Here's The Ultimate Guide To Doing Colorado Like A Coloradan

Looking for a relaxing place to wander? Plan your Colorado vacation now and Do Colorado Right.

1. Check the weather to make sure conditions are safe for adventuring.

This is good advice for any vacation, but if you intend on being out in Colorado's beautiful wilderness, make sure you check the weather so you can have the most relaxing, photogenic experience possible.

2. Check local fire restrictions.

Take a page out of a certain surly bear's book, and make sure you check the fire restrictions near your campsite, so you can visit your favorite spot year after year. 

3. Bring the essentials.

Before you hit the trail, you should make sure you have all of the "10 essentials" for traveling the Colorado backcountry:

- Navigation

- Headlamp, plus extra batteries

- Sun protection

- First aid

- A knife

- Something to light a fire

- Shelter

- Extra food

- Extra water

- Extra clothes

4. Check the travel forecast so you can get where you're going faster.

Go to https://goi70.com/ to check out what the ColoROAD has in store for you before you set out on your adventure. 

5. Avoid peak times.

Planning ahead is key to booking rooms and camping spots, and getting the best views on the hiking trails. Consider traveling during the off-season to make your hiking experience and Colorado explorations more relaxing and peaceful, and make you feel more connected to Colorado’s natural beauty. 

6. Use public transport when you can.

Not only does a bus ride help keep Colorado beautiful, but it also allows you to take in the beauty without having to focus on the road. Free Wi-Fi doesn't hurt, either!

7. Make sure you tell people where you're adventuring.

Colorado is a big place, which makes it easy to get lost in, for good and for not-so-good. Share your location with your loved ones before you hit the trail, so you can be sure to share pics and stories of your adventure with everyone later!

8. Keep your campfire small and manageable.

Nothing more beautiful than a big ole bonfire! But do you really need it that big? Make sure you keep your fire at a level that you can control. Perhaps small enough that a cat feels comfortable sleeping in your lap near it?

9. Put out your fire so that it's cool to the touch.

When you're done with your fire, be sure to put it out with water to the point where you can stick your hand in there and not feel the heat. This helps cut down on forest fires.

10. To get the full experience of Colorado, hire a local guide.

A lot of Colorado can be missed if you don't know where to look. Luckily, there are tons of locals who are happy to help. Hire one of them to show you how to do Colorado like a Coloradan!

Minimize your impact while supporting local Colorado communities. From being prepared in the backcountry to traveling at off-peak times to eating locally, learn how to Do Colorado Right.