Glenwood Springs Altitude: Plus 5 Tips
Whether visiting or a stop in-between your destination, Glenwood Springs altitude is higher than most US cities. As a company with a decade of high-elevation experience, we’ll dive into what you need to know about Glenwood Springs altitude and our top tips to avoid Glenwood Springs altitude sickness.
Glenwood Springs Altitude
Glenwood Springs altitude sits at 5,883 feet above sea level. This is a very similar elevation than Denver, which is 5,280 feet high.
Glenwood Springs Altitude:
- Glenwood Springs Altitude - 5,883 ft (1,793 m)
Whether you're an avid hiker, a skiing enthusiast, or simply seeking nature, Glenwood Springs opens up a world of nearby alpine adventures.
- Glenwood Springs Adventure Park Elevation - 7,100 ft (2,200 m)
- Glenwood Hot Springs Elevation - 5,763 feet (1756 m)
While at a very high altitude for out of state visitors, Glenwood Springs is a great place to stop off I-70 similar to Idaho Springs due to being lower than surrounding towns such as Aspen and Snowmass.
Is Glenwood Springs High Altitude?
Yes, Glenwood Springs is considered high altitude.
High altitude is any place exceeding 4,900 feet, which Glenwood Springs meets.²
That being said, Glenwood Springs is lower than most of the towns including Aspen at 7,908 feet, Snowmass at 8,100 feet, and Vail at 8,150 feet.
Can You Get Altitude Sickness in Glenwood Springs?
Yes, you can get altitude sickness in Glenwood Springs.
According to Travel Medicine Consultants altitude sickness starts at 4,000 feet, which puts Glenwood Springs at risk.³
Even in Denver at 5,280 feet which is nearly 600 feet lower than Glenwood Springs, visitors often experience altitude sickness.
Glenwood Springs Altitude Sickness
As you ascend to the higher elevation, Glenwood Springs altitude sickness becomes an issue with the reduces oxygen levels.
Between less oxygen and other stresses like oxidative stress, your body may have a hard time acclimating and lead to headaches, nausea, and fatigue.
Symptoms of Glenwood Springs altitude sickness may include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble sleeping or insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling sick or ill
You’re typically at risk of altitude sickness within 6-24 hours upon your arrival at Glenwood Springs. Knowing these signs and taking proactive precautions will help you maximize your time in Glenwood Springs and other Rocky Mountain destinations.
5 Tips To Avoid Altitude Sickness In Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs beckons with its stunning landscapes, but the change in elevation can pose challenges for the unprepared.
To ensure a pleasant experience, we present five crucial tips to navigate the elevation with our decade of high-altitude experience.
Here’s 5 Tips To Avoid Altitude Sickness in Glenwood Springs:
1. Prioritize Sleep
One of the often overlooked yet key factors in combating high altitude is sufficient sleep. Adequate sleep is shown to help your body recover, and even increase blood flow and oxygen.⁶
Prioritize a good night's sleep before and during your stay, at least 7-9 hours. In addition, if you can get at least 30 minutes of natural daylight each day, it can help promote melatonin production at night.
2. Get Maximum Hydration
The dry, high-altitude mountain air in Glenwood Springs can lead to increased fluid loss, making dehydration a problem. So much that it’s been estimated that fluid loss is happen twice as fast at high elevation than sea level.⁷
Hydrate when you ascend. Opt for drinking water consistently, many recommend half your body weight in water per day.
3. Take It Slow
Rushing into strenuous activities upon arrival in Glenwood Springs can increase the stress on your body. This can lengthen your time to acclimate.
Instead, adopt a slow, gradual approach. Starting with low-intensity activities and avoiding adventuring out to high-altitude places such as hanging lake at 7,323 feet in altitude.
Once you feel more acclimated, you can increase your activity level.
4. Moderate Alcohol Intake
While indulging at the local brews in Glenwood Springs can be tempting, the moderation of alcohol plays a role.
Alcohol can lead to dehydration and other symptoms like headaches that are very similar to altitude sickness, only intensifying the situation.
If you choose to enjoy drinks, avoid it or do so in moderation until you feel good and adjusted to the altitude.
5. Boost Your Antioxidants
Antioxidants play a crucial role in combating the oxidative stress, which is induced by high altitudes. One study showed glutathione, considered the mother of antioxidants, to deplete in high elevation by 45%.
Fortify your body against altitude stress and free radicals by boosting your antioxidants, including nutrients such as glutathione.
Don’t let the altitude risk hinder your exploration of the majestic Glenwood Springs. By prioritizing sleep, staying hydrated, taking a gradual approach, moderating alcohol consumption, and fortifying your body with antioxidants, you can elevate your experience and enjoy all that Glenwood Springs has to offer.
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SOURCES:
1. Glenwood Springs Elevation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenwood_Springs,_Colorado
2. Effects of high altitude on humans
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_high_altitude_on_humans
3. High Altitude Illness
https://www.travelsurenyc.com/high-altitude-illness/
4. Glenwood Hot Springs - Acclimate To The Altitude
https://www.hotspringspool.com/blog/help-your-flatlander-guests-acclimate-altitude
5. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park Elevation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenwood_Caverns_Adventure_Park
6. Sleep: The Secret Ingredient of Injury Recovery
https://www.orthocarolina.com/media/sleep-the-secret-ingredient-of-injury-recovery
7. Why Do You Need to Drink a Lot of Water at a High Altitude?
https://www.livestrong.com/article/360485-how-to-train-for-high-altitude-hiking
8. High altitude and oxidative stress
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17482529/
9. Effect of high altitude (7,620 m) exposure on glutathione
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11320641/
10. Oxidative Stress and Diseases Associated with High-Altitude Exposure
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8868315/