Tag: Hiking Gear

Top 12 Women’s Hiking Essentials for Your Rocky Mountain Adventure

I’m working on my packing list for our upcoming summer trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, and I thought it would be fun to create an Amazon ‘moodboard’ of some of my favorite hiking essentials in a capsule-style format.

Packing List for Rocky Mountain Hiking Trips

  1. Blue-green long-sleeve workout top features UPF 50+ protection and quick-drying material. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UPF measures the amount of UV radiation that can penetrate fabric and reach your skin. Plus, it’s on sale!
  2. Racerback Cotton T-Back Bralette. These are good for low-impact activities. They might not be the best option when you need more support.
  3. Women’s Trail Running Shoes. I have these boots from La Sportiva in a different color, and I love them because they support my feet even when crossing sharp rocks. The trail running shoes are lightweight compared to other boot styles. These were recommended by a local shop in Estes Park called Plum Creek Shoe Station, where you can try on before you buy if you are in the area.
  4. Garmin vĂ­voactive GPS watch. We like the look and functionality of the women’s Garmin vĂ­voactive GPS watch. After a lot of research and debate, we recently purchased these for our daughters (ages 8-10). The adjustable band fits even on their small wrists.
  5. North Face capri wicking jogger pants. I have a similar pair in Asphalt Grey. I like the capri length and I’m considering buying another pair in the Summit Navy color.
  6. Hydration pack. This Camelbak is technically made for mountain biking. It holds 100 oz of water. According to REI, you generally need ‘a half-liter of water per hour of moderate activity in moderate temperatures.’ This pack should get you through 6 hours of hiking, but we always bring an extra bottle just in case.
  7. UPF 50+ Sunprotection hoodie. I’ve seen fellow hikers wearing similar hoodies, and I want to add one to my wardrobe. I’m a fan of the thumb hole design and pockets.
  8. Loose Fit short-sleeved t-shirt. This top is also UPF 50+ and comes in a variety of pretty colors.
  9. Racerback tank tops. These would be good layering pieces, especially on warmer, lower-elevation hikes this summer. I like that they are quick-drying, which is useful for afternoon pop-up storms that are common in the mountains.
  10. Workout sports cap. I feel like buying hats that look and fit right is tough, but this Adidas women’s hat is adjustable and has great reviews.
  11. Lightweight mid-rise hiking shorts. I like that these have a zipper pockets.
  12. Merino wool hiking socks. A good pair of hiking socks can make a huge difference in your day. These are not only cute, but I like that they have good cushion and are breathable for the summer months.

Capsule Wardrobe for Outdoor Activities

Shopping for clothes and gear to wear hiking can be a little complicated because we want a lot out of the outfit. It needs to be functional, comfortable, durable, and hopefully a little stylish. Trust me, I often don’t hit the mark on stylish, but I’m hoping my hiking moodboard will inspire me as I make future purchases.

Should I do a capsule for my husband or kids? Let me know if that would be helpful. I’d love to hear what you are packing for your summer adventures. Share your favorites and tips in the comments!

That’s it for today. I better get back to packing. Thanks for reading!

Hike Hollowell Park in Rocky Mountain National Park

Don’t you love a great backup plan? Our original plan for the day was to hike to Dream Lake, but when we arrived at the Bear Lake parking lot at 7:45 am it was already full. We started driving back down the mountain and found that Glacier Gorge parking was also full and so was Bierdstand Lake. We pulled into the Hollowell Park area hoping we could find a spot. We were relieved to find several parking spaces available.

Hollwell Park in Rocky Mountain National Park

On a previous trip, we hiked to the Mill Creek Basin and turned around to return the way we came. On this occation, we hiked a loop around Mill Creek Basin and then connected back up with the trail to return to the Hollowell Park trailhead.

Hollowell Park map
Photo of National Park Service map taken at trailhead. I highlighted over to show our route.
Mountain Views. Hollowell Park in Rocky Mountain National Park. To Mill Creek Basin. Loop trail
Longs Peak views

Hike to Mill Creek Basin

The first section of the trail takes you through an open valley with views of Longs Peak. This could be a hot section of the trail during summer afternoons, but soon the path wraps around into a wooded area and follows along side Mill Creek.

We enjoyed the solitude this hike offered. Over the course of four miles, we passed less than a dozen fellow hikers.

Towering aspens. Hollowell Park in Rocky Mountain National Park. To Mill Creek Basin. Loop trail

Besides some minor complaints during a couple of the uphill sections on the trail, our 5-year-old walked the trail on her own with a great attitude. Our 3-year-old rode in her kid carrier.

Wildflowers blooming by Mill Creek. Hollowell Park in Rocky Mountain National Park. To Mill Creek Basin. Loop trail

A variety of wildflowers bloomed near Mill Creek and in the open fields.

Crossing Mill Creek. Hollowell Park in Rocky Mountain National Park. To Mill Creek Basin. Loop trail

Wilderness Camping at Mill Creek Basin

Half way through the hike (or 2 miles from the trailhead) we crossed into the Mill Creek Basin. There are two wilderness camping spots available in the Mill Creek Basin. The National Park Service offers a map of all the wilderness campsites in the Bear Lake area including Mill Creek Basin. Additional information about permits and regulations can be found on the national park service’s website.

Hollowell Park in Rocky Mountain National Park. To Mill Creek Basin. Loop trail
Mill Creeek Basin
Hollowell Park in Rocky Mountain National Park. To Mill Creek Basin. Loop trail
Uphill section with narrow trail
Hollowell Park in Rocky Mountain National Park. To Mill Creek Basin. Loop trail
Mountain views
This section of the trail was steep going downhill (if following the direction we came).
Hollowell Park in Rocky Mountain National Park. To Mill Creek Basin. Loop trail

If you are looking for a backup plan hike, a hike that’s less crowded, or a hike with gorgeous wildflowers, I highly recommend giving this loop around Mill Creek Basin a shot. Let me know if you do and what you think!

Want a bigger challenge? This trail connects to several popular destinations in the park including Cub Lake, Bear Lake, and Bierstadt Lake.

Our original post about Hollowell Park is called A Trail Less Traveled: Hollowell Park to Mill Creek Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Featured Hiking gear – Trekking poles

Trekking poles – I wish we would have brought trekking poles for the steep downhill section of this trail through the elm trees. I typically don’t have knee issues, but sometimes hiking downhill is hard on my joints and I think the poles help absorb the extra pressure. Trekking poles also come in handy if there are any snowy patches along the trail.

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