6 High-Altitude Tips for a Great Colorado Springs Vacation

6 High-Altitude Tips for a Great Colorado Springs Vacation

The Pikes Peak Region has beautiful views, clean air, 300 days of blue skies, and 6,000+ feet in elevation. It is all truly amazing — but you have to be ready for it. When you read that Colorado Springs sits at an elevation of 6,035 feet, you’re being told how many feet above sea level it is. Pikes Peak is 14,115 feet in elevation. The higher you get above sea level, the more your body and your actions have to adjust to accommodate and avoid altitude sickness. Why do people get altitude sickness? A few reasons. First, the air is “thinner” up here, meaning there isn’t as much oxygen for your lungs. The longer you’re here, the more you’ll adjust to it. But allow yourself to take it easy the first few days.

In Colorado, high altitude also translates to drier conditions, meaning you can become dehydrated quickly. You’re also exposed to more UV light, which means quicker and stronger sunburns. Having fun at high altitudes just takes a little preparation. Lucky for you, we’ve got some tips right here!

Quick note: you’ll notice “altitude” and “elevation” are used almost interchangeably. Technically, elevation is the height of a point on earth relative to sea level and altitude is the height from a given point. So Pikes Peak’s elevation is 14,115 feet above sea level but there’s a rise in altitude of 8,080 from Colorado Springs. Don’t worry – we all pretty much use either altitude or elevation as we feel like it.

Tip #1: Drink Lots of Water

When you’re out and about in the Pikes Peak region, it’s critical that you drink a lot of water. Don’t wait to get thirsty to decide you need a drink, either. Sip frequently and count your ounces so you know you’re getting enough every day while you’re here. When you’re having fun, it’s easy to lose track of your hydration level, so keep your water handy all day. It’s also an easy thing to forget if you’re here in the winter, but it’s just as important. We also recommend adding in a sport drink with electrolytes occasionally too. Colorado Springs’ water is supplied entirely from snowmelt, so feel free to drink from the tap here. All those beautiful mountains gather up great heaps of snow all winter long that runs into our reservoirs. You’ll see several of them as you drive up Pikes Peak! Those crystal-clear reservoirs supply all of the water here and feed water sources for much of the western United States.

Local’s Tip:

If you aren’t here yet, then start the water intake early. It’ll help you adjust properly and get you acclimated much faster if you’re already hydrated when you get here. Drink more than you would normally . . . and then drink a little more.

Tip #2: Monitor the Booze-Intake

At higher altitudes, it’s easy to get super tipsy, super-fast — completely by accident. The effects of alcohol feel more pronounced when you’re running around so far above sea level. Now, we have a ton of great breweries, distilleries and wineries, so managing this can be particularly tricky. However, you don’t have to outright abstain. If, for example, you want to try lots of beers in a brewery, ask for a flight — small samples of several brews. Take it slow when you do imbibe, and include water and food with any alcoholic intake. If you begin to feel a bit woozy, back off and drink some water. The beer, wine and whiskey isn’t going anywhere, there’s no need to try to drink it all in one sitting.

Local’s Tip:

Another reason you might be getting impacted by alcohol more quickly in the Pikes Peak region is the strength. Some beers can have an ABV that is triple that of beers found in the liquor store. Fortunately, most brewers list the individual ABV of a beer, allowing you to choose carefully!

Tip #3: Be Lazy at First

Welcome to colorful Colorado — now take a seat. We’re not being inhospitable, we just want you to feel your best while you’re here. Don’t get here today and expect to run a marathon tomorrow. You won’t have a good time. While you may be raring to go in mind and spirit, your body needs some time to adjust to operating in dry, low-oxygen conditions. If you run at home, start with half of the time you’d normally run, especially if you’re running on hills. Basically, start slow and build up. The U.S. Olympic Training Center is here because of this higher altitude, by the way. Once you can train and perform at your maximum here, you’ll perform like a champ at any lower altitude. But only if you calm down when you first arrive and let your body and Colorado get acquainted.

Local’s Tip:

Plan attractions with a lower exertion level your first few days here. You’ll see an exertion level on all of our attractions’ pages. Relax at a museum, check out some local restaurants, just generally laze about. Check out some of our great local history to help you acclimate.  History Buff Itinerary

Tip #4: Watch What You Eat

Do you love good food? Great! We have lots of unique places to eat, from food trucks and quick-serve restaurants to some of the finest dining in Colorado. One thing we recommend is to limit your salt and increase your carbohydrate intake while you’re here. That doesn’t mean devouring donuts, by the way (except on Pikes Peak — you get a pass on Pikes Peak). Balance your vacation treats and brewery visits with foods that will help you help you replenish electrolytes by balancing salt intake.

• broccoli
• bananas
• avocado
• cantaloupe
• celery
• greens
• bran
• chocolate
• granola
• dates
• dried fruit
• potatoes and
• tomatoes

Local’s Tip:

Hit the farmer’s market in Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs while you’re here. You can stock up on quick and easy fresh snacks for your hotel room.

Tip #5: What to Pack

There are a few things you should always pack for your trips to Colorado, in fact, most locals have these things with them everyday.

• Reusable water bottle – single-use plastics are out so bring a water bottle and refill often
• Layers – t-shirt, long sleeve, jacket – year-round- we get warm days in winter and the summit of Pikes Peak is 30 degrees colder than Colorado Springs.
• Hat and sunglasses – that thinner air makes the sun feel more intense. A little shade for eyes and face will be welcome.
• Sunscreen – thinner air makes the UV rays more intense. You’ll burn faster here than you will at the beach, and that includes wintertime! Apply, then reapply.
• Sturdy shoes – Colorado Springs is hilly and you are within 10 minutes of a hiking trail anywhere in the city. Don’t let your footwear hold you back from a great time!

We know you’re coming to Colorado to enjoy our cooler temperatures and crisp mountain air. However, we have over 300 days of sunshine and sunshine still burns when it’s cooler outside. A hat and sunglasses are also highly recommended. Above, we mentioned that your likelihood of sunburn increases at higher altitudes. It’s no joke! If you bring or use nothing else while here, please, for the love of Colorado, wear sunscreen and reapply it often!

Local’s Tip:

Colorado Springs is a high-alpine desert so bring your water bottle with you wherever you go. Chapstick and lotion are smart to pack too! These tips apply all year, but we have more season specific packing tips here.

Tip #6: Your Pets Need High-Altitude Love, Too

Bringing your dog along for the ride to Colorado is totally cool. We’ve got lots of dog-friendly attractions that are more than happy to welcome you and your best friend. However, it’s important to remember that your dog is just as new to the high altitude as you are. To keep them happy and healthy, apply all the same rules to them that you apply to you. Make sure your pup has lots of water, lots of rest and lots of chances to refuel. And never, ever leave him or her in the car, even if you think it’s mild outside. It can get hot really fast here! There are plenty of patios and businesses that will welcome your pet, no need to stress them out in a hot car.

Local’s Tip:

Here’s a list of a few great places to bring your pets: Pet Friendly Attractions.

By following these tips, you’re sure to enjoy every minute of your high-altitude Colorado vacation. As you can see, they’re not even that hard to follow. In summary: drink water, wear sunscreen and layers, know your limits. Soon you’ll be roaming the hills like a local, water bottle in hand.