High Altitude Tips

Denver, CO

5,280 ft in elevation

Denver really is exactly one mile high. By an amazing stroke of good luck, there is a step on the State Capitol Building that is exactly 5,280 feet above sea level - one mile high. Which step? Well, the 11th step is carved in stone as a mile high, but in 1969, it was found that the actual spot was 4 steps higher. In 2002, it was discovered that Denver is 3 feet higher than previously thought. So take your pick of steps - but one of them is assuredly one mile high. In Denver's rarified air, golf balls go ten percent farther. So do cocktails. Alcoholic drinks pack more of a wallop than at sea level. The sun feels warmer, because you're closer to it, but your coffee is cooler, because water boils at 202 degrees. Mile High Denver is also extremely dry, so it is good idea to drink more water than normal. With less water vapor in the air at this altitude, the sky really is bluer in Colorado. But there's 25 percent less protection from the sun, so sunscreen is a must.

• "Drink plenty of water" before your trip to Denver and while you are here.    Colorado tends to be dry like the desert. You need about twice as much water here as you would drink at home.  It is recommended that you go easy on the alcohol in the mountains and in Denver, as your alcohol goes further here. If you normally run 10 miles a day, you might try 6 miles in Denver until you adjust.

• Eat foods high in potassium:  broccoli, bananas, avocado, cantaloupe, bran products, celery, greens, bran, chocolate, granola, dates, dried fruit,  potatoes, tomatoes, etc.

• What to bring: Denver receives over 300 days of sunshine each year; more than San Diego or Miami). Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm… even in winter. There is 25% less protection from the sun’s rays at Denver’s 5,280 feet elevation. 

• Weather: 2 days before your trip to Denver, check into www.weather.com for the latest on weather and temperature.  Please use this information to pack appropriately. Because Denver is closer to the Sun it can feel much warmer but can cool down in the evening, particularly in the Spring and Fall. It is best to layer clothing.

• Altitude:  Don't let anything you hear about the high altitude scare you. The air is just thinner. Many people with respiratory problems move to Denver for the dry air. The mayor of Denver moved here when he was 7 with his family, because of his asthma.

High Altitude Tips

Denver, CO

5,280 ft in elevation

Denver really is exactly one mile high. By an amazing stroke of good luck, there is a step on the State Capitol Building that is exactly 5,280 feet above sea level - one mile high. Which step? Well, the 11th step is carved in stone as a mile high, but in 1969, it was found that the actual spot was 4 steps higher. In 2002, it was discovered that Denver is 3 feet higher than previously thought. So take your pick of steps - but one of them is assuredly one mile high. In Denver's rarified air, golf balls go ten percent farther. So do cocktails. Alcoholic drinks pack more of a wallop than at sea level. The sun feels warmer, because you're closer to it, but your coffee is cooler, because water boils at 202 degrees. Mile High Denver is also extremely dry, so it is good idea to drink more water than normal. With less water vapor in the air at this altitude, the sky really is bluer in Colorado. But there's 25 percent less protection from the sun, so sunscreen is a must.

• "Drink plenty of water" before your trip to Denver and while you are here.    Colorado tends to be dry like the desert. You need about twice as much water here as you would drink at home.  It is recommended that you go easy on the alcohol in the mountains and in Denver, as your alcohol goes further here. If you normally run 10 miles a day, you might try 6 miles in Denver until you adjust.

• Eat foods high in potassium:  broccoli, bananas, avocado, cantaloupe, bran products, celery, greens, bran, chocolate, granola, dates, dried fruit,  potatoes, tomatoes, etc.

• What to bring: Denver receives over 300 days of sunshine each year; more than San Diego or Miami). Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm… even in winter. There is 25% less protection from the sun’s rays at Denver’s 5,280 feet elevation. 

• Weather: 2 days before your trip to Denver, check into www.weather.com for the latest on weather and temperature.  Please use this information to pack appropriately. Because Denver is closer to the Sun it can feel much warmer but can cool down in the evening, particularly in the Spring and Fall. It is best to layer clothing.

• Altitude:  Don't let anything you hear about the high altitude scare you. The air is just thinner. Many people with respiratory problems move to Denver for the dry air. The mayor of Denver moved here when he was 7 with his family, because of his asthma.