My wife and I will be going to Colorado in late September. This will be her first time and my second. I was in Denver 10 years ago and had really bad altitude sickness. Any suggestions on how to avoid the altitude sickness? I'm worried about ruining our vacation is we go to RMNP. We love the beautiful landscapes and scenery. Any suggestions for a 7-10 day trip, where we don't have to be in the car all the time. Thanks

My suggestion would be to spend at least a couple of days in Denver to get acclimated before going to higher altitudes. Also, drink loads of water even if you do not feel thirsty.

Some people suggest taking aspirin, and even taking it for a few days before going to Denver - to "thin your blood" - although I personally cannot vouch for it.

In addition, avoid caffeine and alcohol because they are dehydrating, and it is the dehydrating effect of altitude that gives people trouble.

When we go on ski trips (2-3x/yr), we do take one aspirin every morning and every evening to improve oxygenation.

when you get to denver stay there for a night to help you acclimate. drink loads of water. don't drink any liquor for the first day or 2.

you might choose to base yourself in one of the ski towns like breckenrigde or keystone, cheap as it's off season. and stay there a couple days before you head into rmnp. trailridge road is high! over 11,000' for several miles and over 12,ooo' for a short distance. perhaps your wife should drive.
breck and keystone have lots of activities. ballooning, chair lift rides, atv tours, horseback riding, biking, hiking, picnics, shopping and plenty of restaurants. easy day trips to leadville, vail or even glenwood springs to sit in the hot pools.
be sure you take some warm clothes as it will be quite cool at high altitude and at night. you could even see snow.

here's a link to an altitude site: http://www.summitcove.com/area-info/...e-sickness.php

Thanks very much to all!

Here is a link to thread here on Fodors regarding altitude:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34865407

FYI - late September is not "off/low season" here in SW. It is prime "autumn" season with warm sunny days with blue skies and cool, crisp evenings. The nicest one too{IMHO].

Here is a thread to that point:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35053332

Debi