These 6 tips on traveling alone in the Rocky Mountains may be just the advice you need.  It’s time to stop dreaming and start exploring the Rocky Mountains today.

Roger Toll, superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park between 1921 and 1929, once remarked that ‘it has been said that great views create great thoughts, and great thoughts create great men’. It is undeniable that he had in mind here the power of the Rocky Mountains to inspire all those who explore its beautiful terrain, which stretches nearly 3,000 miles in North America. Each year millions of visitors come to hike, camp, fish, hunt, bike, ski and snowboard. The Rockies are well-suited for family holidays, but they also offer a world of opportunity for the solo traveller.

Tip 1 – Plan, plan, and plan!

Just as one does not simply walk into Mordor, one does not simply walk through the Rocky Mountains. When travelling alone, it’s extra important to plan your trip carefully. Think about which season you want to travel in (the most popular time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is June to September), find a good trail (check out Rocky Mountain Hiking Trails), and print your maps.  You should also be sure to sort out travel insurance and make your reservations for transportation and accommodation far in advance as things fill up fast.  Much of your planning can be done on your phone, and this is a growing trend – the percentage of Indians booking their entire trip through their smartphone, for example, has now reached 87%.

Tip 2 – Pack Wisely

Think carefully about the weather when you pack your clothes, as you won’t be able to borrow clothes from anyone else if the weather gets hotter or colder than you were expecting. Choose a lightweight but hardy backpack and supportive footwear that is designed specifically for the terrain you’ll be hiking through. Pack outfits that you can layer as necessary. Don’t forget travelling essentials like a compass, an emergency space blanket, a bivy sack, waterproof matches, a pocket knife, a torch, a whistle, a first aid kit and insect repellent.

Tip 3 – Be Health Conscious

Give yourself several days to acclimatize to the altitude before you take any trails that go above tree line. Know your strengths and weaknesses, don’t push yourself over the limit, and make sure you bring all the medication that you need. Bring with you a statement of any medical problems and pre-existing conditions you have in case you run into trouble, as well as phone numbers for the local emergency services. Read the National Park Service’s health and safety guidelinesbefore you leave, too.

Tip 4 – Be Financial Savvy

If you’re not careful, travelling can cost more than you’d expect. Check in advance if the campground you plan to stay in has a fee, and bring more cash than you think you’ll need in case of emergencies. You can keep the price of your trip down by finding coupons and discounts for transportation, car rentals and accommodation online.

Tip 5 – Stay In Touch

Give a friend or family member a detailed copy of your itinerary just in case you get lost or something happens and they need to find you. Throughout the trip, try to regularly update someone where you are and how the trip is going.

Tip 6 – Meet Others

Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with other people you encounter along the way. If you’ve brought a picnic lunch, offer to share it with others, and say hello to park rangers. Take advantage of the tours and talks that some parks offer. If you stay in a hostel, hang out for a bit in the common area – bring a pack of cards and invite someone to play. You’ve already got one thing in common with the people there – you all love the Rocky Mountains – so it’s a great chance to make new friends.