High Altitude Guide

We’re sure you know how to “Beat the Heat” — but are you “Aware of the Altitude” in Colorado?

To avoid symptoms of altitude sickness (most typically headaches, fatigue and nausea):

  1. Drink more water than usual before your trip, and while in Denver. The low humidity in Colorado keeps the air dry, like the desert, so you need about twice as much water as you would drink at home.
  2. Eat foods high in potassium, such as broccoli, bananas, cantaloupe, celery and granola. Reduce caffeine and salty foods, and go easy on the alcohol as its effects will feel stronger in Denver.
  3. Remember that Denver is one mile closer to the sun and provides 25% less protection from the sun’s rays. Protect yourself with sunglasses, sun screen and lip balm.
  4. Going into the Rockies? Take time to adjust. Studies show that spending two nights at a modest altitude like Denver (5,280 feet above sea level) decreases altitude sickness at higher elevations.
  5. Because Denver is closer to the sun, it can feel much warmer than the actual temperature during the daytime, but then become very chilly after sundown. Think about layering your clothing.

With these few simple steps, you’ll enjoy Denver even more!

Information provided by the Colorado Altitude Research Institute and Denver.org.