Hiking at High Altitude
How altitude impacts your Timp hike
- Aspen Grove Trailhead elevation is 6,910' & Timpooneke Trailhead is 7,370'
- The summit is 11,752'
- Total elevation gain during your hike will be around 4,000'
- Altitude sickness risk is greater if you are coming from sea level
How to help prevent altitude sickness
Adapt to high altitude
If you're coming from sea level or low elevation, you should take a few days to adjust to high altitude BEFORE hiking Timp
Ascend slowly
The faster you climb, the more likely you are to experience altitude sickness. Since Timp is usually a day hike, taking time BEFORE you hike Timp to adjust is extremely important.
If you feel symptoms, get lower
Stop and rest for an hour. If no improvement, head back down the trail.
Know the danger signs
Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and what to do if you feel them
Risk: Altitude sickness
- Happens when you move to a high elevation too quickly for your body to adjust to the lower level of oxygen
It Can Cause:
Headaches
Nausea & Vomiting
Fatigue even when resting
Dizziness
Loss of appetite
If you develop difficulty breathing or severe headache, these are life-threatening signs of altitude sickness.
What to do if you feel symptoms of altitude sickness:
Stop moving higher
Move lower
If symptoms get worse, include a cough, difficulty breathing, severe headache, and changes in mental status, seek immediate medical attention
