Do I need to worry about altitude sickness in Colorado?


Do I need to worry about altitude sickness in Colorado? The Denver, Colorado elevation is about 5,280 feet above sea level; there's a reason it's called the “Mile High City”! Adjusting to that altitude can cause trouble for visitors and new residents to the city, especially if they are on the go skiing, biking, hiking, or just generally being active in the thinner air.


How do I prepare for a high altitude vacation?

How To Tackle High Altitude Travel
  1. Hydrate BEFORE you travel. A good week before you get on that airplane, make sure you are drinking lots of water. ...
  2. Hydrate while flying. ...
  3. Hydrate while traveling. ...
  4. Pre-medicate. ...
  5. Eat small meals. ...
  6. Consider local remedies. ...
  7. Postpone the Highest Altitude Day Trips.


How long does it take to adjust to altitude in Colorado?

Anecdotally, many locals will say it takes about one to three days to adjust to the air in cities like Denver, Salt Lake City, and Colorado Springs. However, everyone adjusts to higher altitudes differently—some people feel little to no difference, while others may take up to a week to feel normal.