What to pack for a Gaylord Rockies stay
Pack for variable Colorado weather (layers, sunscreen, and a light jacket), swimwear and pool shoes for Arapahoe Springs Water Park, plus basics for meetings or family fun—dress options range from casual poolwear to Smart Casual for Old Hickory Steakhouse. Bring ID and a credit card (property is cashless) and any specialty items like meds, chargers, and dog supplies if you’re bringing a pet.
In this guide
Weather and clothing basics
Denver–Aurora’s weather can change quickly and evenings are often much cooler than afternoons because of the elevation and semi-arid climate. Pack lightweight layers you can add or remove: T-shirts, a warm midlayer, and a windbreaker or light coat.
For summer visits bring breathable shirts and a sun hat; for spring or fall include a warmer jacket for cool mornings and possible late snow. High-elevation sun is stronger—sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended.
- Lightweight layers (T-shirts, long-sleeve shirt, fleece or sweater)
- Windproof jacket or light coat
- Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Hat for sun and cold-weather beanie in shoulder season
| Season | Suggested clothing |
|---|---|
| Summer | Shorts, breathable shirts, light jacket for evenings |
| Spring/Fall | Layered shirts, fleece, waterproof light jacket |
| Winter | Warm coat, gloves, hat, insulated footwear |
Pool and water park gear
Registered overnight guests have access to Arapahoe Springs Water Park, which includes indoor and heated outdoor pools, water slides, whirlpools, and a seasonal lazy river. Pack swimwear and items to enjoy both the indoor and outdoor pool spaces.
Some water-park features have age or height restrictions and separate whirlpool areas for families or adults—bring appropriate swim gear and supervision items for children.
- Swimsuit(s) and quick-dry cover-up
- Pool shoes or water sandals (non-marking soles)
- Goggles and a swim shirt for sun protection
- Small waterproof bag or dry pouch for phone/cards
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Swimsuit | Required for water park and pools |
| Pool shoes | Protect feet and meet decking rules |
| Towel | Resort provides towels but a personal towel can be handy |
What to bring for your room and comfort
Guest rooms include options such as Room, Deluxe Room, Executive Room, Junior Suite, and Deluxe Suite—pack items that match your plans: work devices for business travelers, extra sleep items for families, and a robe or slippers if you prefer your own. The resort is non-smoking and rooms are clean-air environments.
The property is cashless; you’ll need a credit or debit card at check-in and for incidental charges. Bring photo ID—the resort requires a photo ID and card at check-in. If you require accessible features, reserve one of the mobility- or hearing-access rooms listed in the room types.
- Photo ID and the card used for booking (cash not accepted)
- Phone charger, laptop/tablet and international adapters if needed
- Personal robe, slippers, earplugs or white-noise app for light sleepers
- Child items: nightlight, travel crib or familiar pillow (if applicable)
| Common room choices | Why it matters for packing |
|---|---|
| Room, with Sofa bed | Bring extra bedding or a sleep sack for kids using the sofa bed |
| Deluxe Room | Standard single-room packing for adults or couples |
| Junior Suite / Deluxe Suite | Pack a small travel grocery run or mixers if you plan to use the suite kitchenette area |
Spa, fitness and active-gear
Relâche Spa offers appointments and separate men's and women's lounges; a reservation is required for treatments, so pack any specific toiletries or sandals you prefer. The Relâche Fitness Center is open 24 hours—bring workout clothes and sneakers if you plan to exercise.
If you plan outdoor activities (hiking or biking around the Front Range) bring appropriate footwear, a daypack, and a refillable water bottle—the region’s altitude and dry air make hydration important.
- Workout clothes and sneakers for the 24-hour gym
- Comfortable hiking shoes, small daypack, and reusable water bottle
- Any specialty spa items you prefer (face masks, preferred lotions)
| Activity | Suggested items |
|---|---|
| Spa visit | Flip-flops, lightweight robe (optional), toiletries |
| Gym | Workout clothes, headphones |
| Hiking/day trips | Hiking shoes, sunscreen, water bottle |
Dining, dress code and eating on site
Gaylord Rockies has multiple on-site restaurants and bars, including Old Hickory Steakhouse (Smart Casual dress code, dinner service), Copper Table, Garden + Grain Seasonal Kitchen, Mountain Pass Sports Bar, Embers Lodge Bar, and poolside Arapahoe Springs Bar & Grill. Pack at least one outfit that fits Smart Casual if you plan to dine at Old Hickory Steakhouse.
Rockies Marketplace and Cocoa Bean offer grab-and-go options; in-room À la Carte delivery is available. If you have dietary needs, bring any specialty foods or supplements you rely on, since the resort’s restaurants cover a wide range but specific items or brands may not be available.
- Smart Casual outfit for Old Hickory Steakhouse (collared shirt or equivalent, no swimwear)
- Casual clothes for poolside and family dining
- Any dietary supplements or specialty food items you require
| Venue | Typical serving times / note |
|---|---|
| Old Hickory Steakhouse | Dinner only (5:00 PM–10:00 PM) — Smart Casual |
| Copper Table | Breakfast, lunch & dinner — casual |
| Rockies Marketplace | Grab-and-go: 5:30 AM–11:00 PM |
Travel logistics and pet policy
Gaylord Rockies is marketed as a Denver-area resort but is physically located in Aurora at 6700 N Gaylord Rockies Blvd; the property is roughly 10 miles from Denver International Airport and does not offer a free airport shuttle but operates a scheduled shuttle from the 61st & Peña RTD A-Line station. The resort offers self-parking and valet for an added fee.
Pets are allowed with restrictions: up to two dogs per room, a non-refundable fee applies, and pets are not permitted in pool areas or dining spaces. Service animals are exempt from the pet fee. Because the resort operates cashless, bring payment cards for parking, pet fees, and incidentals.
- Bring printed or digital directions and confirmation (address: 6700 N Gaylord Rockies Blvd, Aurora, CO 80019)
- If flying, consider the RTD A-Line + hotel shuttle option; bring small change or card for on-route transit fares
- If traveling with a dog: documentation, leash, preferred bed/blanket, and food (pet fee applies)
| Logistic | Tip |
|---|---|
| Parking | Self-parking and valet available for a nightly fee; have a card for payment |
| Cashless policy | Bring credit/debit cards; cash is not accepted for onsite purchases |
| Check-in age | Minimum check-in age is 21 — bring valid ID |
