By Doug Kinzy | Publisher’s Ponderings
Autumn in our Rocky Mountain playground is a season of striking beauty, transforming the rugged landscape into a vibrant canvas of gold and orange. For me, the thinning crowds provide the perfect excuse to get out on the trails. It allows me to experience the true peace of the mountains. The crisp autumn air and the first dustings of snow on the highest summits create an unmatched visual reward. For short afternoon hikes, I never feel daunted by the dropping temperatures; instead, I adapt by turning my hike into a cold-weather picnic. I’ll pack a thermos of hot coffee, or even bring along a backpacker’s camp stove to warm up some chili on the trail.
Despite these wonders, my years in the backcountry have taught me that fall hiking introduces severe risks, chief among them being unpredictable and volatile weather. I have watched clear, sunny mornings quickly shift into blinding blizzards, especially above the timberline. Temperatures can plummet by 30 degrees or more in a matter of minutes when a cold front moves in, a rapid transition that significantly increases the risk of hypothermia for the unprepared. Furthermore, autumn brings rapidly shortening daylight hours, meaning a minor navigation error or delay can easily leave you stranded in freezing darkness without warning.
So, for longer hikes, like summiting fourteeners or even multi-day backpacks, I always pack for four seasons in a single day. This shift in mindset from summer recreation begins with the easiest part of preparation: the often forgotten little things that weigh next to nothing. I bring a pair of light cotton gloves and a pair of wool mittens to create layers for my hands. I also bring a balaclava to replace my normal knit hat when it gets really cold. And one of my secrets: a handkerchief. While a handkerchief won’t contribute to preventing disaster—well placed, it can sure make a bitter day more comfortable.
Other additions for fall hiking are absolutely essential. I swap out a hooded, waterproof jacket for my hoodless summer jacket, alongside a pair of outer waterproof pants—and I make sure they are of the zip-up variety, because when you suddenly need them is definitely not the time to be taking off your boots. I also bring a pair of spikes that fit my hiking boots. Many of us routinely wear them in the winter for short runs. Why wouldn’t you want the same protection on a fall hike where a common slip on the ice could spell disaster? And last but not least, a headlamp due to the likelihood of being caught in the dark.
Ultimately, by balancing our admiration for the autumn beauty with a profound respect for the volatile weather, we can safely witness one of the most spectacular seasonal displays on Earth. In my experience, taking the time to properly prepare makes all the difference between an unforgettable mountain experience and a dangerous survival situation.
