šŸŒ„ 10 Tips to Safely Enjoy Summer in Colorado

Summertime in Colorado is nothing short of breathtaking. With endless sunshine, mountain hikes, music festivals, and family road trips, itā€™s the perfect season to get outside and explore. But between high-altitude sun exposure, wildfire concerns, and unpredictable mountain weather, summer safety in Colorado requires a little extra planning.

Here are 10 expert tips to help you stay safe, healthy, and ready for adventure in the Centennial State this summer.

1. Hydrate for High Altitude

At higher elevations, your body loses water more quicklyā€”even when you're not sweating. Whether you're hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park or enjoying a patio in Denver, drink more water than usual to avoid dehydration.

šŸ’§ Local tip: Carry a reusable water bottle with electrolyte tablets if you're heading above 8,000 feet.

2. Protect Yourself from Intense UV Rays

Colorado gets over 300 days of sunshine a year, and at higher elevations, UV exposure increases significantly. That means a higher risk of sunburnsā€”even on cooler days.

šŸ§“ Safety tip: Use SPF 30+ sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and donā€™t forget your sunglasses. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, especially when hiking, biking, or at Red Rocks concerts.

3. Know the Signs of Altitude Sickness

If you're coming from sea level or heading into the mountains, altitude sickness can catch you off guard. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, and fatigue.

šŸ”ļø Advice: Acclimate gradually, avoid alcohol for the first 24 hours, and donā€™t overexert yourself early in your trip.

4. Stay Weather-Aware in the Mountains

Coloradoā€™s mountain weather is known for rapid changes. A sunny morning can turn into a thunderstorm by afternoon, especially during monsoon season (typically Julyā€“August).

ā›ˆļø Pro tip: Start hikes early and always check the forecast. Lightning is a serious risk above treeline.

5. Be Prepared for Wildfire Season

Coloradoā€™s dry summers increase the risk of wildfires, especially in the Western Slope and Front Range.

šŸ”„ Safety steps:

  • Obey fire bans and restrictions

  • Never leave campfires unattended

  • Keep a ā€œgo bagā€ ready during high-alert days

  • Follow updates from the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control

6. Use Caution Around Wildlife

Summer is prime wildlife season. Whether youā€™re camping in Estes Park or hiking in San Juan National Forest, keep your distance from bears, moose, and mountain lions.

šŸ» Safety rule: Store food in bear-proof containers, stay on trails, and never feed wild animals.

7. Travel Safely on Mountain Roads

Summer travel in Colorado often means driving winding mountain passes or dirt roads. These can be treacherous during sudden rainstorms or rockslides.

šŸš— Tips:

  • Check CDOT road conditions

  • Bring an emergency kit

  • Avoid distracted driving, especially on scenic routes like Trail Ridge Road

8. Protect Against Mosquitoes and Ticks

Yes, even at altitude, Colorado has its share of biting bugs. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, and mosquitoes can spread West Nile virusā€”both present in rural and urban areas.

šŸ¦Ÿ Best practices: Wear long sleeves at dawn/dusk, use DEET or natural repellents, and do thorough tick checks after outdoor activities.

9. Be Water Wise

Whether you're tubing in Boulder Creek or paddleboarding on Lake Dillon, water safety is essential. Cold water temps can cause hypothermia even in July, and runoff makes some rivers deceptively strong.

šŸŒŠ Safety basics:

  • Wear a life jacket

  • Avoid alcohol on the water

  • Learn how to recognize and escape strong currents

10. Leave No Trace

Coloradoā€™s natural beauty depends on all of us. Practice Leave No Trace principles to protect our public lands and keep them accessible for everyone.

šŸŒ² Remember:

  • Pack out trash

  • Stay on trails

  • Respect wildlife and other hikers

Final Thoughts

From the foothills of Boulder to the peaks of Telluride, summer in Colorado is a paradise for adventurers. With just a little preparation and awareness, you can enjoy the season safely and sustainably.

āœ… Looking for local updates on wildfires, road closures, or trail safety? Bookmark resources like Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) and COtrip for real-time info.

Recover Right with Colorado Occupational Medicine Partners

Even with the best preparation, injuries like muscle strains, joint pain, and back issues can happen when youā€™re hiking, biking, or simply enjoying an active summer. If you find yourself sidelined by pain or discomfort, Colorado Occupational Medicine Partners is here to help.

Our expert team provides personalized physical therapy, therapeutic massage, and chiropractic care tailored to your specific needs. Whether youā€™re recovering from a summer injury or looking to improve your mobility and performance, weā€™re committed to getting you back to the Colorado lifestyle you loveā€”stronger and safer than ever.

šŸŒž Injured while enjoying the outdoors? Reach out to Colorado Occupational Medicine Partners to start your recovery journey today.