What to pack for Denver

The most common style in Denver and beyond in Colorado is casual outdoors, as if just coming off the trails. Standard attire in Denver is jeans or leggings, boots or sandals, a t-shirt or hoodie, and a ball cap.

The only time you see cowboy hats being worn around Denver is during the annual National Western Stock Show in January. Otherwise, these are rarely donned unless for costumes.

Colorado has four distinct four seasons so what you need to pack when coming here will depend on which season your visit occurs. There’s always that one guy wearing shorts and sandals in a snowstorm though, so be you!

Also, what you pack will depend on what activities you plan to do during your visit.

In fall and winter, and maybe even early spring, a parka-style coat will come in handy and these are generally light enough to ball up and stuff in a bag when not in use.

If you are planning to hike in summer, bring a light-colored top and pants or shorts.

It’s becoming less and less common, but sometimes you do see men dressed up in a suit, cowboy boots, and a bolo tie. Women might wear a dress or skirt with cowboy boots and some colorful jewelry. Given how bulky cowboy boots are, consider this a nice-to-have rather than a must-have when packing.

There is no dress code for the Colorado Opera, the Colorado Symphony, or the theater, but that is where a long, sparkly dress and heels for women or even a tuxedo for men might be appropriate. Or, you can wear jeans and a nice top or sport coat and still fit right in.

It’s so tempting to walk on some of the trails in the foothills just west of Denver that you might find yourself on a hike without planning it. For many of these trails, you will be just fine in running shoes. There are some people who like to hike in sandals or slipper-like shoes, but ideally, you have something that is laced or clasped on with quality hiking socks and ankle support.

Bring some sort of closed-toe sports shoes and, if it’s summer, a pair of waterproof sandals like Tevas, can be comfortable and worn for light sport.

It is common for people coming on a ski trip to Colorado to bring their own skis and boots, which can be costly extra baggage fees. For travelers who are just looking for a little day trip during their Denver visit, it is possible to rent the gear needed for just the time you are out and skip lugging it with you back and forth.

Depending on where you choose to go – Boulder, Estes Park, Morrison, or somewhere else–for hiking, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, alpine skiing, or snowshoeing, you can rent the gear for a reasonable rate from REI or a local store.

Many bags these days are convertible with duffel bags that transform into backpacks and backpacks that double as messenger bags. If you have one of these, it could come in handy during your trip to Denver so you can go from business to leisure and have a backpack for carrying a water bottle, an energy bar, and your phone and keys while you’re out for a walk or mini-adventure.

The sun in Denver is bright – even in winter – so a pair of sunglasses and a hat with a brim will get lots of use when you’re outside.

Although the recreational use of marijuana is now legalized in more states, it is still not legal at the federal level which means you cannot bring it into Colorado from elsewhere or transport it across state lines when you depart. This also means that it is illegal to use marijuana on federal lands such as national parks or monuments. Instead, go to one of the marijuana-friendly (sometimes called 420-friendly) businesses in Denver where you can engage in some sort of activity or just eat and watch TV with others who are also out to get stoned.