What to Pack
Dressing for Fall Weather in Colorado
Colorado’s fall weather is unpredictable—it could be sunny and 65°F during the day or drop to 30°F at night. Layers are key!
Essential Clothing Items
Base layers – Lightweight long-sleeves or thermal tops
Warm sweater or fleece – Perfect for cooler mornings and evenings
Insulated jacket – A packable down jacket or thick coat for nighttime chill
Comfortable shoes – Boots or sneakers for walking
Accessories – Warm socks, a beanie, and gloves if you plan to be outdoors in the evenings or hiking in the mountains
What to Wear for the Wedding
Dress-code: Dressy casual or cocktail attire. Dress comfortable and for a good time.
Outdoor ceremony: Dress warmly, but stylishly—consider a nice coat, shawl, or scarf
Footwear: The venue is outdoors on natural ground, so avoid stilettos and opt for block heels, wedges, flats or even sandals. It’s Colorado, anything goes!
Evening chill: Bring a dressy sweater or light jacket
Altitude
Preparing for the Altitude
Colorado’s elevation is much higher than most of the U.S., which can affect breathing and hydration.
One of our reasons for selecting Lyons is because it is about the same elevation as Denver! If you do okay in Denver, you will be fine in Lyons. (Lyons is at ~5,300 ft)
How to Avoid Altitude Sickness
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! – Start drinking extra water before arriving and continue throughout your stay.
Take it easy on alcohol & caffeine – These can dehydrate you more quickly at high altitudes.
Moisturizer & lip balm – The air is extremely dry—bring a good lotion and chapstick.
Take it slow – If hiking or exploring, ease into physical activity on day one. We recommend acclimating to Denver elevation for a few days before heading into the mountains.
Electrolytes help – Sports drinks or electrolyte tablets can aid hydration.
Road Safety
Colorado Road Safety & Mountain Driving Tips
Colorado’s fall weather is unpredictable—it could be sunny and 65°F during the day or drop to 30°F at night. Layers are key!
Driving in the Mountains: What to Expect
If you plan to explore places like Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, or Breckenridge, you’ll likely drive through winding mountain roads. Here’s what to know:
Use lower gears on steep descents – Avoid overheating brakes by shifting into a lower gear.
Watch for wildlife – Deer and elk are common, especially at dawn and dusk.
Gas up before heading into the mountains – Remote areas have fewer gas stations.
Check road conditions before heading out – UseCOTrip.org for real-time updates.
Colorado’s Chain & Traction Laws (Sept 1 – May 31)
If only driving between Denver, Boulder, and Lyons is is VERY unlikely you will need to be concerned about the chain law.
Even though the wedding is in October, Colorado’s chain and traction laws are in effect starting September 1st on certain roads—especially I-70 into the mountains.
If traveling in the mountains, your car must have one of the following:
4WD or AWD ORSnow tires (designated with the M+S or mountain/snowflake symbol) OR
Tires with at least 3/16” tread (use the penny test to check!)
Chain Law (Code 16) (Rare but enforced during extreme snowstorms)
Mandatory for commercial trucks and some vehicles. Not likely to affect guests unless driving into the mountains during a heavy snowstorm. Check real-time chain law updates at: COTrip.org
Money-Saving Travel Tips
Booking Flights on a Budget
Book early! Flights to Denver can be pricey, especially in the fall. Start searching 6+ months in advance for the best deals. Sites like Google Flights will typically recommend “when” to book for best price.
Fly midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) for the lowest fares.
Set price alerts using tools like Google Flights, Hopper, or Skyscanner to track drops. (Jackie and Teddy rely heavily on Google Flights.)
Consider budget airlines like Southwest (bags fly free!) or Frontier (cheap base fares, but watch for extra fees), as both have hubs in Denver. United also has tons of flights, many which are direct. Other major airlines fly into Denver but may have more limited options.
Check alternative airports – Colorado Springs (COS) is another option, though DIA is easiest and the largest. Many COS flights fly through Denver.
Renting a Car Without Overpaying
Book early – Fall is a popular season in Colorado, and rental prices rise fast.
Compare prices on sites like Kayak, Priceline, or Costco Travel.
Skip the airport rental – Often more expensive due to fees. Consider taking the RTD A-Line train to Union Station, then renting from a city location. This is a great option if you want to explore downtown Denver without the headache of parking a car. You can likely pick up in the city and drop off at the airport for no extra fee.
Check Turo – A car-sharing service often cheaper than traditional rentals.
Carpool when possible – Share rentals with other guests heading to Lyons.
Budget-Friendly Public Transit
(For those skipping a rental car)
RTD A-Line Train ($10.50) – Quick, cheap ride from Denver Airport to downtown Denver.
RTD Bus to Boulder ($10.50) – From Denver Union Station, a budget option to get close to Lyons.
Airport shuttle to Boulder – [TBD]
Lyft/Uber or carpooling – Good options for shorter trips.
Grocery Stores for Budget Meals
For guests staying in Airbnbs, camping, on channeling your inner Jackie & Teddy and living off a mini fridge and hotel microwave.
Trader Joe’s & Sprouts (Boulder) – Great for affordable snacks & ready-to-eat meals.
Safeway (Lyons & Estes Park) – Good for picnic supplies before heading into RMNP.
Costco – Affordable wine, pre packaged food for hotel room (and adventuring) living.
Finding Affordable Lodging
For those whom are extending their stay and/or looking for alternative options.
Host hotels (Boulder & Longmont) – Blocks of rooms at 3 local hotels for wedding guests, which offer extended deals for days before and after the wedding weekend. See accommodations page for more information.
Airbnb & VRBO – Great for families or groups splitting costs.
Budget hotels in Boulder – Check University Inn or Foot of the Mountain Motel.
Campgrounds – Lyons, Estes Park, and Golden have great, inexpensive sites for adventurous travelers.
Hostels in Denver – Ember Hostel is highly rated for budget-conscious travelers.