Fall hiking with kids is one of my favorite things to do.  Here are 7 tips to help you enjoy your hiking trips with your kids in the Rocky Mountains during this brief, glorious time of year.

It may be cooling off outside and the kids are busy with school and activities, but don’t forget about hiking.  During this brief spell between the summer heat and the winter cold the mountains are incredible.  There are major changes, like fall colors, and animals migrating or preparing for hibernation. These tips will help you enjoy hiking with your kids during this sweet time of year.

Dress in Layers

The temperature and weather can change quickly when fall hiking.  This means it is important to dress in layers of clothes, known as layering.  Layering makes it easy to take off clothes if you warm up or put on clothes if you cool off.

An example of layering would be – on top a quick dry t-shirt, long sleeve shirt or long john top, a fleece, and a rain coat or a thicker winter jacket.

On the bottom, underwear, shorts with rain pants over them or long john bottoms and shorts or hiking pants that can convert to shorts.

The key is to have layers of clothes that you can easily take off it you get too hot.  Most of the time when I’m hiking I change or remove the clothes I have on my upper body and leave my legs alone.

Always Be Prepared – Pack Winter Jackets and Hats

During the fall time, in addition to my 11 essential items to bring on a hike with kids, I always bring our winter jackets and hats.  Make sure you bring them even if the day seems sunny and warm when you are packing and leaving your house.  Those warm clothes may be the difference between a fun day in the mountains and a miserable or even dangerous one.

When you go hiking in the fall your body will warm up even when the temperature is cool.  Thus, you may take off layers of clothes to remain comfortable.  Then when you stop for a break or lunch you will quickly cool off.

At that time it’s important to put on your warmer clothes and winter hat before you get cold.  It’s easier to stay warm than to get cold and try to warm up again.  This is one of my beginner hiking tips.

Pick The Right Trails For Fall Hiking

Some of my favorite trails to hike in the fall are ones that pass through forest that is full of trees changing colors.  Try to find trails with lots of deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves and go dormant during winter).  Read this for tips on finding good trails.

Or if you are past the fall colors, look for trails that may be south facing and therefore receive a lot of sunlight.  The snow will melt much faster on trails that are not shady and face south.  Additionally, if it is a cool day, those trails that receive a lot of sunlight will just be warmer and more enjoyable.

Check the Latest Trail Conditions

It is always a good idea to check the latest trail conditions before taking a hike in the Rocky Mountains.  In the fall some trails may become covered with snow early due to a early season snow storm.  You can try talking to people that have hiked there recently or look online for info about the trails.

Other trails may have had snow on them a few weeks ago, but since they receive a lot of sun the snow may have melted off.  Or the trails may simply be super muddy and not a lot of fun with kids (although I guess that depends on your point of view!).

Watch The Weather Forecast

Conditions can change quickly at anytime of the year in the mountains, but especially so during the fall.  If you are out hiking with your kids in the Rocky Mountains you do not want to get caught miles from the trailhead in a snowstorm.  It is better to check the forecast ahead of time and if you know bad weather is coming postpone your hike, do a shorter one, or go elsewhere.

Plan Your Fall Hiking During The Right Time Of The Day

During the summertime it is never fun to go for a long hike in the middle of a day because you will be so hot.  I love early morning or evening hikes in the summer.

During the fall the best time to go hiking is during the middle of the day.  The nights tend to get quite cold during the fall, so it will take some time to warm up in the morning.  Likewise, it may begin to cool off in late afternoon.

Also, remember in fall the sun sets earlier so you will have less daylight than in summer.

Watch Out For Hunters

Fall is a great time to go hiking, but it also a prime time for hunters.  Make sure you know if the area you are going for a hike is open or closed to hunting.  If it is open for hunters, you can still go enjoy yourself just be aware hunters may be in the area.

Stick to the main trails and wear bright colors so that hunters can see you.