Curious about Colorado Springs altitude sickness or the altitude of Colorado Springs? Are you planning a visit or thinking thinking about moving to the area? Wondering if that elevation is really as big a deal as everyone says it is? Whether you’re living in Colorado Springs, planning to visit, or vacationing here, we'll share everything you need to know in this complete guide for Colorado Springs altitude sickness.
Colorado Springs is known for its beautiful outdoor scenery and views. The city has many parks and trails to enjoy its natural beauty. There's many outdoor recreational activities and opportunities available year-round that attracts both visitors and movers alike. Hiking is a popular pastime with trails throughout the area. Climbers enjoy visiting Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak for climbing excursions during all seasons of the year. Shooting sports are popular with indoor and outdoor ranges available nearby. USA Olympic facilities are headquartered in Colorado Springs, as with the altitude it's a fertile training environment. These are just some of the many reasons for Colorado Springs popularity.
With our company Zaca based out of Colorado, we have first hand experience and information on the altitude effects. Colorado Springs altitude can be challenging to adjust to. Making a trip can leave you wishing you had just stayed home. If you plan to live or travel to Colorado Springs then you will want to know the effects of altitude on people. This comprehensive guide to Colorado Springs altitude answers all the important questions including how and why altitude affects people.
Altitude sickness occurs when you travel to a higher altitude too quickly. Altitude sickness (also known as acute mountain sickness, AMS or altitude illness) is a form of hypoxia, or oxygen deficiency. It occurs mostly intensively above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) above sea level, but can start to occur at altitudes over 3,000 feet.
Causes: Why do some people get altitude sickness while others don't? Essentially, it has to do with how your body reacts to the decreased oxygen levels at higher altitudes. Your body has a natural response to protect itself from low levels of oxygen by slowing down your heart rate and blood flow. This reaction makes it feel like you're working harder than you actually are while exercising.
Colorado Springs is at an altitude of 6,035 feet. This is 755 feet higher than Denver (at 5,280 feet), making it an even higher risk for altitude sickness.
Colorado Springs Altitude:
If you are not accustomed to the altitude and when changes in altitude overpower our ability to acclimatize, there's a high chance you will experience the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Colorado Springs is the highest city on the front range of Colorado. Places in the mountains like Breckenridge is at 9,600 feet altitude and Vail is at 8,150 feet altitude, but for the front range, Colorado Springs is considered one of the highest elevations.
If you're preparing to climb a mountain like Pikes Peak, that is the most extreme altitude at 14,115 feet. Much more will need to be done to prepare at those heights, keep reading below to see how to avoid altitude sickness in Colorado.
Yes, Colorado Springs is considered high altitude.
Colorado Springs exceeds the minimum threshold of high altitude according to Mountain Medicine (stated to start at 4,900 feet).³
The air is less dense at higher altitudes and for people who are not used to that, it can cause headaches, nausea, fatigue and difficulty breathing. Symptoms of altitude sickness will vary, but will usually develop between 6 and 24 hours.
Symptoms of Colorado Springs altitude sickness may include:
For some people with mild symptoms, these are a nuisance. For others, they are more severe and may keep them from doing what they would normally do at lower altitude. Some people don't get any symptoms until they have been at higher altitude for a while. Finally, there are people who have serious problems right away. Most people will feel some shortness of breath if they climb a flight of stairs quickly when they first arrive at higher altitude. However, some people develop what is called "acute mountain sickness" or AMS. It is important to recognize this as soon as possible because it can become more serious without proper precautions and preparation. It is difficult to predict who will get AMS and why.
Why do some people get altitude sickness while others don't? Essentially, it has to do with how your body reacts to the decreased oxygen levels at higher altitudes. Your body has a natural response to protect itself from low levels of oxygen by slowing down your heart rate and blood flow. This reaction makes it feel like you're working harder than you actually are while exercising.
How do you avoid altitude sickness in Colorado? That's a common question. The good news, there's a few things you can do to help prevent altitude sickness. As a company where we work with hotels throughout Colorado dealing with tourists altitude sickness, we complied our top three tips below. As with anything else, prevention is your best bet. If you know you're headed to high altitudes, take extra care to prepare yourself. That way, even if symptoms of altitude sickness do start to crop up, they'll be mild and temporary.
Since 2008, Zaca been passionate about creating a high quality natural supplements that supports the Colorado lifestyle. Our Zaca chewables has been used by tens of thousands of visitors and locals alike for altitude. Formulated with a unique blend of high altitude ingredients including both Glutathione and Glutamine, the synergistic benefits help your body rehydrate, replenish and recover. With 1200mg of ingredients, take these fast-acting chewables prior to arriving at high altitude and the during each day. Try Zaca's altitude supplement today to feel and perform at your peak.
SOURCES:
1. The Possible Importance of Glutamine Supplementation to Mood and Cognition in Hypoxia from High Altitude
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7760805/
2. Colorado Springs Elevation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorado_Springs,_Colorado
3. Effects of high altitude on humans
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_high_altitude_on_humans
4. How to Prevent Altitude Sickness In Colorado Springs
https://www.hydratetoelevate.com/hydration-treatment/combat-altitude-sickness-in-colorado-springs/
