Evergreen Altitude Sickness: 6 Altitude Tips

Evergreen Altitude Sickness

Evergreen is one of the closest destinations away from Denver, but comes with a jump in altitude causing visitors problems. As a Colorado company with years of experience, we'll share everything you need to know about Evergreen altitude and our top tips to avoid Evergreen altitude sickness.

Evergreen Altitude

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Evergreen Colorado sits at 7,220 feet in altitude. This is a significant jump in elevation in such a short 30 minute drive from Denver, which is at an altitude of 5,280 feet.

  • Evergreen Altitude - 7,220 feet (2,200 m)

Evergreen is a picturesque town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. It's nearby a few other high altitude Colorado destinations including Idaho Springs at 7,526 feet in elevation, Black Hawk at 8,160 feet in elevation, and Conifer at 8,277 feet in elevation.

Is Evergreen Colorado Considered High Altitude?

Yes, Evergreen Colorado is considered high altitude.

Cornell's definition of high altitude is over 4,000 feet,⁴ which the altitude of Evergreen far exceeds at 7,220 feet.

Based on data from the Center For Wilderness Safety, Evergreen has about 23% less oxygen than at sea level.⁵

Can You Get Altitude Sickness In Evergreen Colorado?

Yes, you can get altitude sickness in Evergreen Colorado.

Travel Medicine Consultants states that altitude sickness can start as low as 4,000 feet.⁶ Even visitors of Denver at a lower elevation of 5,280 feet commonly experience altitude sickness.

With the altitude of Evergreen at 7,220 feet, your risk of altitude sickness can run high, especially if flying in from sea level.

Evergreen Altitude Sickness

Evergreen altitude sickness can happen from the reduced levels of oxygen. As you ascend, the air pressure drops and increases stress on the body.

Stresses include oxidative stress, and even dehydration, especially considering Colorado's dry climate. These conditions can lead to symptoms including headache, nausea, and trouble breathing.

Symptoms of Evergreen altitude sickness may include: 

  • headaches
  • nausea or vomiting
  • extreme fatigue
  • weakness
  • lightheadedness
  • loss of appetite
  • difficulty breathing
  • insomnia or trouble sleeping
  • not feeling well

Upon arrival in Evergreen, you typically can start experiencing altitude sickness within 6-24 hours. Stay alert for any signs of altitude sickness and learn about our tips to follow below.

6 Tips To Avoid Evergreen Altitude Sickness

With the convenience of Evergreen's natural beauty only a short drive from Denver, visitors are often surprised how fast they ascended that comes with the risk of altitude sickness.

As a local Colorado company with a decade of high altitude experience, we'll share with you our best tips so you stay as comfortable as possible during your time in Evergreen.

Here's Our 6 Tips To Avoid Evergreen Altitude Sickness:

1. Hydrate Well

With the high and dry air with lower oxygen, dehydration can kick in. In fact, its been shown that fluid loss can be be twice as bad at high altitudes than sea level.⁸

When visiting Evergreen or even Colorado in general, make sure to hydrate well by drinking plenty of water. Common recommendation is to drink half you body weight in water each day.

TIP: To hydrate better, add sea salt (containing minerals) to your food/water, and use Zaca's chewable tablets to help enhance hydration.

2. Acclimate In Stages

If coming from out of town, you should acclimate in stages when visiting Evergreen. This gradual approach gives your body time to adjust better with less drastic change.

For example, when you fly into Colorado stay in Denver for at least a night or two until you acclimate before heading to Evergreen.

3. Maximize Sleep

Adequate sleep is vital a high altitudes. Your body needs the extra rest to help recover, and sleep can even help with blood flow and oxygen.⁹

Ensure you're getting enough sleep during your stay in Evergreen, at least 7-9 hours each night. In addition, try to get ample amounts of sunlight during the day which can help your natural melatonin levels at night.

4. Be Careful Of Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol can have more pronounced effects at high altitudes, with similar problems to altitude sickness such as headache and nausea.⁹ Also leading to dehydration and worsened sleep quality.

If you choose to consume alcohol during your time in Evergreen, do so in moderation and be mindful of its effects on your body. It's best to avoid it until you feel free of any signs of altitude sickness.

5. Avoid Strenuous Activity

While it's tempting to explore the beautiful outdoors of Evergreen, it's essential to take it easy especially during the first couple of days. Strenuous activity will put additional strain on your body making it more difficult to acclimate.

Listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard until you feel good enough.

6. Take Antioxidants

Glutathione is shown to deplete by 45% in high altitudes,¹² which is known as the body's master antioxidant. Further evidence proves that high altitudes actually cause increased oxidative stress.¹¹

With these factors, taking antioxidants can naturally help fortify your body at high altitudes support healthy levels, and fight the oxidative stress.¹³

By following these five tips when exploring Evergreen, you can ensure a better trip — which includes hydrating well, acclimating in stages, maximizing sleep, being careful of alcohol consumption, avoiding strenuous activity, and taking antioxidants.

With the right precautions, you can fully embrace the Evergreen experience without the worry!

Colorado Recommended Mountain Supplement

Colorado altitude supplement
Crafted to perfection, Zaca's chewables are your ticket to a great mountain and travel experience. Made with loads of nutrients and antioxidants, including glutathione, you can bounce back faster. Rehydrate, replenish, and recover fast. Say goodbye to complicated regimens – with Zaca nourishing your body has never been easier by popping a few chewables. Open the portable packets anytime and take 2-4 chewables. Try Zaca's chewable supplement today and power your next travel adventure.















SOURCES:

1. Evergreen Elevation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evergreen,_Colorado
2. Idaho Springs Elevation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idaho_Springs,_Colorado
3. Black Hawk Elevation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Hawk,_Colorado
4. Cornell High Altitude Definition
https://www.law.cornell.edu/definitions/index.php?width=840&height=800&iframe=true&def_id=2cf9863f85f2f25b6e5e0a2e9dacfe7b&term_occur=5&term_src=Title:40:Chapter:I:Subchapter:C:Part:86:Subpart:S:86.1810-09
5. Oxygen Levels at Altitude
https://wildsafe.org/resources/ask-the-experts/altitude-safety-101/oxygen-levels/
6. High Altitude Illness
https://www.travelsurenyc.com/high-altitude-illness/
7. Conifer Elevation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conifer,_Colorado
8. 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
9. Sleep: The Secret Ingredient of Injury Recovery
https://www.orthocarolina.com/media/sleep-the-secret-ingredient-of-injury-recovery
10. Effects of Alcohol
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/01.HYP.29.6.1278#
11. High altitude and oxidative stress
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17482529/
12. Effect of high altitude (7,620 m) exposure on glutathione
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11320641/
13. Oxidative Stress and Diseases Associated with High-Altitude Exposure
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8868315/