure to keep your boots dry as you cross the stream on your way back from the lake.

Remeber you will be at a much higher elevation (unless you already live in the mountains) and take it easy the first day or so.

Utahtea

Altitude affects different people differently. Actually it even affects me differently at different times. Aside from altitude sickness, you might find yourself getting drowsy at odd times (your body is working harder to get less oxygen) and you might also get nosebleeds more easily. Some other tips:

- Drink lots of water - deydration can be a problem at higher altitudes, even when not exercising. NEVER drink unfiltered water, no matter how clear the stream/lake/etc looks. If you'll be camping in the backcountry be sure you have a good filter. If you're in an area with lots of old mining activity, you should also watch for signs indicating heavy metal contamination.

- Take extra precautions to avoid sunburn. There's not much atmosphere to protect you. I usually take a light long-sleeve shirt, which also helps against mosquitoes and flies. A hat is also essential. You should also layer clothing since the temperature could easily vary by 30-40 degrees F between day and night.

- Don't feed the bears (or the chipmunks). NEVER eat food in your tent. Know how to hang food properly. Same rules apply to anything scented, including deodorant, toothpaste, and feminine products.

- Don't get lost.

- Have fun.

Dave

Chris,
In the east, when hiking in the back country, it's advisable to wear a "bear bell" The noise makes sure you won't surprise a mother with her cubs...they'll hear you and get out of the way.

I assume the same would hold true in the rockies.

Are you backpacking? If so, you'll have to get a permit, usually, if hiking in a national forest or park.
Do you have warm clothes? A map? Compass? First Aid Kit? Shelter? Food? Water? Water filter?
The effectiveness of bear bells is questionable. Bears don't recognize bells like they recognize voices. Talk, sing, clap, yell if you are in bear country.

Where are you going and when? Backpacking or day hiking?

Permits are required for backcountry camping in most, if not all, national parks. I've never been in a national forest that required a permit, but there are many trails, especially in wilderness areas, that require that you sign in at a register. Wilderness areas and national parks generally have some restrictions/bans on pets. You may also encounter areas with temporary bans on open fires or camping due to wildfire risk.