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High Altitude Hiking
Posted on 2/20/18 at 12:15 am
Posted on 2/20/18 at 12:15 am
Know we have some mountaineering guys in here. I'm planning a 5ish day trip to Colorado this summer. Plan is to hike Mt Elbert, which is 14,440 ft. I have limited time in the mountains but I don't want to rush it and get altitude sickness and ruin the trip. Previously, I've climbed to 11,000 feet without much of a hitch after a couple days of acclimation.
Plan as of now is to spend the 1st day/night acclimating at 6-7,000 ft, the 2nd day/night at 10,000 feet at trailhead, then make the hike the 3rd day.
Obviously it's going to be different from person to person. But being in pretty good shape, should I expect issues, or should I spend a full 3 days acclimating?
Plan as of now is to spend the 1st day/night acclimating at 6-7,000 ft, the 2nd day/night at 10,000 feet at trailhead, then make the hike the 3rd day.
Obviously it's going to be different from person to person. But being in pretty good shape, should I expect issues, or should I spend a full 3 days acclimating?
15
Posted on 2/20/18 at 12:21 am to jimbeam
You’ll be fine if you are in shape. Day 3 will be tough and slow, but you should be fine
Posted on 2/20/18 at 12:22 am to jimbeam
Damn I don't even want to think about it. Going through colorado on I-70, I get out of breath shifting gears.
It's beautiful though.
It's beautiful though.
Posted on 2/20/18 at 3:17 am to jimbeam
Are you using Sherpas in the expedition?
Posted on 2/20/18 at 3:37 am to cypressbrake3
you'll probably be fine. even people who live at that elevation still can get altitude sickness if they go on a trip or something. Important thing is to drink plenty of water, east some carbs and don't over do it too hard on the hike.
Posted on 2/20/18 at 3:49 am to jimbeam
I think your plan ought to work fine. I don't remember the name of the trail I took at Mt Elbert (it was back in Sept., 2001), but I seem to remember it being long and just a steady climb. Nothing real steep and definitely nothing technical. Just a long steady grind.
Altitude affects different people different ways. Even people who are really in shape can have problems. I always seemed to kind of hit the wall around 13,200 or so. I really had to slow down my pace for the last 1,000' or so of elevation gain. Slow down and take your time if your breathing is really labored. And as another poster mentioned, stay hydrated.
It's a fantastic view. I hope you have good weather and a great trip.
Altitude affects different people different ways. Even people who are really in shape can have problems. I always seemed to kind of hit the wall around 13,200 or so. I really had to slow down my pace for the last 1,000' or so of elevation gain. Slow down and take your time if your breathing is really labored. And as another poster mentioned, stay hydrated.
It's a fantastic view. I hope you have good weather and a great trip.
Posted on 2/20/18 at 4:05 am to jimbeam
Also, here's a success story that I wouldn't recommend trying...
When I lived in Huntington Beach, CA (basically sea level) some friends wanted to hike Mt Whitney (14,505' now, I think. It was only 14,494' back then.) They left HB after work on Friday, got to Whitney Portal (~8,600') around midnight, slept for a couple of hours and started up the trail about 4 or 5 am. ~22 mile roundtrip and about 6,000' of elevation gain (and loss). They summited, came back down to Whitney Portal and spent the night. Drove back to HB on Sunday. I didn't go with them because it seemed like a recipe for disaster to me.
None of them had any altitude sickness. Or at least none of them admitted to having any altitude sickness. All three were in good shape, but it wasn't like they were triathletes or ultra marathoners. I was impressed by their feat, but it wasn't for me.
When I lived in Huntington Beach, CA (basically sea level) some friends wanted to hike Mt Whitney (14,505' now, I think. It was only 14,494' back then.) They left HB after work on Friday, got to Whitney Portal (~8,600') around midnight, slept for a couple of hours and started up the trail about 4 or 5 am. ~22 mile roundtrip and about 6,000' of elevation gain (and loss). They summited, came back down to Whitney Portal and spent the night. Drove back to HB on Sunday. I didn't go with them because it seemed like a recipe for disaster to me.
None of them had any altitude sickness. Or at least none of them admitted to having any altitude sickness. All three were in good shape, but it wasn't like they were triathletes or ultra marathoners. I was impressed by their feat, but it wasn't for me.
Posted on 2/20/18 at 12:15 pm to jimbeam
You’ve got a good plan for acclamation. The biggest issues I had on my first fourteener (Mt Democrat) was some lightheaded feelings around 13,500 or so. I was living in Denver at the time so I had become accustomed with high altitude hikes but still got to me a little. Best advice I can give is to pace yourself. Don’t get too hyped and trying to blaze it. Bring water! Lots of water! Would suggest a 3L camelback at minimum. When I was getting lightheaded sitting for a second and some water seemed to help. After that it got to a point to where I would count out “x” number of steps then stop and drink some water. Not to sound like I’m preaching but respect the mountain! Mother Nature is can be an unforgiving bitch. Also, prepare for huge temperature jumps by using a layering system. Be cautious of the weather as well. It can turn bad quickly at those altitudes and being above the tree line basically makes you a lightening rod. Last but not least, if you don’t think you can make it, TURN AROUND!
This post was edited on 2/20/18 at 1:08 pm
Posted on 2/20/18 at 1:55 pm to jimbeam
I was up around several 14ers last week (not to the summit too much snow). Don't forget to drink more water than you think you need. Have a water bottle on you constantly and drink it, drink it, drink it.
Hydration is a great offset to altitude.
Hydration is a great offset to altitude.
Posted on 2/20/18 at 2:17 pm to jimbeam
See a doctor and get some diamox a few days before you depart.
Posted on 2/20/18 at 2:25 pm to jrowla2
quote:
drink plenty of water
Cannot be stressed enough.
We try to go snowmobiling off of monarch pass every summer. With no acclamation, I'm wiped out after two hours of riding.
Fat, but in decent shape.
ETA: look up cuddle duds. Different name for the men's line, but they work amazingly well.
This post was edited on 2/20/18 at 2:27 pm
Posted on 2/20/18 at 2:37 pm to jimbeam
You'll be fine.
Slow and steady wins the race.
Find a nice pace you can stick with.
Drink plenty of water but remember you have to replenish your supply. If there is any.
Carry snacks. Keep refueling as you go. Even if not hungry. Shot blocks or candy is my go to. Keeps my energy level up. You will burn a lot of calories so you need to consume a lot. I keep it light.
Slow and steady wins the race.
Find a nice pace you can stick with.
Drink plenty of water but remember you have to replenish your supply. If there is any.
Carry snacks. Keep refueling as you go. Even if not hungry. Shot blocks or candy is my go to. Keeps my energy level up. You will burn a lot of calories so you need to consume a lot. I keep it light.
Posted on 2/20/18 at 2:46 pm to jimbeam
Just read a bit about the mountain.
Know which way you're headed Up?
Read there's 5 routes.
Eta....most elevation gain you'll have is 4800'. Rule of thumb is 1000' per hour so expect it to take you 5 hours or more to get up there.
Which means plan ahead. Don't let afternoon thunderstorms take the summit from you. Leave very early. Me, I'd leave at 6am. Get a lot of the strenuous hike done before the sun is beating down on top of you and you'll be heading back down before any storms roll in.
Ridge hikes are my favorite. That NE ridge route looks nice.
It says there are false summits so don't get your hopes up when you see the "summit". It can dash your positive vibe sometimes.
Know which way you're headed Up?
Read there's 5 routes.
Eta....most elevation gain you'll have is 4800'. Rule of thumb is 1000' per hour so expect it to take you 5 hours or more to get up there.
Which means plan ahead. Don't let afternoon thunderstorms take the summit from you. Leave very early. Me, I'd leave at 6am. Get a lot of the strenuous hike done before the sun is beating down on top of you and you'll be heading back down before any storms roll in.
Ridge hikes are my favorite. That NE ridge route looks nice.
It says there are false summits so don't get your hopes up when you see the "summit". It can dash your positive vibe sometimes.
This post was edited on 2/20/18 at 2:59 pm
Posted on 2/20/18 at 5:17 pm to LSUintheNW
Thanks for all the input guys. Not sure on route yet but planning on probably one of the southerlies. Also like you said planning to leave super early. Looks like a lot of people leave just before sunrise.
Have a 3L camel and I'll bring more if need be.
Have a 3L camel and I'll bring more if need be.
This post was edited on 2/20/18 at 5:19 pm
Posted on 2/20/18 at 5:27 pm to jimbeam
Just chug water. I went from Louisiana to skiing in Vail/Breckenridge and it blew my mind how fast I was getting dehydrated.
Posted on 2/20/18 at 5:53 pm to jimbeam
quote:
Have a 3L camel and I'll bring more if need be
Find out about water sources. 3L camelback is 8lbs. If there is any carry a water filter. Keep you lighter on your feet.
I would think 3 is enough. Hydrate the night before and get your fill before you leave camp.
Posted on 2/20/18 at 6:09 pm to Jcorye1
Yeah, I think I saw you tossing chunks at Peak 9
Posted on 2/20/18 at 6:13 pm to jimbeam
First of all, Elbert is a long hike, albeit 5-7 hours. It is not an alpine climb, and if you are in decent shape, you should be able to get to the top.
I'll say this about acclimation. If you only plan to spend a few days climbing/hiking, you don't get too much benefit from 2-3 days. Just go out and climb, take it easy, don't drink your arse off the night before and hydrate like a mofo the initial days you are in Colo.
I'll say this about acclimation. If you only plan to spend a few days climbing/hiking, you don't get too much benefit from 2-3 days. Just go out and climb, take it easy, don't drink your arse off the night before and hydrate like a mofo the initial days you are in Colo.
Posted on 2/20/18 at 6:43 pm to jimbeam
I have done Mt Elbert and nearby Mt Massive. You’ll be fine the way you’ve planned it. Both are day hikes and fairly easy. Beautiful views. Be careful of any clouds—storms pop up quickly in the summer
This post was edited on 2/20/18 at 8:50 pm
Posted on 2/20/18 at 6:52 pm to jimbeam
Good luck Hoss. Been over 14K 3 times, issues all 3, but I finished.
So I win, as Bobby Bare said.
So I win, as Bobby Bare said.
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