Colorado is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. From mountain biking or rock climbing in the summer to skiing or snowboarding down legendary Rocky Mountain slopes in the winter, there’s something for everyone to enjoy each season. And Colorado outdoor stores have all the essential gear for your next adventure.

Thrill-seeking adrenaline junkies can brave whitewater rapids while rafting or kayaking one of the state’s many rivers, or test their mountaineering skills on one of Colorado’s iconic 14ers. There are also endless options for camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and enjoying the outdoors at your own pace. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling are excellent ways to enjoy the beauty of winter in the Rockies. 

Whether you need the most durable, the lightest, the warmest, or the cheapest – having the right equipment for your favorite outdoor activity is essential.

Here are some of the top-rated outdoor stores in Colorado.

Colorado Outdoor Stores

Best Outdoor Stores in Colorado

It’s no secret that Colorado is home to some of the world’s finest outdoor recreation. Before heading into the great outdoors, stop by your local Colorado outdoor store to get all the necessary supplies. 

We’ve picked out some of the best outdoor stores in Colorado so that you can find exactly what you need to make the most of your time in the mountains. These local businesses provide top-quality products, expert advice, and outstanding customer service. Plus, by supporting them, you keep the local ecosystem going strong.

Neptune Mountaineering 

First on our list of Colorado outdoor stores is Neptune Mountaineering, a locally-owned outdoor retailer in Boulder. Since opening in 1973, the shop has been a community hub for all things outdoors. They provide the highest-quality outdoor gear, and their expert staff is always happy to answer any questions you may have. As an extra bonus, there’s even a cafe onsite.

Neptune Mountaineering stocks equipment for a wide range of outdoor activities, including:

  • Camping
  • Climbing
  • Hiking
  • Mountaineering
  • Skiing (Alpine, nordic, and backcountry)

In addition to the retail shop, Neptune Mountaineering provides gear rental, boot fitting, and ski tuning services. They also offer weekly Thursday evening events that range from athlete appearances to skill clinics, film screenings, and more.

Mountain Chalet 

Since 1968, Mountain Chalet has been one of the best outdoor stores Colorado Springs has to offer. They’re passionate about sharing the love of the outdoors with their customers and creating a community based on a mutual enthusiasm for nature and recreation. 

At Mountain Chalet, you can find equipment for:

  • Backpacking
  • Camping
  • Climbing
  • Hiking
  • Skiing (Alpine, nordic, and backcountry)
  • Splitboarding
  • Trail Running

Mountain Chalet also provides rental and demo services for mountaineering and ski gear. Check their events calendar for the latest film screenings, expert talks, and other outdoor-related happenings. 

McGuckin Hardware 

McGuckin Hardware brands itself as “Colorado’s Favorite Everything Store.” If you need it, they probably have it. Since opening in 1955, the store has been a landmark of downtown Boulder. 

Their sports and recreation department features gear for numerous activities, including:

  • Camping
  • Cycling
  • Fishing
  • Hunting
  • Outdoor Sports (baseball, basketball, football, golf, hockey, soccer, tennis, volleyball)
  • Sledding
  • Water Sports
  • Backyard Games

McGuckin Hardware also offers a wide range of services, including blade sharpening and tool repair. They have fantastic seasonal sales throughout the year, so check the events calendar to take advantage of serious savings.

Wilderness Exchange 

Wilderness Exchange is one of the outdoor stores Denver locals rely on for all their equipment needs. You’ll find top brands at affordable prices, and their knowledgeable staff is always ready to answer questions and provide recommendations. 

Make Wilderness Exchange your one-stop shop for activities like:

  • Camping
  • Climbing
  • Cycling
  • Hiking
  • Mountaineering
  • Skiing
  • Snowboarding
  • Backcountry skiing/Splitboarding

As part of its mission to support a diverse and accessible community of outdoor enthusiasts, Wilderness Exchange regularly hosts events like skill clinics and expert talks. They also have a gear consignment program and put on spring and fall gear swaps for those looking to sell their used outdoor equipment. 

Colorado Hunting Stores

Gene Taylors 

In addition to supplying high-quality camping gear, outdoor apparel, and footwear, Gene Taylors ranks among the best Colorado hunting stores. They have everything you’ll need for your next fishing or hunting trip in the Gunnison area. 

At Gene Taylors, you’ll find all the essentials for: 

  • Archery
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Skiing
  • Snowboarding
  • Water Sports 

This Colorado outdoor store also offers ski and snowboard rentals and tuning, and maintenance/repair services for fishing and hunting equipment. Make the most of every purchase with their generous rewards program. 

Ptarmigan Sports 

Located at the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Ptarmigan Sports in Edwards is the perfect place to find what you need for your next alpine adventure. A true local favorite, they’ve won numerous awards over the years for being the “Best Outdoor Gear Shop” in the Vail Valley. 

Ptarmigan Sports has everything you’ll need for activities like:

  • Camping
  • Climbing
  • Cycling
  • Hiking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Mountaineering
  • Swimming
  • Trail Running

Alongside providing customers with top-quality outdoor apparel and gear, Ptarmigan Sports is also committed to fostering a vibrant community by supporting local outdoor and recreation-oriented events.

REI Denver Flagship

Located in the historic Denver Tramway building, the REI Denver flagship store is one of the most popular outdoor stores Denver locals love to frequent. Since its beginning in 1938, REI has provided its customers with the finest quality outdoor gear while inspiring and educating them about responsible recreation.  

REI covers all your outdoor equipment needs, including:

  • Camping
  • Climbing
  • Cycling
  • Hiking
  • Skiing 
  • Snowboarding
  • Backcountry skiing/Splitboarding
  • Snowshoeing
  • Trail Running
  • Water Sports
  • Yoga

REI offers regular classes and events for members and the local community. Membership also comes with great perks like rewards points and the opportunity to trade in lightly used gear for store credit or gift cards. 

Christy Sports

Christy Sports was founded in Colorado in 1958 and now has 60 locations across Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Washington. Although they started out primarily as a ski shop, the stores also offer a large selection of summer sporting gear.

Find all the equipment you need for your favorite outdoor pursuits, like:

  • Cycling
  • Hiking
  • Skiing
  • Snowboarding
  • Backcountry skiing/Splitboarding
  • Snowshoeing
  • Sledding

Christy Sports also provides short-term and full-season ski and snowboard rentals. They have fabulous seasonal sales, so keep an eye on their website or sign up for their newsletter to take advantage of the latest deals.

Best Outdoor Stores in Colorado

Shop Local at Colorado Outdoor Stores

However you like to enjoy nature, these Colorado outdoor stores will ensure you’re all set for your next adventure. With convenient locations and friendly, helpful staff, you’ll feel confident knowing you’ve covered all your outdoor gear needs.

What to Buy at Outdoor Stores in Colorado

Once you pop into these Colorado outdoor stores, keep a sharp eye out for things made by the innovative adventurers that call our state home. Here are some we recommend:

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