Grasshopper

That's great to hear. Katy, Avon is a little over 8,000 feet. I think Glenwood Springs is about the same.... maybe a little lower.

I drove through there over the weekend and then on over Independence Pass (12,095'). I couldn't believe how many cyclists were going up the pass, in the rain.

Judyrem

We hiked up to Surprise & Ampitheater Lakes in the Tetons last week...started aT 6200, ENDED AT 92OOft. Felt awful and dizzy for a while. the on the way down....finally cleared up at 6200ft. I live in Fla 6ft above sealevel. A nurse(who live in Jackson 6200ft) we met on the way suggested water and saltines or a pickle! Nexy hile we took a big fat pickle and it worked like a charm! FYI, Judy

jasper

my brother, who has always had some respitory problems had altitude sickness in estees park, co. we had just left colorado springs. and he had to get oxygen at the local fire department. as long as she is prepared for the altitude, she should be o.k. just take it slow.

JohnInMiami

I used to live in Breckenridge, Colorado (9600 feet) and shuttle tourists from the Denver airport to the mountain resorts. We had to take people back to Denver about once a week due to altitude sickness.

The vast majority of folks who experienced problems usually did the following:
1. Came directly from sea level to altitude (9000+ ft)
2. Drank a lot of alcohol on the plane or were hung over from the night before.
3. Hit the ski slopes/bike trail immediately upon arrival.

As others here have said, it's best to reduce activities for the first day. Even something as simple as climbing a flight of stairs with a suitcase will leave you noticing the effect at 6000 feet. Lots of fluids (no alcohol or caffeine) will help as most of Colorado has a borderline desert climate. In my personal experience, a slight, nagging headache along with a little trouble sleeping is normal.

True altitude sickness doesn't set in for most until you get above 9000 feet. Shortness of breath while sitting still, chest tightness & a general feeling of confusion or discomfort are symptoms that should be dealt with immediately.

Pikes Peak (14000 ft) will affect just about everyone. Usually you aren't there long enough for it to matter. It's usually cold & windy at the top and there isn't much to do other than admire the view and take a few pictures. I was up there once and had a 100 yard footrace across the parking lot. It took me 20 minutes to catch my breath!

Glenwood Springs is at 5700 feet elevation. Avon is 7400. Driving from Denver, both require you to travel over the Eisenhower Tunnel (11000 ft) and Vail Pass (10600 ft)

Grasshopper

Wow, John, I sure estimated those wrong. Thanks for the correction.

I'm spending 4 months in Keystone (from SF), at 9,400' and still get winded when I go upstairs to my bedroom.

JohnInMiami

Grasshopper - 4 months at Keystone? You're so lucky! When I first moved to Colorado, I lived in Summit Cove (on the right, just before getting to Keystone.) I would work all day, come home, change clothes and go night skiing at Keystone. From my front door, I could be on the lift in 10 minutes!

If you enjoy hiking and the outdoors, take a ride up Montezuma Road. About a mile before you get to Montezuma, there's a forest service gate on the left. I think it's marked "Peru Creek." The road opens up into a wide valley on the back side of Arapahoe Basin ski area. There's some old abandon mines back there that are fun to explore and the views are breathtaking!

Grasshopper

John, I live off of Montezuma Road at the very edge of Keystone. I ride my bike up toward Montezuma (haven't made it all the way yet ) I will definitely check out those mines. My deck looks out on the Snake River. It's really peaceful and beautiful.

Thank God for being able to work at home!

JohnInMiami

Grasshopper, are you on that long section of straight road just past the east parking lots? I know that area well - I used to deliver propane to the houses there and all the way up past Montezuma.

You must be in great shape to ride your bike up Montezuma road! That's a tough ride going up - but great fun coming down!

Feel free to email me privately if you need any info on the backcountry of Summit County. I was fortunate to be able to spend 8 years there and still remember the backroads vividly. My email is [email protected].

rkkwan

A lot of athletes train in high altitude, because that's a legal way to increase concentration of red blood cells in the body. But of course, they have to spend a lot of time there to accliminate. They don't just go from sea-level up there, and ride bikes over mountain passes.