As a mesmerizing natural amphitheater with stunning geological formations for world-class hikes and concerts, visitors must be aware of the potential challenges posed by the very high altitude. As a local Colorado company, in this guide we'll explore everything you need to know about Red Rocks altitude and the best known tips to avoid Red Rocks altitude sickness.
Nestled in the foothills of Morrison Colorado, Red Rocks altitude sits at approximately 6,450 feet above sea level. This puts the park and amphitheater over 1,000 feet above Denver, which is only 20 miles away.
With elevations this high, Red Rock visitors should be well prepared, especially those coming from sea level.
Yes, Red Rocks is considered high altitude.
Over 4,900 feet is declared as high altitude according to Mountain Medicine.² This puts Red Rocks in the high altitude category at 6,450 feet above sea level.
Yes, you can get altitude sickness at Red Rocks.
The University Of Michigan states that altitude sickness can start at 6000,³ but in Colorado even in Denver at 5280 feet visitors can feel altitude sickness.
Based on these mountain sickness facts, you have a high risk of altitude sickness when visiting Red Rocks, even more so if coming from sea level.
Red Rocks altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness, happens from the lack of oxygen in the air. Red Rocks has around 4% less oxygen than that is found at sea level, causing a deprivation.⁴
This leads to hypoxia, taking a major toll on the body. In addition, oxidative stress increases at high altitudes and the dry climate of Colorado further exacerbates dehydration. Signs of discomfort can start to show including symptoms like headache, nausea, or feeling ill.
Symptoms of Red Rocks altitude sickness may include:
The combination of these symptoms can make your Red Rocks trip miserable. It's best to be well prepared, you can follow our top tips below.
Yes, visitors should worry about altitude sickness in Colorado.
At an average altitude of 6,800 feet, Colorado is the highest state in America. Whether visiting Red Rocks, Denver, Colorado Springs, Garden Of The Gods, or going straight into the Rocky Mountains, your chances of getting altitude sickness are very high.
The National Jewish Health estimates 1 in 5 travelers suffer from altitude sickness in Colorado's mountains.⁶
While Red Rocks is an unforgettable experience, altitude sickness can be a major damper for visitors. No matter whether visiting for a concert at the Amphitheatre or hiking the beautiful trails, preparation is a must.
As a Colorado based company with over 10 years of high-altitude experience, we'll share with you our top tips to avoid Red Rocks altitude sickness.
Here's 6 tips to avoid altitude sickness and make the most of your time at Red Rocks:
By following these six tips, you can help avoid Red Rocks altitude sickness so you can relish in the remarkable experience — these tips include getting proper hydration, acclimating gradually, avoiding strenuous activity, sleeping well, limiting alcohol, and taking glutathione. Now go enjoy a better Red Rocks trip!
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SOURCES:
1. Red Rocks Amphitheatre Elevation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Rocks_Amphitheatre
2. Effects of high altitude on humans
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_high_altitude_on_humans
3. Altitude Sickness University Of Michigan Health Service
https://uhs.umich.edu/travel-altitude-sickness
4. Oxygen Levels at Altitude
https://wildsafe.org/resources/ask-the-experts/altitude-safety-101/oxygen-levels/
5. Patient education: High-altitude illness (including mountain sickness)
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/high-altitude-illness-including-mountain-sickness-beyond-the-basics/print#
6. Altitude Sickness Colorado & Oxygen Therapy
https://www.nationaljewish.org/patients-visitors/visiting-us/travel/altitude-sickness
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. Sleep: The Secret Ingredient of Injury Recovery
https://www.orthocarolina.com/media/sleep-the-secret-ingredient-of-injury-recovery
9. Effects of Alcohol
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/01.HYP.29.6.1278#
10. High altitude and oxidative stress
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17482529/
11. Effect of high altitude (7,620 m) exposure on glutathione
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11320641/
12. Oxidative Stress and Diseases Associated with High-Altitude Exposure
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8868315/
13. The Golden Hotel - Red Rocks Park Amphitheatre Altitude
https://www.thegoldenhotel.com/red-rocks-park-amphitheatre/
