3 Tips To Avoid Glenwood Springs Altitude Sickness
Whether you're going to the Glenwood Springs for vacation, or as a pitstop, altitude sickness can be a big setback. Being based out of Colorado, we'll give you all the details you need to know about Glenwood Springs altitude and avoiding Glenwood Springs altitude sickness.
Glenwood Springs Altitude
Glenwood Springs altitude sits at 5,761 feet above sea level, which is slightly higher than Denver.
- Glenwood Springs altitude - 5,761 ft (1,756 m)
While Glenwood Springs altitude is considered mild in elevation for the Rocky Mountains, there's still risk of altitude sickness, and much higher elevations if you plan to visit its surrounding areas and outdoor activities.
Glenwood Springs is one of the go-to vacation destinations for the beautiful Rocky Mountains, with picturesque views, the great outdoors, skiing and hiking all around, and one of the biggest hot springs destinations in Colorado.
The altitude of the surrounding areas of Glenwood Springs includes:
- Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park at 7,160' feet
- Sunlight Mountain at 9,895' feet
- Hanging Lake at 7,323′ feet
- Red Mountain at 13,914′ feet
- Aspen Mountain Resort at 7,945' to 11,212' feet
- Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort at  8,104' to 12,510' feet
- Maroon Bells 14,163′
If visiting Glenwood Springs it's best to be prepared for its altitude, we'll cover those tips below.
Glenwood Springs Altitude Sickness
While Glenwood Springs is no Mount Everest when it comes to altitude, if you're visiting for the first time you may experience altitude sickness.
At close to 6,000 feet high, the lower air pressure will have less oxygen. With less oxygen, increased respiration, and the dry Colorado climate, it's a recipe for altitude sickness.
Symptoms of Glenwood Springs altitude sickness may start with a mild headache or fatigue, and develop within 24-72 hours. All of the possible symptoms may include:
- headache
- fatigue or tiredness
- nausea or vomiting
- dizziness
- poor sleep
- trouble breathing
Be on the look out for these type of symptoms, and learn below how best to avoid Glenwood Springs altitude sickness.
3 Tips To Avoid Glenwood Springs Altitude Sickness
Despite the incredible views, endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and stunning natural setting, altitude sickness can get the best of you in Glenwood Springs.
Being based out of Colorado, we'll cover 3 tips to help you avoid Glenwood Springs altitude sickness naturally.
3 tips to avoid Glenwood Springs altitude sickness:
1. Get Yourself Hydrated
The first thing you should do when you arrive in Glenwood Springs is drink lots of water. Dehydration is one of the leading causes of altitude sickness, so be sure you're drinking plenty not only while visiting but also days leading up to your trip.
You need at least half your body weight in ounces of water, your body uses up more fluid than usual when at altitude and dry climates. Most people visiting Colorado are actually dehydrated and don't even know, make sure to drink plenty of water even if you don't feel thirsty.
If you're doing strenuous outdoor activities such as skiing or hiking, carry a bottle of water with you to help hydrate yourself consistently throughout the day.
Lastly, avoid alcohol and smoking which can further dehydrate your body, until you feel no signs of altitude sickness.
TIP: For enhanced hydration, add sea salt to your foods or take Zaca's
chewable electrolyte tablets that increase water absorption and electrolyte intake.
2. Take It Easy & Acclimate
Altitude sickness can happen if you head straight for the mountains without taking time to acclimate first. Don't do too much too soon. Your body needs time to adjust to the thinner air at this elevation.
Taking it easy is the best strategy for dealing with altitude sickness in Glenwood Springs. If you're visiting from sea level, don't plan on going hiking, skiing or any outdoor activities right away.
Your body needs time to adjust to the lack of oxygen at higher altitudes before engaging in vigorous physical activity. If coming from outside of Colorado, many visitors will spend a night or two in Denver first to help ease the body. If going straight to Glenwood Springs, take 1-2 nights to relax before exploring.
Getting good sleep each night is another important step, which allows your body to rejuvenate and recover faster.
3. Take Altitude Supplements
Altitude supplements, while the least commonly known solution, are some of the best and most effective options.
In our research we have found two high altitude ingredients with studies to back them:
1. Glutathione - As an antioxidant that helps protect your body against free radicals and oxidative stress, Glutathione was shown in a study to deplete up to 45% by high altitudes.¹ Supplementing glutathione is a great replenishment.
2. DHM (Dihydromyricetin) - This cherished herb extract from Japanese Raisin and used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, was shown in a study to enhance high altitude performance.
² Supplementing DHM is a great boost.
The synergistic benefits of these two science-backed ingredients can enhance your Glenwood Springs experience.
This concludes our well researched tips to deal with Glenwood Springs altitude and avoid Glenwood Springs altitude sickness.
Top Altitude Supplement
Zaca chewables is a top supplement to help you rehydrate, replenish and recover. Made with natural ingredients like Glutathione and DHM in a chewable tablet, this supplement helps you reach peak performance. Whether a hard workout or trip to the mountains, each delicious berry-flavored chewable is packed with 11100mg of antioxidants, herbs and amino acids. Try Zaca chewables today and vitalize your body during mountain adventures.
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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. Glenwood Springs Elevation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenwood_Springs,_Colorado