Colorado on a Budget: Complete Guide - Make Someday Today: Travel

# Colorado on a Budget: Complete Guide

Meta Description: Discover how to explore Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, national parks, hot springs, and ski resorts without breaking the bank. Complete budget guide with camping, hiking, dining, and transportation tips.

Introduction: The Centennial State Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune

Colorado conjures images of luxury ski resorts, upscale mountain lodges, and price tags to match. But here’s the secret locals know: Colorado’s best experiences are often free or remarkably affordable. The state’s crown jewels—soaring peaks, alpine lakes, hot springs, and endless wilderness—belong to everyone.

Whether you’re dreaming of Rocky Mountain National Park’s majestic valleys, soaking in natural hot springs, carving through fresh powder, or exploring ancient cliff dwellings, this guide shows you how to experience Colorado’s magic on a budget. We’ve covered every angle: free camping, cheap eats, transportation hacks, and insider tips that will save you hundreds while delivering the authentic Colorado adventure you crave.

Let’s dive into how you can explore the Rocky Mountains, sand dunes, and everything in between without draining your savings account.

Free Activities in the Rocky Mountains

Rocky Mountain National Park: Free Access Strategies

Cost: $30/vehicle (7-day pass) or FREE with America the Beautiful Pass

Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is Colorado’s most famous destination, and yes, there’s an entrance fee. But here’s how to experience it affordably:

Free Entry Options:

Annual Pass Strategy: If you plan to visit multiple national parks (Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, etc.), the America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year) pays for itself after just three visits
Free Entrance Days: NPS offers 5-6 free admission days annually (typically MLK Day, First Day of National Park Week, Anniversary of Great American Outdoors Act, National Public Lands Day, Veterans Day)
Fee-Free Areas: Some areas outside the main entrance remain accessible without fees

Best Free Activities Inside RMNP:

1. Trail Ridge Road (seasonal, typically open late May-October): One of America’s most spectacular drives, climbing to 12,183 feet. No additional cost beyond park entry. Pull over at countless overlooks for world-class vistas.

2. Emerald Lake Trail (3.6 miles round-trip): Three stunning alpine lakes—Nymph, Dream, and Emerald—on one moderate hike. Arrive by 7 AM to secure parking at Bear Lake Trailhead.

3. Alberta Falls (1.6 miles round-trip): A spectacular 30-foot waterfall that’s accessible and rewarding for all skill levels.

4. Wildlife Watching: Elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and black bears roam freely. Moraine Park and Horseshoe Park offer prime viewing at dawn and dusk.

5. Stargazing: RMNP is an International Dark Sky Park. The lack of light pollution makes it incredible for night sky viewing. Join free ranger-led astronomy programs in summer.

Money-Saving RMNP Tip: Enter the park before 6 AM or after 3 PM to avoid peak crowds and secure parking at popular trailheads.

Mount Evans: Colorado’s Highest Paved Road (for Free)

Cost: FREE (when open)

While Pikes Peak charges admission, Mount Evans offers an even higher experience (14,264 feet) for free. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway climbs from Idaho Springs to the summit, making it the highest paved road in North America.

Season: Typically open Memorial Day through Labor Day (weather permitting)

What You’ll Experience:

Above-treeline alpine tundra
Mountain goats and bighorn sheep (very common)
Summit Lake Park (perfect picnic spot)
360-degree views from the summit

Important: Weather changes rapidly above timberline. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Start early and be prepared for 30-50°F temperature drops from base to summit.

Cheap Camping: Your Key to Affordable Colorado Adventures

Camping is Colorado’s ultimate budget hack. Hotel rooms in mountain towns regularly cost $200-400/night, but camping can cost as little as $0-35/night.

Dispersed Camping: Free Camping on Public Lands

Cost: FREE

Dispersed camping—camping outside designated campgrounds on BLM and National Forest land—is Colorado’s best-kept secret. No reservations, no fees, just you and the mountains.

Best Dispersed Camping Areas:

1. Pike National Forest (Near Colorado Springs):

Rampart Range Road (FS 300) offers dozens of free sites
Mount Evans area (Chicago Creek Road)
GPS coordinates don’t work well; download offline maps

2. San Isabel National Forest (Near Buena Vista):

Cottonwood Creek area: Free sites near trailheads
Iron Mountain Campground area (primitive sites nearby)

3. White River National Forest (Near Aspen/Glenwood Springs):

Difficult Campground area (free dispersed sites nearby)
Basalt area offers multiple free options

Dispersed Camping Rules:

Camp 100+ feet from water sources
Pack out ALL trash (leave no trace)
No fires during red flag warnings
Maximum 14-day stay at one location
Use existing fire rings when possible

Essential Gear for Dispersed Camping:

Quality Tent: A reliable 3-season tent is your most important investment. Look for waterproof ratings of 1500mm+.
Sleeping Bag Rated 20°F or Lower: Colorado nights drop below freezing even in summer, especially above 8,000 feet.
Bear Canister or Bear Bag: Required in many areas, essential everywhere. Bears are active in Colorado.

State Park Camping: Affordable with Amenities

Cost: $18-36/night (varies by park and season)

Colorado State Parks offer excellent camping with amenities like showers, electric hookups, and reliable reservations.

Best Budget State Parks:

1. Golden Gate Canyon State Park (near Denver): $24-36/night

Two campgrounds with tent and RV sites
Mule deer, wild turkeys, extensive hiking trails
30 minutes from Denver—perfect base camp

2. Chatfield State Park (near Littleton): $20-28/night

Large reservoir for swimming/fishing
Close to Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Year-round camping available

3. Eleven Mile State Park (near Lake George): $18-26/night

High alpine lake at 8,600 feet
Excellent fishing (cutthroat trout)
Dark skies for stargazing

State Park Pro Tip: Book 6 months in advance for peak season (June-August). Weekdays offer better availability and lower rates.

National Forest Campgrounds: The Sweet Spot

Cost: $12-24/night

US Forest Service campgrounds offer developed sites at reasonable prices. They’re more rustic than state parks but more structured than dispersed camping.

Recommended NF Campgrounds:

Gould Loop Campground (near RMNP): $20/night, first-come, first-served
Snow Mountain Ranch (near Winter Park): $26/night, reservable
Horsetooth Reservoir (near Fort Collins): $20-28/night

Save Money: Walk-in sites (require carrying gear 50-200 yards) often cost $4-6 less per night.

Hiking Trails: Colorado’s Free Gym with a View

Hiking is Colorado’s quintessential free activity. With 58 fourteeners (peaks above 14,000 feet) and thousands of miles of trails, you could hike every day for a lifetime and never repeat a trail.

Easy Access Hikes (Near Major Cities)

1. Hanging Lake (Near Glenwood Springs)

Cost: $12/person reservation fee (required year-round)

Yes, there’s now a fee, but Hanging Lake remains absolutely worth it. This crystalline turquoise lake sits in a cliffside cavern, fed by waterfalls. It’s one of Colorado’s most photogenic spots.

Distance: 1.2 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet (steep!)
Permits Required: Advance reservations mandatory (release 30 days out at 8 AM MST)
Best Time: Early morning (7-9 AM) for fewer crowds and best lighting

Pro Tip: Combine with Glenwood Hot Springs (see below) for a perfect day.

2. First/Second Flatiron (Boulder)

Cost: FREE

Boulder’s iconic Flatirons offer world-class hiking with zero cost. The Chautauqua Park trailhead accesses multiple routes.

First/Third Flatiron Loop: 2.6 miles, moderate
Royal Arch: 3.4 miles, strenuous but rewarding
Best Time: Sunrise for golden light on the rocks and free parking

3. Mount Falcon West Trail (Near Morrison)

Cost: FREE

Distance: 5.6 miles loop
Views: Denver skyline, Red Rocks, distant snow-capped peaks
Historic: Old summer home ruins, Walker’s Dream overlook

Summit Hikes: For the Adventurous

Grays Peak (14,270 feet)

Cost: FREE

One of Colorado’s most accessible fourteeners. Class 1 (easiest) hiking to true summit.

Distance: 7 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 3,600 feet
Season: July-September (free of snow)
Starting Altitude: 11,670 feet (high start reduces total climbing)

Essential Hiking Gear:

Hiking Boots: Waterproof, broken in before your trip
Day Pack: 20-30L with rain cover
Trekking Poles: Knee savers on descents
Layers: Temperature swings of 30-40°F from trailhead to summit

Free Hot Springs: Nature’s Luxury (for Free)

Colorado has more hot springs than any other state, and several remain free or very affordable.

Completely Free Hot Springs

1. Conundrum Hot Springs (Near Aspen)

Cost: FREE (requires 8.5-mile hike each way)

This is the real deal—natural hot springs at 11,200 feet in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. It’s an investment to reach them, but the experience is unforgettable.

Temperature: 100-102°F
Access: Conundrum Creek Trail from Castle Creek Road
Season: July-September (snow-free)
Crowds: Arrive Thursday/Friday for solitude; weekends are busy
Nude: Clothing-optional (common but not mandatory)

Warning: Elevation is serious. Trailhead at 9,400 feet, springs at 11,200 feet. Altitude sickness is real. Acclimate in Aspen first.

2. Radium Hot Springs (Near Kremmling)

Cost: FREE (parking at pullout, short walk)

Primitive pools along the Colorado River, popular with locals. Water temperature varies (mix of hot springs and river water).

Access: From Hwy 9, turn on Grand County Road 1, follow to river
Season: Year-round (ice formations in winter are surreal)
Clothing: Generally swimsuits (day-use area)
Crowds: Midweek is best

Very Affordable Hot Springs

3. Hot Sulphur Springs Resort ($10-18/day)

Location: Hot Sulphur Springs (near Granby)
Temperature: Multiple pools ranging 95-112°F
History: Used by Ute Indians for centuries
Facilities: Lockers, showers, towels available

4. Mount Princeton Hot Springs (Buena Vista)

Cost: $10-20/day depending on pool access
Chalk Creek Pool: Natural riverside pool (spectacular setting)
Upper Pools: Developed pools with varying temperatures
Budget Option: Soak in Chalk Creek below the resort (free but unofficial)

Hot Springs Essentials:

Sandals/Water Shoes: Creek access can be slippery
Towel: Quick-dry microfiber
Water Bottle: Hydration at altitude is crucial

Budget Ski Tips: Shred the Powder Without Going Broke

Colorado skiing has a reputation for luxury pricing, but strategic planning can cut costs dramatically.

Ski Free or Cheap Days

1. Ski Free Locals’ Days (Non-Locals Welcome)

Several areas offer free skiing specific days (usually early/late season):

Arapahoe Basin: Late season free days (typically May/June)
Loveland: Spring ski-free days with canned food donation
Sunlight (Glenwood Springs): Often offers free/cheap days in April

2. Cheap Tickets (Under $75/day)

Loveland Ski Area: $79-99/day regular, $60-79 on select weekdays
Ski Cooper (near Leadville): $60-80/day, family-owned, no crowds
Echo Mountain: Front Day day-trip area, very affordable
Granby Ranch: Perfect for beginners, $70-90/day

3. Season Pass Break-Even Analysis

If skiing 4+ days, a pass often wins:

Epic Pass (Vail/Breck/Keystone): $900+ (includes many partner resorts worldwide)
Ikon Pass: $900+ (includes Steamboat, Winter Park, Copper)
Indy Pass: $299 for 2 days each at 20+ smaller resorts (best value)

4. Gear Rental Hacks:

Rent in Town: Mountain shops charge 20-30% less than resort rental counters
Demo Days: Free/cheap gear testing in early season
Buy Used: Play It Again Sports stores throughout Colorado
Online Rental: Reserve online for 10-20% discounts

Free Skiing Alternatives

Snowshoeing:

Rent snowshoes for $15-25/day vs. $75-150 for ski lift tickets
RMNP’s snow-covered trails offer world-class snowshoeing
Many trails free after ski resort closes (check access)

Backcountry Touring:

Warning: Requires avalanche training and specialized gear
Guide: Hire a certified guide for first trips
Gear: Splitboard or touring skis required

Affordable Dining in Mountain Towns

Mountain town restaurants can be shockingly expensive ($20-30 for breakfast burritos). Here’s how to eat well for less.

Budget Mountain Town Eats

Boulder:

Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery: Hearty portions, $12-18 entrées, great beer
Illegal Pete’s: Local burrito chain, $8-12 meals
Chautauqua Dining Hall: Upscale but reasonable lunch with killer views

Denver (Before/After Mountain Trips):

Tacos, Tacos, Tacos: $2-3 tacos, authentic Mexican
Biker Jim’s: Gourmet hot dogs, $8-12
Sam’s No. 3: Massive breakfast portions, $10-15

Grand Lake:

Sagebrush BBQ & Grill: Solid BBQ, $14-20 meals
Mountain Market: Grocery store with hot bar, $8-12/lb

Fraser/Winter Park:

Fraser Mountain Deli: Huge sandwiches, $10-14
Deb’s Coffee Shop: Breakfast burritos, $8-11

Grocery Store Strategy

Pro Tip: Shop at City Market (Kroger) or Safeway in larger towns (Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins) before heading into the mountains. Mountain town groceries have premium pricing.

Trail Lunch Formula (Under $7/day):

Tortillas + PB&J or tuna packets
Apples, oranges, carrots (hardy, no refrigeration needed)
Trail mix or nuts (buy bulk at grocery store)
Beef jerky or salami

Dinner at Camp (Under $10/person):

Boxed mac & cheese + canned tuna
Knorr pasta sides + summer sausage
Instant mashed potatoes + gravy packets

Brewing Culture (Cheap Liquid Refreshment)

Colorado has 400+ breweries. Most offer $4-7 pints vs. $9-14 at resorts.

Budget Brewery Picks:

Oskar Blues (Longmont/Lyons): Outdoor taps, affordable food trucks
New Belgium (Fort Collins): Free tours (with samples), $5-6 pours
Avery (Boulder): Barrel-aged sours, reasonable taproom prices

Great Sand Dunes and Mesa Verde: Southern Colorado Gems

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Cost: $25/vehicle (7-day pass) or FREE with America the Beautiful Pass

North America’s tallest dunes rise 750 feet against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains—a surreal landscape you won’t believe exists in Colorado.

Free Activities:

Sandboarding/sledding: Rent boards in Alamosa ($20/day) or buy cheap plastic sleds ($15-25)
Splash in Medano Creek (seasonal, May-July): A beach experience in the mountains!
Stargazing: International Dark Sky Park, zero light pollution
Hiking: Dunes trails are all free

Camping:

Piñon Flats Campground: $20/night (reserve at recreation.gov)
Backcountry Camping: FREE (register at visitor center, hike 1+ miles into dunes)

Budget Tip: Stay in Alamosa (30 minutes away) for cheap motels ($50-80/night vs. $150+ in tourist towns)

Mesa Verde National Park

Cost: $30/vehicle (summer), $20/vehicle (winter) or FREE with America the Beautiful Pass

Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings (600-1300 AD) are among America’s most fascinating archaeological sites.

Must-Do Tours (Additional Cost):

Cliff Palace: $8/person, largest cliff dwelling in North America
Balcony House: $8/person, most adventurous (climb ladders, crawl through tunnels)
Long House: $8/person, less crowded, excellent ranger insights

Free Activities:

Spruce Tree House: Only self-guided cliff dwelling (currently closed due to rockfall, check status)
Mesa Top Loop: 6-mile driving tour with 10 archaeological sites (free)
Far View Sites: Free short hikes to multiple dwelling sites
Chapin Mesa Museum: Excellent free exhibits

Budget Accommodation:

Morefield Campground: $34/night, only camping in park
Cortez, CO (20 minutes east): Cheap motels ($60-90/night), grocery stores, gas

Combination Strategy: Mesa Verde + Four Corners Monument (free) + Hovenweep NM (free) = epic cultural day

Transportation Hacks: Getting Around for Less

Flying into Colorado

Airport Strategy:

Denver International (DEN): Major hub, most options, rental car availability
Colorado Springs (COS): Often cheaper flights, closer to southern destinations
Grand Junction (GJT): Small, regional access to western slope

Pro Tip: Compare flights to Denver + rental car vs. flying to regional airports. Denver’s competition often yields better overall value.

Car Rental: The Big Expense

Reality Check: You need a car in Colorado. Public transit doesn’t reach most trailheads, and rideshares are astronomically expensive ($150+ one-way to mountains).

Money-Saving Strategies:

1. Airport vs. Off-Airport: Off-airport rental locations (like those in downtown Denver) can be 30-40% cheaper but require transit to reach.

2. Costco/AAA Discounts: memberships save $10-25/day

Costco Travel often includes free additional driver
Includes basic insurance (check your auto policy first)

3. Smaller = Cheaper:

Compact cars: $40-70/day
SUVs (recommended for mountain roads): $80-150/day
Trade-off: Compact cars have clearance issues on rough forest roads

4. One-Way Rentals: Avoid if possible ($200-400 drop fees). Round-trip from DEN is almost always cheaper.

Gas Strategy

Mountain Gas Premium: Mountain gas stations charge $0.50-1.50/gallon more than cities.

Refuel Plan:

Fill up in Denver/Boulder before mountains
Top up in major towns (Fraser, Granby, Buena Vista)
Avoid resort gas (Breckenridge, Vail) whenever possible
GasBuddy App: Find cheapest stations on your route

Note: Colorado gas stations at 10,000+ feet sometimes have vapor lock issues. Keep tank above ¼ tank in remote areas.

Free Shuttle Systems

Several ski resort towns offer free local shuttles:

Breckenridge Free Ride: Connects town to ski resort
Steamboat Springs: Free bus system to ski area
Vail/Beaver Creek: Free in-town shuttles

Strategic Parking: Park at outlying lots and use shuttles to avoid $20-40/day resort parking fees.

Best Times to Visit Colorado (and How It Affects Your Budget)

Shoulder Season = Shoulder Prices

May-June (Spring Shoulder):

Pros: 50-70% lower lodging, wildflowers, waterfalls roaring from snowmelt
Cons: High-elevation trailheads still snowed in, some roads closed
Strategy: Hike lower elevations, visit RMNP valleys, explore front range

September-October (Fall Shoulder):

Pros: Perfect weather (60-70°F days, crisp nights), aspen gold, fewer crowds, 30-50% lodging discounts
Cons: Shorter days, snow possible at high elevations by October
Strategy: Prime time for RMNP, hiking, hot springs, camping

Peak Season (Premium Pricing)

June-August: Maximum prices, maximum crowds, maximum availability

December-March: Ski season premium pricing

Reality Check: Summer offers the most reliable weather and access, but you’ll pay for it. Budget-conscious travelers should target May, September, or October.

Winter Budget Strategy

January: Cheapest ski/lodging rates. Crowds thin after holidays.

March: Longer days, softer snow, spring skiing vibes, still cheaper than December holidays.

Essential Budget Gear Guide

Smart gear purchases prevent expensive purchases on the road.

Must-Have Budget Items

1. National Parks Pass ($80/year)

Pays for itself after 3 visits
Covers RMNP, Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde, and more
Buy Here

2. America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80)

Same as above, valid nationwide
Photo ID Required: You’ll be asked for ID matching the pass name

3. Bear Spray ($40-50)

Required in many camping areas
REI/Local Shops: $45-50 (often have rent/buy-back programs)
Amazon: $35-40 but check expiration dates
Essential: Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it

4. Quality Daypack ($60-120)

Osprey Daylite: $60-80, solid warranty
Gregory Zulu 30: $90-120, more features
Key Features: Rain cover, hydration reservoir compatible, hip belt

5. Hiking Boots ($80-150)

Avoid Cheap Department Store Boots: Uncomfortable, poor traction
Merrell Moab 3: $100-120, excellent value
Salomon X Ultra 3: $130-150, premium performance
Critical: Break in BEFORE your trip

6. Tent ($100-250)

REI Co-op Passage 1/2: $169-229, solid budget option
Big Agnes Copper Spur: $350-450 (premium, ultralight)
Budget Alternative: Rent from REI or local shops

Gear Rental (Save Money, No Storage)

REI Rental Program:

Tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, camp stoves
Cost: $20-40/day for full setups
Strategy: Rent for 2-3 nights to test gear before buying

Local Outfitters:

Most mountain towns have gear rental shops
Examples: Neptune Mountaineering (Boulder), Wilderness Exchange (Denver)

Sample Budget Itinerary: 7 Days for Under $700

Here’s how to spend a week in Colorado for less than $700 (excluding flights):

Days 1-2: Denver & Front Range (Base: Denver)

Day 1: Arrive, rent car, grocery shop, visit Red Rocks (free)
Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park day trip ($30 entry or use pass)
Accommodation: Denver Airbnb or budget motel ($70-100/night)
Food: Grocery store breakfast/lunch, one restaurant dinner/day ($25/day)
Running Total: $300 (2 nights, food, park entry)

Days 3-4: Central Mountains (Base: dispersed camping)

Day 3: Drive to Buena Vista, hike Mount Princeton area, soak in hot springs ($10-15)
Day 4: Explore Collegiate Peaks, free dispersed camping near trailheads
Accommodation: Dispersed camping (FREE)
Food: Camp cooking ($15/day)
Running Total: $360 (added gas, hot springs, food)

Days 5-6: Western Slope (Base: Grand Junction/ Fruita)

Day 5: Drive to Colorado National Monument (free), camp nearby
Day 6: Explore Grand Mesa, return toward Denver
Accommodation: Dispersed camping or cheap campground ($20)
Running Total: $440 (added gas, campground)

Day 7: Denver Departure

Day 7: Final Denver exploration, depart
Grand Total: ~$480-550 (depending on food choices, gas prices)

What’s NOT Included:

Flights to/from Denver
Car rental ($300-600/week)
Gear purchases (rent to save money)

Total WITH Car Rental: ~$800-1,150 for 7 days including car rental but excluding flights.

Final Money-Saving Tips from Locals

Water Strategy

Bring reusable water bottles
Fill up at visitor centers, campgrounds, hotels
Avoid buying bottled water: $4-6/bottle in mountain towns vs. free from taps

Souvenirs That Don’t Suck

Colorado Proud stickers: $3-6 instead of $15-20 “gift shop” stickers
Local honey/jam: Farmers markets in every town, $8-12
Brewery merchandise: T-shirts for $20-25 (vs. $40+ at resorts)

Avoid These Tourist Traps

Gem mining operations: Usually overpriced, low-quality returns
Timeshare presentations: “Free” tickets cost 3+ hours
Resort overpriced everything: Buy gas, food, supplies in real towns

Weather Preparedness (Saves Money Long-Term)

Afternoon thunderstorms are daily in summer (1-4 PM)
Start hikes early (6-8 AM) to avoid storms AND crowds
Lightning kills above treeline: Don’t be that person on a ridge at 2 PM

Leave No Trace = Leave With Your Deposit

Many campgrounds have “pack it out or lose your deposit” policies
Free dispersed camping privileges depend on responsible use
Future generations of budget travelers are counting on you

Conclusion: Colorado Is For Everyone (Including Budget Travelers)

The luxury ski resorts would have you believe Colorado is only for the wealthy. They’re wrong. The state’s soul—its mountains, forests, hot springs, and endless sky—belongs to everyone.

Whether you’re soaking in Conundrum Hot Springs after an 8-mile hike, waking up to elk bugling in Rocky Mountain National Park, watching sunrise from Trail Ridge Road, or diving into a snowbank in May, Colorado’s magic doesn’t require a trust fund.

It requires curiosity, preparation, and a willingness to trade comfort for experience. Camp under the stars instead of a $300 hotel room. Hike a fourteener instead of paying $150 for a gondola ride. Explore a free hot spring instead of a $200 spa day.

Your Colorado adventure is waiting. It’s affordable, it’s accessible, and it’s absolutely unforgettable. Now get out there and explore the Centennial State on your own terms.

Resources & Links:

America the Beautiful Pass – Annual national parks pass
Recreation.gov – Campground reservations
COTREX – Colorado trail conditions
Colorado DOT – Road closures and conditions

Affiliate Products Mentioned:

National Parks Annual Pass ($80)
Quality 3-season tents ($100-250)
Sleeping bags rated 20°F or lower ($80-200)
Hiking boots: Merrell Moab 3, Salomon X Ultra 3 ($100-150)
Daypacks: Osprey Daylite, Gregory Zulu 30 ($60-120)
Bear spray ($40-50)
Water sandals/shoes ($30-60)
Camping cookware and mess kits
Trekking poles

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