Altitude Sickness in Colorado: Tips for Feeling Better at High Elevation

If you're planning a trip to Colorado, especially if you're coming from sea level, there's something you should know: altitude sickness is no joke! So, I thought it would be super helpful to share some tips and things that I personally feel help when adjusting to Colorado's elevation.

Now, I'm not a doctor, and these are simply things I've learned over the years from living here and spending a lot of time outdoors. Everyone reacts to altitude differently, so what works for me might not work for you. But if you're planning a Colorado vacation, hiking adventure, or even a photography session in the mountains, hopefully, some of these tips will help you feel a little more prepared!

What Is Altitude Sickness, and Why Does Colorado's Elevation Affect You?

Colorado's elevation can get pretty gnarly, especially if you're coming from somewhere close to sea level. The higher you go, the less oxygen your body gets with each breath, and your body needs time to adjust.

Altitude sickness doesn't affect everyone, but when it does, it really, really sucks. Symptoms can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and feeling short of breath.

When I moved from Florida to Colorado, I got hit pretty hard. And even though I've lived here for six years now, the altitude can still get to me a little bit.

I tell my photography clients all the time that I swear I work out regularly, hike, and trail run. And yet, for the first part of pretty much any hike, I sound like I'm completely out of breath.

It's especially humbling when I'm on a photo shoot with clients who are visiting from sea level, and they're walking around having a perfectly normal conversation while I'm over here huffing and puffing like I'm dying. LOL.

Okay, I'm not actually that bad, but sometimes it definitely feels like it!

Over the years, I've figured out a few things that seem to help me when traveling from lower elevations to higher ones. Here's what I've learned.

1. Be Prepared for Headaches

Headaches are one of the symptoms I notice when traveling to higher elevations. Sometimes I'll get one on the way up, it'll eventually ease off, and then I'll get another one on the way back down.

It's super frustrating, especially when you're trying to enjoy a beautiful day outdoors!

I personally keep an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or Tylenol (acetaminophen), on hand for headaches. These can help relieve pain, but they don't prevent altitude sickness, so don't rely on them as your only plan.

If you're considering taking something before your trip or throughout the day, follow the package directions and check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, take other medications, or aren't sure which option is right for you.

My tip: Bring what you may need for the day rather than assuming you'll be able to find a store nearby. Some of Colorado's prettiest locations are a bit of a drive from the nearest pharmacy!

2. Don't Forget to Eat!

When you're feeling nauseated or just generally blah, eating might be the last thing you want to do. But skipping meals isn't necessarily going to make you feel any better.

Your body is working to adjust to the altitude, and having regular meals and snacks can help you maintain your energy throughout the day.

I like to plan ahead rather than wait until I'm already hungry and miserable to figure out what I'm going to eat.

Depending on your schedule, have breakfast before heading out and bring enough food for lunch or dinner if you'll be away for several hours.

A few things I like to pack include:

A protein bar: Easy to throw in your bag and great when you need something quick.
Something salty: Potato chips or pretzels are easy options.
Crackers: Perfect for nibbling on when your stomach isn't feeling its best.
Extra snacks: Because being hungry, nauseated, and stuck somewhere without food is not a fun combination!

I also use a product called Bonine that I've found helpful for nausea. Before using it, check the exact product's ingredients, warnings, and directions with a pharmacist, especially if you're taking other medications. Products marketed for motion sickness or nausea can have different active ingredients and side effects.

3. Hydration Is a Big Deal in Colorado

If there's one thing I want you to take away from this blog, it's this: Don't wait until you're thirsty to start thinking about hydration!

Colorado has a dry climate, and if you're visiting from somewhere humid, you may notice that your skin, lips, and everything else seem to dry out much faster than you're used to.

Personally, I find that staying on top of my hydration makes a big difference in how I feel when I'm outdoors.

I recommend making hydration part of your routine in the days leading up to your trip and continuing to drink fluids regularly while you're here. You don't need to force yourself to drink excessive amounts of water, though. Just drink consistently and pay attention to your body's needs.

Should You Bring Electrolytes?

I like using electrolyte drinks, and Liquid I.V. is one of my go-to options.

Electrolytes help replace minerals lost through sweat, and they can be useful when you're active, spending time outdoors, or sweating more than usual.

Just keep in mind that electrolytes aren't a cure for altitude sickness, and you don't necessarily need them all day long. Some products are also high in sodium, so check the label and be cautious if you have high blood pressure, kidney problems, or have been advised to limit sodium.

My tip: Pack your water and any electrolytes you plan to use before leaving for your adventure. You don't want to be halfway up a mountain wishing you'd planned ahead!

4. What About Those Little Cans of Oxygen?

If you have asthma or another breathing condition, talk to your healthcare provider before traveling to higher elevations so you can make a plan for managing your symptoms.

You may also see portable oxygen cans marketed to hikers and travelers. I've never personally used one, but I know people who have and say they find them helpful.

That said, these small cans aren't a reliable treatment for altitude sickness or a substitute for medical oxygen when it's needed. If you're struggling to breathe, don't rely on a can of oxygen to get you through the day.

If you have significant shortness of breath, especially at rest, stop what you're doing and seek medical attention.

It's always better to be safe than sorry when you're out exploring the mountains!

5. Give Yourself a Day to Adjust to Colorado's Elevation

If you're flying or driving to Colorado from a much lower elevation, one of my favorite recommendations is to give yourself some time to adjust before planning a big hiking day or photography session.

I know, I know. You're on vacation, and you want to fit in as much as possible!

But hear me out.

Travel can be exhausting on its own, and suddenly being at a much higher elevation can leave you feeling more tired than usual. Adding a strenuous hike, a long day outdoors, or an early-morning photo session to the mix might not be the best way to start your trip.

If possible, arrive a day early, take it easy, eat regular meals, and drink fluids normally. Avoid strenuous activity at first, and be especially cautious about alcohol while you're adjusting.

If you're planning a Colorado photography session with me, this is something worth considering when choosing your date and building your itinerary.

I'd much rather have you feeling rested and ready to enjoy your session than feeling miserable because you've spent the last two days traveling and haven't had a chance to catch your breath!

Just remember that a day of adjustment doesn't guarantee you'll avoid altitude sickness. If symptoms develop or worsen, don't push through them just because you've allowed time to acclimate.

6. Altitude RX: A Supplement I've Tried

The last thing I want to mention is a supplement called Altitude RX.

I won't pretend to know all the science behind every ingredient, but in my personal experience, I feel like taking it according to the directions on the bottle makes a difference. I seem to feel a little less out of breath and experience less of that dizzy feeling I sometimes notice at higher elevations.

Of course, that's my personal experience, and it doesn't mean it will work the same way for everyone.

If you're considering trying it, read the ingredients and label carefully, check for potential medication interactions, and talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any concerns.

It's simply something I've personally tried and wanted to share with you!

7. Know When to Stop and Take Altitude Sickness Seriously

I know this blog is meant to be a helpful, lighthearted guide based on my own experiences, but I do want to include one important safety note.

Altitude sickness can range from mild symptoms to serious, potentially life-threatening conditions. It's important to know when your body is telling you that something isn't right.

If you develop symptoms such as a headache, nausea, dizziness, or unusual fatigue after gaining elevation, don't continue climbing or push yourself to finish your hike. Stop ascending, rest, and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.

Get urgent medical help if you experience:

Shortness of breath while resting.
Confusion, difficulty walking straight, or loss of coordination.
Severe or worsening symptoms.
A persistent cough, chest congestion, or difficulty breathing.

These can be warning signs of serious altitude-related illness. Descending to a lower elevation and obtaining urgent medical care may be necessary.

And please don't try to tough it out just because everyone else in your group feels fine. Your body, your limits, and your safety matter more than reaching a viewpoint or sticking to an itinerary.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Colorado Adventure!

Okay, that's everything I've got for you!

Living in Colorado has taught me that the altitude is something you really do need to respect, even if you're active and generally healthy. Some days, I feel great, and other days, I'm halfway up a trail wondering why I voluntarily signed up to do this to myself. LOL.

Hopefully, these tips help you feel a little more prepared for your trip, whether you're visiting Colorado Springs, exploring Garden of the Gods, hiking in the Rocky Mountains, or coming out for a Colorado photography session.

Remember, I'm sharing what I've personally found helpful, NOT medical advice. Everyone is different, and what works for me may not work for you.

Have a tip that has helped you deal with altitude sickness in Colorado? I'd love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and share what has worked for you, or ask any questions you have about preparing for your trip.

And if you're planning a trip to Colorado Springs and want to capture some beautiful memories while you're here, I'd love to help you plan your photography session!

Hope to see you soon!

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Altitude Sickness in Colorado: Tips for Visitors Coming from Sea Level