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The Effects of Altitude and Altitude Sickness

Lower levels of oxygen at altitude (more than 8,000 feet) affect people differently. Even fit, experienced hikers can have an off day due to altitude-related fatigue. It’s important to know thyself—a worsening headache, lack of concentration, upset stomach, and elevated fatigue are all signs of mild AMS (acute mountain sickness). AMS can turn serious if not dealt with, even at Colorado’s modestly low elevations (relatively speaking).

Of course, the tricky question here is this: How do I know if I’m experiencing AMS or just the inevitable fatigue of climbing a mountain?

A slightly dull headache is very common and isn’t necessarily cause to turn around. Fast-acting ibuprofen (such as Advil Liqui-Gels) can stave off such headaches. Remember, a lot of people (this author included) wake up earlier than normal to hike, plus driving has a weariness all of its own. Preventative medication is common, especially when you know mountain hiking may aggravate your knees or back.

Nearly all hikers lose a bit of power at altitude, especially over 11,500 feet. Brief shortness of breath is expected. Steady hiking, with well-paced rests, is the way to go.

There are telltale signs of legit AMS however; these include the following:

• Change in personality and enthusiasm; irritability, indifference, or sudden silence should be noted.

• Extreme fatigue, as evidenced in slumped-over positions while resting.

• Vacant eyes, confusion, and slow comprehension.

• Sudden pounding headache and intense light sensitivity, often with nausea.

• Prolonged coughing.

Those suffering from these conditions should descend immediately (and if possible they should not be left to descend alone). Most altitude-related symptoms will (mercifully) go away when returning to lower elevations, sometimes as little as a thousand vertical feet. If symptoms do not clear up within 2–3 hours after returning to low altitude, seek medical attention.

The occasional randomness of AMS is one of the many good reasons it’s worth hiking with trusted partners who know you well enough to notice significant changes in your personality—and vice versa. As someone who values hiking solo, I put extra emphasis on “checking in” with my body more often on adventures where I am by myself.

Preparing for high-altitude hikes isn’t something that happens overnight. If I’ve been out of the mountains more than a month, I work my way back up to them by undertaking lower summits or easier days between 8,000 and 11,000 feet to get my body back in shape. Fitness does play a role in AMS, as does one’s mental state. If you know how a steep trail feels at 9,000 feet, then you won’t be alarmed if you feel the same fatigue at 13,000 feet.

In general, those living above 5,000 feet can visit the high peaks as day hikes with little trouble. Be especially aware when you have friends coming to town from sea level—let them work up to the bigger mountains!

First Aid Kit

A good first aid kit should be packed to address the common types of illnesses and injuries on mountain hikes. Because hiking at altitude tends to have regular medical issues, here’s a look at what should be in your first aid kit:

• Painkillers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin)—These will get a lot of use, so make sure you are stocked up both for yourself and your hiking companions/others you meet on the trail!

• Antacids—chewable Tums can help with altitude-related sour stomach.

• Blister pads and medical tape

• Adhesive bandages of various sizes (especially knuckle/finger size)

• Butterfly bandages

• Medical scissors

• Antibiotic ointment

• Sterile pads (two medium, two large)

• Alcohol pads

• Roller bandages

• Body thermometer

• Sugar packets/sugar candies

• Feminine sanitary pads

• Rubber gloves

• Sterile tweezers

• Syringe to wash out wounds

• Safety pins

• Plastic bags

• Foam-lined aluminum splint (such as a SAM splint)

• Laxatives

• Pen and paper (to record vitals/accident info)

• Sunscreen and lip balm

• Hand warmers

• CPR mask

• Small knife or multitool

• Energy gels

• Small LED flashlight

• Eye drops

• Burn cream

In addition, those with known allergic reactions to bees should carry an epinephrine pen.

Mountain Weather

Reading mountain weather is an art that is often practiced but never mastered. The best way to avoid storms is to start early (4–6 a.m., or earlier if you can) and be off all summits by 11 a.m. at the latest. Even with a perfect forecast, hikers should expect thunderstorms every day between May and September around 1 p.m. A barometer is useful to track incoming weather; in a very general sense, a dropping barometer means storms are brewing, while a rising barometer means the sky is clearing.

Just because storms regularly come in after noon does NOT mean they cannot develop earlier in the day. In June 2015, with a clear forecast, 15 people were injured when a bolt struck Mount Bierstadt shortly after 11 a.m. Thunderstorms are not to be trifled with. If there is already lightning and thunder before 10 a.m., it’s best to come back another day. Storms can grow in a matter of minutes. I’ve seen pristine blue sky shift to violent storms in under 15 minutes at all times of the day.

Autumn is a fantastic time to hike, especially mid-September–mid-October. Storms are less likely to develop, the weather is cooler, and the change of seasons means fewer people on the mountains (though most hikes in this guide are already low traffic).

Be aware of the forecast for the day, and keep an eye for building thunderheads, which rise up in great, puffy columns with a dark bottom. Also, even in midsummer, a day can go from hot to cold in a flash—make sure you have enough clothes in your pack for chilly conditions.

Nutrition and Hydration

Over the years, I’ve developed a system that makes sure I stay hydrated and well fed throughout the day. I try to take in 100–200 calories per hour (usually in the form of gels or gummies) and drink small sips of water every 15–20 minutes. I often have plenty of water left over after hikes, but it beats the alternative. I take 48–90 ounces of water, depending on the length and difficulty of the day.

With food, I’ve found my performance is greatly improved when I avoid breads, bagels, and other carb-heavy foods while on the trail. Protein-based food (nuts, salmon, energy bars) is what your body craves and is easier to digest on the move.

One mistake many, many hikers make—even very experienced hikers—is they don’t eat and drink enough on descents. While the hardest part of the day may be over, remain vigilant with your food (and sunscreen!) until the hike is done. A lot of people get dehydrated on the descent because they aren’t sweating as much, but rest assured your body is burning through its water even when you are standing still!

GPS and Cell Reception

GPS is a wonderful tool. The affordability and ubiquitousness of smartphone apps mean there is little excuse to not have GPS on your side. I strongly consider investing in a handheld, dedicated GPS unit (such as the Garmin Oregon 650t, used in this book) if you plan to undertake off-trail hikes. If you do prefer to use a smartphone app, make sure it’s one that can work in airplane mode to conserve battery life.

Because many of the hikes in this guide are well within cell phone range, chances are you’ll have reception in a lot of places. Cell communication is a nice backup for emergencies, but don’t count on it being reliable (especially the farther west you go). If you’re planning on heading into the deep wilderness in the Gore Range or do a lot of solo hiking, consider an emergency locator device such as the DeLorme inReach, which will get a satellite lock nearly anywhere in the wilderness.

And as many a crusty, old hiker would lament, be competent with a compass and map. When technology fails, the magnetic field of the earth remains the champion of uptime.

All the GPS tracks used in this book are available online for free use at mountainouswords.com/I70-hikes and are available in the .gpx and .kmz formats.

Hiking with Dogs

Hiking with dogs may be my favorite way to explore the mountains, but it is a big responsibility. There are a lot of opinions on what terrain is acceptable for dogs, especially since every dog is different. Here are some general rules for hiking with your canine pals:

• Please obey all leash laws in wilderness areas. They are there for the safety of your dog as much as they are for the wildlife.

• If your dog isn’t good with other hikers or dogs, keep them on leash (or seek out quieter hikes).

• Make sure you have more than enough food and water for your dog. I generally bring along an extra 48–80 ounces for my two dogs and top off my personal water to 100 ounces. Likewise, I make sure they have some healthy, yummy treats and make a point to feed them whenever I snack.

• Account for your dog by adding pet-specific items to your first aid kit. This includes pet wrap, needle-nose pliers (for thorns, porcupine quills, and so on), emergency blanket, paw wax (for heat or snow), and extra food. Additionally, a bear bell on the collar is a keen idea. Make sure your pups have some sort of orange vest or marking during hunting season.

My personal policy: Never take dogs on terrain harder than Class 2. There is no value in putting them in needlessly dangerous situations, even when they are physically capable. It’s irresponsible to project your climbing ego onto your dog. Save the Class 1 and 2 adventures for them—there are plenty in this book!

And finally, if your dog says it’s time to turn around … it’s time to go home, no questions asked.

Please consult the appendix for a list of veterinary clinics along the I-70 corridor.