Rifle Season is about to open for hunters. Be ready.

Colorado first rifle season: gear up before opening day

Colorado’s first rifle season is listed for October 14–18, 2026. Around Glenwood Springs, the Roaring Fork Valley, and the Flat Tops, this is a short window to hunt elk. Deer opportunities require the appropriate license, so confirm your dates, unit, and license details with Colorado Parks and Wildlife before heading out. Second rifle begins October 24. Five days is not much time to discover that your jacket is too thin or your game bags are still at home.

By first rifle, elk have already encountered archery and muzzleloader hunters. Conditions and animal movements change quickly; scout your unit and be prepared to glass timber, slopes, and feeding areas rather than counting on a single pattern.

Build a layering system for October weather

Mid-October at elevation can mean a cold dawn, a warmer climb at noon, and wind or snow by evening. Start with a moisture-moving base layer, add insulation you can pack away, and carry an outer layer for changing conditions. Bring gloves you can handle your equipment in, a warm hat, and dry spare socks. For specific layers to compare, see the Kings XKG Foundation 150 Merino 1/4 Zip and FORLOH Expedition Puffy Jacket. We carry King’s Camo and other hunting apparel, along with gloves and headwear for western hunts.

Rifle hunters should check Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s current fluorescent orange or pink requirements; camouflage orange is not a substitute. The Kings Camo Blaze Orange Vest is one option to consider before leaving town; confirm your full outfit meets current requirements.

Make a rifle-season gear checklist

• Hunting clothing: base, insulating, and outer layers, plus gloves, a beanie, dry socks, and the required visible orange or pink.
• Optics: binoculars or a spotting scope for glassing. Ask us about Vortex options, including the Vortex Viper 10x50 Binocular, Vortex Crossfire 20–60x80 Spotting Scope, and Vortex GlassPak Pro Bino Harness; choose gear that fits the way you hunt.
• Food and hot drinks: pack food for long days away from town. Browse Peak Refuel Freeze Dried Meals, the JetBoil FLASH 1.0L Fast Boil System, and JetBoil Jetpower Fuel 100g. Check stove and fuel compatibility and any fire restrictions before use.
• Field supplies: pack, knife, headlamp, extra batteries, and a way to keep essentials dry. For meat care, see the Kings Big Game Bags 4-Pack.
• First aid: carry supplies suited to your party and trip. Compare the Adventure Medical Kits First Aid 2.0 and Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .5 Medical Kit; check the contents and add any supplies you specifically need, including bleed-control items if appropriate.
• For the trip out: plan for meat care and transport, including an appropriate cooler. We carry Grizzly and other cooler options.
• Ammunition: confirm your rifle’s chambering and the ammunition you need before you travel. For examples to ask about at the counter, see Barnes 7mm PRC 170gr TTSX BT and Hornady Outfitter 7mm PRC 160gr CX. These are 7mm PRC loads, not recommendations for other chamberings. Ammunition is sold in store only; we do not sell or ship it online. Contact us to check availability.

Stop in before you head into the mountains

If you’re visiting from out of state or replacing forgotten supplies, bring your license and unit information when you stop by. Our team can help you shop available hunting clothing, optics, ammunition, packs, game bags, and other field gear. Confirm current regulations and your license with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and check product availability with us before making a special trip.

Visit Glenwood Springs Outdoors, 831 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO, before your first rifle hunt. A short season rewards the hunter who gets the small things sorted early.