How to Pack the Perfect Car for a Colorado Road Trip

When it comes time to pack for a trip to Colorado, even if you already live in Colorado, the weather and elevation are always important things to consider. If you need to travel and don’t have a car or truck, then look for the best car auctions in Denver CO and bid to win your next ride.

Whether you live in Colorado or are planning a trip to Colorado, here are some things you won’t want to forget when planning your road trip.

What to Pack All Year Round

Colorado is a dry climate, so your skin, eyes, and nose will be subject to dry air that can reduce your ability to retain moisture, so here are some things to bring along:

• Lotion – pick a lotion that is thick, with lots of moisturizers, and don’t be afraid to use it
• Saline spray – keep your sinuses moisturized with a spray
• Lip balm – keep your lips moisturized all year round with a high SPF lip balm
• Sunscreen – the sun can be bright no matter what time of the year; the higher the SPF, the better
• Sunglasses – protect your eyes from the sun all year round
• Water bottle – bring a reusable water bottle for hiking
• Hat – keep your head from getting sunburned and keep your core temperature down while hiking
• Ibuprofen – bring along ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief

In addition to the above, don’t forget to bring your phone charger, a camera to capture the amazing landscapes, and clothing that can be layered should you find yourself moving through different temperature zones.

Packing for the Spring and the Summer

Many people head towards the mountains during the warmer months. Not only are people anxious to get out of their homes after being cooped up after a cold winter, but many people like to get out and enjoy the scenery. The mountain flowers are in bloom at this time, bringing vistas of color to the landscape, and the snow is melting, which adds to rushing water and waterfalls. All of these things are paradise to hikers and photographers.

Here are some things you will want to make sure to pack while trekking through the mountains:

• Rain gear – even the sunniest day can turn on you with fast-approaching mountain storms
• Shirts with long sleeves – these can help protect you from the sun while you hike or travel
• Boots – a solid pair of hiking boots for even the shortest walk in the woods will keep you steady and balanced
• Wicking clothes – water wicking clothing can help you stay dry and comfortable
• Hiking pants – some of the pants are zip-off, which lets you change from shorts to long pants quickly and easily
• Daypack – pack a daypack for even the shortest hikes. You never know what you might need
• Bug spray – mosquitoes can be a problem, especially between April and October, so bring bug spray for them
• Camping – if you’re camping, make sure your sleeping bag is temperature rated for the climate you’re in

Make sure that you have all of your medications with you, as well as information on emergency contacts. While all hikes start enjoyable, things can go wrong, so be prepared. You can put a lot of little things like matches, emergency kits, etc. in your daypack. Don’t forget to drop a few energy bars in there, too.

Packing for the Fall and the Winter

Most people associate Colorado with snow and skiing, and here are some things you want in your travel bag to spend the winter in Colorado:

• Wicking and quick dry base layers – base layers will keep your skin dry and hold in heat
• Wool socks and sweaters – nothing keeps you warmer than wool
• Jacket – there are many jackets on the market designed by outdoor companies for winter weather
• Gloves and mittens – gloves allow you to use your fingers, but mittens give you a place to put a hand warmer
• Scarf or baklava – keep your neck warm
• Waterproof boots – boots need to keep your feet dry, as well as have good traction

Staying warm and dry while playing in the snow will help you better enjoy your time in the mountains.

Get Your Car Ready

Not only should you pack for the trip to Colorado, but you should also get your car ready for the trip. Here are some things to take along to make sure it’s a safe trip:

• Emergency flares – should you get stuck, you need others to be able to see you
• Emergency kit – pack jumper cables, an air pump, and other things you might need to fix your car
• Chains for your tires – you may need chains if you do not have tires that can power through snow

Also take along extra blankets, extra food, a solar-powered charger for your phone, and anything else that will help you survive in the car should you become stranded.

Before you leave for your trip, make sure to have your car serviced. This is a good time to make sure that your coolant is rated for the weather, that your brakes are in good shape, that your fluids are all clean, and that your tires are inflated for the weather.

No matter what time of the year it is, a trip to Colorado is always an adventure. They don’t call it “Colorful Colorado” for nothing.