Thinking about a trip to the mountains for some rest and relaxation? Pagosa Springs in Colorado's Rocky Mountains could be the perfect spot. Known for its natural hot springs, outdoor activities, and mountain views, this small town has something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a soak, a hike, or a day of skiing, there’s one thing to keep in mind before you go: the altitude.
At 7,126 feet above sea level, Pagosa Springs offers beautiful scenery, but the elevation can be a challenge if you’re not used to it. The thinner air can affect your body, sometimes causing altitude sickness. A little preparation can go a long way in making your trip enjoyable.
Whether you’re hiking, skiing, soaking in the hot springs, or exploring the town, adjusting to the altitude is important for making the most of your visit.Being based in Colorado for over 15 years, us at Zaca know altitude like the back of our hand and are here to help you prepare. In this guide, I’ll share some straightforward tips to help you handle the altitude, stay comfortable, and enjoy everything Pagosa Springs has to offer. So grab a cup of coffee (maybe decaf—stay hydrated!) and let’s dive into how you can prepare for your trip to Pagosa Springs.
Before we get into the details about altitude and what you need to know, let’s take a moment to learn about the town of Pagosa Springs. Located in southwest Colorado, this destination is known for its natural beauty and small-town vibe. Pagosa Springs is famous for its hot springs, including some of the world’s deepest geothermal hot springs, great for relaxing while enjoying mountain views. The San Juan range provides a backdrop for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and hot air ballooning. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the weather and locals make it a welcoming place. Whether you’re into outdoor activities, relaxation, or exploring new places, Pagosa Springs has something for you.
Quick Facts:
Visitors flock here for serene hot springs, exhilarating outdoor adventures like hiking and mountain biking, and the town's peaceful charm, which offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, its elevation deserves a place on your radar, especially if you're new to high-altitude destinations.
Pagosa Springs is perched at an impressive elevation of 7,126 feet above sea level, offering visitors breathtaking mountain views and fresh, crisp alpine air. For comparison, this is much higher than Denver, the "Mile High City," which sits at 5,280 feet.
Located just 23 miles northeast of Pagosa Springs, the Wolf Creek Ski Area boasts an even higher altitude, making it a favorite destination for many Pagosa Springs visitors. The base elevation of Wolf Creek sits at 10,300 feet, while the summit reaches 11,904 feet, offering an incredible experience for skiing enthusiasts.
Absolutely. According to the NIH, any elevation above 5,000 feet is classified as high altitude. With Pagosa Springs sitting at over 7,000 feet above sea level, it’s certainly in the high-altitude category. Visitors may notice significant differences compared to lower elevations, such as changes in breathing or physical exertion.
Additionally, Pagosa Springs is part of Colorado's high desert plateau, making it both a high-altitude and high-desert location located within the Rocky Mountains.
Pagosa Springs stands at an elevation of over 7,000 feet, which places it comfortably within the range of many other renowned Colorado mountain towns. Here’s a comparison of elevations for some notable destinations:
Pagosa Springs may not boast the highest elevation in Colorado, but it still offers stunning alpine scenery and access to outdoor adventures comparable to its loftier neighbors. Sitting well above Denver, the famed “Mile-High City,” Pagosa Springs provides a higher altitude experience. While its elevation is slightly lower than Telluride, visitors will still notice the thinner air. No matter where you venture in Colorado’s mountain regions, it’s essential to prepare for the effects of altitude.
If you’ve never been to high altitude, here’s a heads-up—your body might take some time to adjust. Even us Colorado folks notice changes in breathing, energy, or needing more water. Stick around to learn about altitude sickness and how to handle it!
Pagosa Springs puts you at a high risk for altitude sickness. Even in Denver, where our company Zaca is based at 5,280 feet above sea level, visitors frequently experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Pagosa Springs sits nearly 2,000 feet higher, creating an even more challenging environment where altitude sickness is even more prevalent.
At higher altitudes, the air holds less oxygen, forcing your body to work harder to supply adequate oxygen to your muscles and organs. This can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to more severe effects. In Pagosa Springs, for instance, the oxygen level is 23% lower than at sea level (source: Hypoxico).
Pagosa Springs’ high elevation can lead to altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness, especially for visitors coming from lower altitudes. Even we locals from Denver feel the difference and can struggle to adjust to the thinner air and reduced oxygen levels. Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and extreme fatigue may arise as your body adapts.
These symptoms typically occur within the first 24 hours of arrival, so it’s essential to remain mindful of how your body reacts to the altitude. To make the most of your trip, check out our expert tips below to minimize the impact of altitude sickness and fully enjoy your time in Pagosa Springs.
Nestled near the New Mexico border and surrounded by the breathtaking San Juan National Forest, Pagosa Springs is one of Colorado's most popular destinations. However, for out-of-town visitors, the high altitude can present some challenges. As a local Colorado company, we’re here to share our expertise on handling altitude sickness so you can fully enjoy your trip.
Traveling from sea level to 7,000 feet is a significant elevation change, and your body needs time to adjust. To minimize the effects of altitude, it’s best to ascend gradually whenever possible.
Consider flying into Denver or Colorado Springs and spending a few nights there at a lower altitude before heading to Pagosa Springs. This allows your body to acclimate and makes your journey more comfortable.
Quality sleep is vital at high altitudes, as it plays a key role in improving blood flow, oxygen levels, and overall physical recovery. Proper rest helps the body adapt to reduced oxygen levels, which is especially important for maintaining energy and adjusting. (source: OrthoCarolina).
In Pagosa Springs, aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to support your well-being.
PRO TIP: Boost your melatonin production by soaking up natural sunlight for 20-30 minutes daily—it’s a simple way to help your body wind down at night.
High elevations have been proven to speed up fluid loss twice as fast (source: SummitOxygen).
Prioritize hydration by carrying a water bottle throughout the day and shoot for drinking 2-4 liters each day.
PRO TIP: To improve your hydration, add sea salt to your water and take Zaca’s chewables which aid in water absorption at the cellular level.
High altitudes are known to significantly increase oxidative stress, leading to a noticeable decline in glutathione levels—your body’s master antioxidant. In fact, research shows that glutathione can decrease by up to 45% under high-altitude conditions (PubMed 1, 2, 3).
To counteract this oxidative stress, consider boosting your antioxidant levels with supplements like glutathione or vitamin C.
Combining alcohol with high altitudes can pose challenges for many people. Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, fatigue, and even dehydration, which can worsen in thinner mountain air.
When you arrive in Pagosa Springs, it's best to allow your body time to adjust to the altitude before indulging in alcoholic beverages. By limiting alcohol consumption for the first 1-2 nights, you can give yourself the opportunity to acclimate fully.
Doing too much too fast can take a serious toll on your body, especially at higher altitudes. Whether you're skiing at Wolf Creek (10,300 feet) or hiking the rugged trails of the San Juan Mountains (up to 14,000 feet), it's important to listen to your body and assess how you’re feeling first.
Take it slow and give yourself time to adjust to the altitude and thinner air. Avoid jumping into strenuous activities too soon, as this can lead to fatigue or even worsen altitude sickness. By pacing yourself and letting your body acclimate, you’ll have a much better experience and recover faster.
Locals and travelers swear by Zaca Chewables for a quick boost in the mountains. Whether you're hiking, skiing, or climbing in the Rockies, these handy chewables help you stay hydrated and recover faster. Packed with antioxidants, herbs, and amino acids—we originally made this supplement to enjoy our own backyard mountains, and now it’s here to support all your adventures too.
No messy powders, no hassle—just pop 2-4 chewables a day and you're good to go. Toss them in your bag and enjoy them on the move. Ready to feel the difference? Try Zaca Chewables today and see why outdoor enthusiasts can’t get enough of them!
No visit to Pagosa Springs is complete without a soak in the hot springs. Rich in minerals, these geothermal pools are a great place to relax and recover after a day in the mountains. With views and waters reaching temperatures up to 110°F, the springs are an experience you don’t want to miss.
Some popular spots to explore include:
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Pagosa Springs, a destination surrounded by nature. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, relaxation, or local experiences, this town has something for everyone. Here are some highlights we want to point out:
Pagosa Springs is the ultimate destination for adventure in nature’s playground, and we’re here to help you make the most of it. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a relaxing soak in the famous hot springs—it’s the perfect way to recharge after a day of exploring.
Whether you’re hiking, skiing, or just soaking in the stunning views, Pagosa Springs makes every moment unforgettable. Pack smart and toss Zaca chewables in your bag—they’re our go-to for high-altitude support and staying at your best. Embrace the magic of Pagosa with us!
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