Colorado-Vacation with Altitude

Your Colorado vacation should be a fun and exciting experience. There are so many great things to see and do here. Colorado has the highest mean altitude of all the US states which means that at some point on your trip you may experience some symptoms of altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS.

AMS can affect anyone no matter how "in shape" you may be.It is thought that most people can travel to 8,000 ft before they feel the symptoms though for many folks this can be felt at lower levels, even in the Denver Metro area which averages a mile high or 5,280 feet. AMS symptoms can be flu-like and include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nosebleeds, insomnia, peripheral edema (swelling of hands, feet, face), rapid pulse and nausea and/or lack of appetite. If symptoms increase or become extreme seek medical attention Overall try to take it easy your first day at a new altitude, increase your water intake, avoid caffeine and alcohol, and give your body time to acclimate to the new altitude and thinner air.Eating more carbohydrates such as grains, fruit and vegetables will help also. If you hit a certain altitude and experience a notable sudden change in how you feel you may want to go back down to a lower level until you feel better and then ascend again.The slower your ascent the more time your body has to acclimate.

With the high altitude and thinner air you'll find stronger ultraviolet (UV) rays.You can burn much quicker at higher altitudes and even quicker if your surrounded by snow or water which reflects the rays back at you. Wear sunscreen (and apply regularly throughout the day), protective clothing such as wide brimmed hats, long sleeve shirts and pants, and good sunglasses.  Colorado is said to have over 300 days of sun per year.But remember that you can burn just as easily in cloudy weather; you just may not notice it as quickly!

If your family pet is traveling with you remember that dogs do not necessarily adjust immediately to altitude changes either.Keep your canine friend well hydrated (carry water for him if you're hiking) and give him time to adjust to new altitude levels too. If you're hiking in the woods or grasslands wear good hiking boots yourself and also keep an eye on your pooch's paws. Sharp rocks, cacti, stickers, etc. can cut through tennis shoes and can tear up your pet's paws. It's always a good idea to carry a little first aid kit with antibiotic ointment, a topical anesthetic and some gauze bandages in case you need to do some field work on his paws - or even yourself - before you get back to town.

Overall use common sense so you, your family and pets can have the best vacation experience possible. Most of all - have fun! You're on vacation!