Hikers In Rocky Mountain National Park Are Overwhelmingly Underprepared

Day hikers and trail runners in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado are overwhelmingly underprepared, according to a 2026 research study (attached). Of the 586 day hikers and 68 trail runners that participated in the study, a minority of participants met the researchers’ definition of wilderness prepared, about half were altitude prepared, and approximately a quarter did not tell anyone where they were going or when they expected to return.

Between 2009 and 2011, there were an average of 229 rescue operations per year in the park, with the majority of those rescues being for day hikers. According to the study, “Many common mishaps in wilderness settings are easily preventable. For example, acute mountain sickness (AMS), dehydration, and respiratory distress can be prevented with acclimatization, access to proper hydration, and prophylaxis with medications such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone.”

The researchers point out that compared to day hikers, trail runners were more likely to be male, younger, and travel in smaller groups. Trail runners also tended to have more days of wilderness experience per year, self-reported higher wilderness experience levels, and were more likely to have previously experienced a wilderness injury/illness. Trail runners also reported going “significantly off trail” at much higher rates than day hikers.

For both day hikers and trail runners, more than 90 percent of participants reported completing their planned hike or run. Only 2.9 percent of hikers and 4.5 percent of runners experienced illness or injuries. The most common injuries were ankle injuries, and the most common illness was AMS.

The study found that significantly more trail runners reported experiencing safety concerns or “close calls” on the day they participated compared to day hikers, possibly due to their tendency to go off trail more often.

On average, day hiker groups reported carrying more first aid items than trail runners. Both groups reported carrying about the same number of essential items, with extra food and extra clothing being the most common essential items.

Nearly all participants carried a cell phone, though relatively few carried other forms of communication, such as a satellite phone or personal locator beacon. These forms of communication are important in areas of the park where there is limited cell service.

Those who reported “some/experienced” vs “none/little” were about 50 percent more likely to be wilderness prepared, according to the study. Also, having experienced a prior wilderness injury/illness was associated with higher odds of preparedness by about 80 percent, possibly because those who had experienced an injury tended to proceed with more caution on future trips.

“Wilderness day hiking and trail running are demanding activities, especially at the high altitude and rapidly changing weather of RMNP. The results of this study strengthen our understanding of wilderness trail runners and day hikers,” states the study. “Should an incident occur on the trail, the success of safely leaving the wilderness depends in large part on the equipment and knowledge of those involved.”