The Truth About Camping for Beginners in the Rockies

I thought camping was just about putting up a tent. Then I spent a night at 10,000 feet in Colorado where it dropped to 30 degrees in August. I wasn’t prepared. If you are new to camping in the American West, altitude is real. Drink twice as much water as you think you need. Also, check the fire bans. You can’t always have a campfire, so bring a good stove. And store your food properly—bears are no joke. But despite the cold and the learning curve, waking up to the sun hitting the peaks with a cup of instant coffee? That feeling is why we do it. Just rent gear the first time if you aren’t sure you’ll like it.