maj10020

We are planning to see Pikes Peak while in Colorado in September, and I'm concerned now about altitude sickness from all things I've read lately.

To be on safe side, should we bring O2 recreational in small canister to uses as prevention and/or get some "Diamox" from my doctor.

we are planning on driving up to the peak the morning we drive into Colorado Springs from Trinidad Co.
Mary

BigRuss

Canister worked for me. It costs about $20 per. Dunno how much Diamox would be.

abram

We're skiers, and here's what we do to cope with the altitude: drink lots of water, take an aspirin every morning and every evening to thin the blood and improve oxygenation, avoid caffeine and alcohol.

nytraveler

People have very different reactions to altitudes. If you have any sort of lung problems from asthma to chronic disease - or have EVER smoked - you are much more likely to be subject to it. Abram gave very good advice - but it won;t be enough for many people - esp former smokers.

You are less likely to have problems if you limit physical activity. Definitely take a canister of oxygen - but if you fell any problems - simply get back to a lower altitude as soon as possible.

doug_stallings

If you think you may be susceptible to altitude sickness, then I think it would be wiser for you to take the cog railway up the peak instead of driving. That way, if you feel faint or develop a bad headache from the altitude, you will not have to negotiate the drive back down the mountain. To me it seems a reasonable cost in both time and money than taking a chance with driving.

pisceantraveler

Heart and lung issues might be exacerbated, so please ask your doc about altitude if you have concerns.

If not, for how long will you be in Trinidad before you actually take off for Pike's Peak?

Trinidad is about 6K ft in altitude, and it's slightly higher than Denver, and that is a good point to begin adjusting to altitude before a greater ascent up the mountain. We usually advise friends and guests to stick around Denver and the lower foothills before making big ascents for at least a day to give you an opportunity to adjust.

Stick around Trinidad for 24 hours or so, follow the above suggestions regarding hydration (e.g., drink *plenty* of water and limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol), and enjoy the drive (or ride on the railway) and the amazing views at the top!

fmpden

Altitude sickness is not well understood either cause or prevention. You have no problems four times at altitude and be sick the fifth time. And some of it can be psychological. While it is true that people living at altitude general have about 20 percent more white corpuscles, current research is suggesting that it may be more related to the pressure difference. The atmosphere pressure on the lungs at low elevations forces the oxygen into the lungs better than at higher altitudes. Sucking on oxygen maybe more psychological than actual treatment. Just watch yourself and drink water.

Vttraveler

Altitude sickness aside, the drive up Pike's Peak is pretty hard. Really, think about taking the railway instead.

wtm003

Is there a health reason you are concerned about altitude sickness? If not I don't think you need to be too worried. I agree with fmpden. I've lived in CO my entire life and experienced my first and only bout of altitude sickness a couple of years ago during a hike. I believe a couple of factors helped bring it on. I was almost but not completely over a cold and I had a slight headache when I started the hike. By the end of the hike my head was pounding and I was sick the rest of the night. Now, I make sure to drink plenty of water and usually take a couple of Motrin the night before I head to the mountains.

There is an oxygen bar that offers a variety of flavors at the summit of Pike's Peak. The thought of flavored oxygen cracks me up, but on my last trip it seemed to be pretty popular. Maybe you can use this as a back-up instead of purchasing a canister?

Enjoy your trip!

Bill_H

I get bad headaches if I go in one day from where we live (1,000 ft) to over 9,000 ft but only if I'm at 9,000 ft or more for many hours. Yet I've driven to 14,000 ft several times (Mt. Evans road), got out and photographed goats and Bighorn sheep for a couple hours and didn't have a problem with the much higher altitude at all. Just when I'm overnighting, or doing something real strenuous like hiking uphill.

So just driving up and back down you *most likely* won't have a problem, especially since you'll be acclimated to 6,000 ft at Trinidad. Unless, as has others already pointed out, you have a history of getting quickly knackered at elevation or if you have a medical condition.

If you think you're seeing symptoms just drive back down, even 2,000 ft lower makes a big difference in a short time.

kirstyp

I live in Denver and just took the cog up to Pike's Peak yesterday. For some reason Pike's Peak affects me more than Mt Evans. You get 30 minutes and the whole time I was feeling dizzy and out of breath. Someone else got sick while we were up and they almost airlifted them down. It must happen enough that they have EMTs working in the store. Last weekend we drove up to Mt Evans 14265 elev. before they shut the top for the season and we had no troubles. We even hiked up the rocks to the tippy top and had no issues. I have no idea why though. I also had no issues at the top of Trail Ridge Hwy but that's at 12,183 elev. I too would reccomend the cog if you're concerned. They say both cog and driving takes 3 hours RT from Manitou Springs.

martym

A small correction (not that is really matters) People who live at altitude generally have more red blood cells--those are the ones that carrry oxygen.