Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are breathtakingly beautiful: mountains, river runs, lakes, plentiful wildlife and more. However, it can be pretty high in altitude. Altitude sickness can be a debilitating experience as your body tries to adjust to the altitude where you are at.
If you're planning to visit you probably are wondering can you get altitude sickness in Estes Park? Being based in Colorado we know altitude sickness well, we will answer if you can get altitude sickness in Estes Park and everything you need to know about its elevation.
Estes Park is at an elevation of 7,522 feet, which is considered high altitude. For comparison, Denver, Colorado—known as the "Mile High City"—is located at 5,280 feet above sea level. Estes Park elevates you an additional 2,200 feet above that, giving you a true high-altitude experience.
Estes Park Altitude:
It is at the foot of Rocky Mountain National Park, which rises to elevations between 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet above sea level. Of course you won't get to 14,000 feet heights unless you're climbing the largest mountains, but even driving to places like Forest Canyon Overlook will get you to 11,712 feet.
While the town of Estes Park sits at 7,522 feet, there are other points of interest around the area with varying elevations:
With varying elevations ranging from approximately 7,522 feet in the heart of Estes Park to as high as 11,796 feet at the Rocky Mountain National Park Visitors Center and 14,259 feet at Longs Peak, Estes Park offers a diverse range of altitudes to explore and enjoy.
Altitude sickness is typically defined as being 8,000 feet or higher, but can start developing as low as 3,000 to 5,000 feet. For example, visitors coming to our city of Denver at 5,280 feet can even feel altitude sickness symptoms.
So can you get altitude sickness in Estes Park? Yes. Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), can be a problem for people visiting Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park whether on vacation or on business.
These high altitude environments present a series of challenges including cold temperatures, intense sun, and reduced oxygen. Whether you get altitude sickness in Estes Park will depend on you. Some people have no symptoms at all while others are overwhelmed by the negative effects of elevation.
The most common symptoms of altitude sickness are headache, nausea, sleeping issues, fatigue, dizziness, and loss of appetite. If you begin to feel these symptoms while visiting the park, it is important to look at the steps to help below. The best way to avoid altitude sickness while visiting the park is to be preventative.
It's important to be aware of the potential risks associated with altitude sickness when visiting higher elevations like Estes Park. Your body will struggle to adapt to the reduced oxygen levels at higher altitudes, especially if coming from out of state.
Here are some common symptoms of altitude sickness to watch out for during your visit to Estes Park:
Symptoms like these in Estes usually can develop within 24 hours of arriving. With proper preparation and awareness such as our tips below, you can better enjoy the wonders that Estes Park has to offer.
To plan your Estes Park trip accordingly if you want to know how to avoid altitude sickness, follow these three steps to prevent altitude sickness.
Understanding the Estes Park altitude and taking the appropriate precautions can make your trip far more enjoyable. Whether you’re gazing at Bear Lake, driving the famed Trail Ridge Road, or just sipping hot cocoa at The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park’s elevation will leave you feeling on top of the world—literally and figuratively.
Yes, Estes Park is indeed classified as a "high-altitude" destination by exceeding 4,900 feet.
Situated at an elevation of over 7,500 feet, Estes Park can be a burden for the unexperienced. Furthermore, some spots within the park are considered "very high altitude" with heights that surpass 11,500 feet.
To avoid altitude sickness in Estes Park, there are several proactive measures you can take which are outlined above. Here are some additional tips to help you acclimate and enjoy your time in this high-altitude destination based on our experience in Colorado:
By following these tips, you can greatly reduce the chances of experiencing altitude sickness and enjoy your visit to Estes Park to the fullest.
The highest point in the Estes Park area is Trail Ridge Road, which peaks at an impressive elevation of 12,183 feet, also known as the highest continuous paved road in the US. This scenic and breathtaking road offers panoramic views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains, showcasing the stunning beauty of Estes Park from above.
If you extend to the Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak is the top elevation at 14,259 feet.
The best months to visit Estes Park are June through September, offering mild weather and the best conditions for outdoor activities, hiking and exploring the Rockies.
The summer months offer longer daylight hours, allowing visitors to make the most of their time in this beautiful area. It's important to note that Estes Park can experience unpredictable weather, even during the summer months, so it's advisable to come prepared with appropriate clothing layers and be aware of changing conditions especially if climbing one of the peaks in the Rocky Mountain National Park.
Denver, Colorado, is the closest major city, located around 70 miles southeast of Estes Park. It serves as a convenient gateway for travelers, also with it's international Denver Airport.
Boulder, Colorado, serves as the closest small city to Estes Park. Located approximately 45 miles to the south.
Estes Park's popularity stems from its irresistible combination of natural wonders, recreational opportunities, and a charming mountain-town atmosphere. Here are some reasons why Estes Park captures the hearts of visitors:
Estes Park's blend of natural wonders, recreational opportunities, and a friendly community atmosphere make it an irresistible destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Rocky Mountain National Park.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone visiting high-altitude locations in Colorado. Studies show about 25-30% of people visiting elevations above 8,000 feet experience mild symptoms, which puts visitors of Estes Park at higher risk.
If you're planning a trip to Colorado including Estes Park, it's essential to understand how long it takes to adjust to the altitude. Generally, it takes around 1-2 days for your body to acclimatize to higher elevations. Although a variety of notable sources show it can take up to 5 days to acclimate with factors such as experience, health and age.
By taking these precautionary measures to prevent altitude sickness such as ascending gradually, you can support your body's ability to adjust and acclimate better.
SOURCES:
1. Effect of high altitude (7,620 m) exposure on glutathione
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11320641/
2. Dihydromyricetin Improves Physical Performance under Simulated High Altitude
https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/fulltext/2014/11000/Dihydromyricetin_Improves_Physical_Performance.6.aspx
3. Estes Park Elevation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estes_Park,_Colorado
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