Ever found yourself on a hiking trail with the sun hanging low, only to realize you’re deep in the wilderness as the last rays disappear? Join us on an adventure as we reflect on navigating back five miles in the dark and rain from Sky Pond in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Our Journey
Our friends visiting from out of town inspired us to take on the 9-mile Sky Pond hike. What started as a cloudy day with sprinkles turned into an unexpected storm on our way back to the car. Rain poured as we descended the waterfall, rocks became slippery, and the reality hit—we weren’t as prepared as we should’ve been.
In this reflective journey, we share tips for nighttime hiking, lessons learned, and things you should do that we didn’t.
Safety Tips
Embarking on a nighttime hike, especially amid rain showers, adds a unique twist to the adventure. It’s crucial to consider safety measures before venturing into the wild, as we discovered during our own nighttime trek in the park
Illuminate Your Path:
Ensure a well-lit path by carrying a headlamp or flashlight. We learned the hard way—take them even if you think you won’t need them. We took both of our headlamps out of our packs the night before, thinking we couldn’t possibly be there when the sun started to set (lol). Our personal preference is a headlamp because it’s hands-free and you can still use your hiking poles if you have a pair
Carry a Safety Kit:
A well-equipped safety kit is your companion for unforeseen situations. Our trusty Hart Outdoor First Aid Kit always accompanies us. It includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and tweezers
Stay on Marked Trails:
Nighttime environments can be disorienting. We recommend downloading the trail on Alltrails or Google Offline Maps before you go. These apps have been lifesavers for us, from navigating Rocky Mountain National Park to bustling streets in Mumbai
Dress Appropriately:
Nighttime temperatures can drop, even in warmer seasons. Dress in layers and bring a waterproof shell. Fortunately we did have rain jackets for the way back from Sky Pond, but we did not have insulated layers and the temperature was dropping rapidly
Pro Tip: Toss hand warmers into your emergency kit – true lifesavers
Bring Food & Water:
Consider food and water a part of your emergency kit. Regardless of how long the hike is, these are a must. We know it sounds obvious, but it’s worth mentioning because some hikes might end up being more strenuous than you expected
What to Bring
Clothes:
- Zip-up sweater or jacket (more convenient than pullovers)
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Base-layers
- Moisture-wicking underwear and socks
Food & Water:
- Water supply (bladders are most convenient)
- Energy boosters, gels/chews
- Lara bars or Clif bars
- Trail mix
- Jerky
Navigation:
- Alltrails
- Google Maps (download map offline)
- Compass
Emergency:
- First aid kit
- Fire starter
- Whistle
- Knife or multitool
- Flashlight or headlamp
What to Do
While you’re in the park, take in the beauty of the moment – a chance to see it in the quiet hours instead of sharing it with tons of other visitors during the day. For a while, it’s perfectly still. Use the ideas below as inspiration to get your journey started
Watch the Sunset:
- Head into the park before the sun goes down and take a hike to a viewpoint or set up a picnic in a nice meadow
Stargaze:
- National parks are fantastic places to view stars – most have little to no light pollution
Take Long Exposure Photos:
- Change your camera settings to capture fun photos. Learn how you can edit the settings of your phone camera to take long exposure photos
Camp:
- Find and reserve camp spots on nps.org for an unforgettable experience
