Flagstaff Altitude Sickness: Must-Read 4 Tips How To Avoid

When people come to Flagstaff Arizona for the first time, most are surprised about how high the mountains actually are. With our expertise on high altitudes, we'll detail everything about Flagstaff altitude and our top tips how to avoid Flagstaff altitude sickness.

Flagstaff Altitude

Flagstaff altitude is 6,909 feet (2,106 m) in elevation.¹ In comparison, Phoenix is only 1,086 feet (331 m) high.

Flagstaff altitude - 6,909 feet (2,106 m)

The city is of Flagstaff, known for its beautiful mountain views, is located in northern Arizona just south of the Grand Canyon. It sits right near the base of Mount Elden and Mount Humphreys, two prominent peaks in the San Francisco Peaks range.

Humphreys Peak is the highest mountain point in all of Arizona, sitting at 12,633 feet (3,851 m) in altitude.

Mount Humphreys altitude - 12,633 feet (3,851 m)
Mount Elden altitude - 9,301′ (2,835 m)

Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort is the premier ski resort in Flagstaff, and the highest in Arizona. Two others include Sandia Peak and Sunrise Park Resort. These altitudes get much higher, with Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort peaking at 11,500 feet (3,505 m).

Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort base altitude 9,200 feet (2,805 m)
Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort summit altitude 11,500 feet (3,505 m)

These Flagstaff altitudes are very high for not only visitors, but even locals coming from Phoenix or Tucson.

Can You Get Altitude Sickness In Flagstaff?

Is it true that you can get altitude sickness in Flagstaff? The short answer is yes.

With Flagstaff at 6,909 feet high, there's a significant chance of getting altitude sickness. In Denver for example, at only 5280 feet high, many visitors experience altitude sickness symptoms.

High altitude starts between 4,900 and 11,500 feet in elevation according to Mountain Medicine, in which Flagstaff qualifies as.² Furthermore, if you're skiing or hiking in places such as the ski resorts such as Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort at between 9,200 to 11,500 feet, your risk of altitude sickness goes up drastically.

It's best to be well prepared on how to prevent and avoid Flagstaff altitude sickness.

Flagstaff Altitude Sickness

As a common problem for visitors, Flagstaff altitude sickness can really set back your trip.

Flagstaff altitude sickness, also called acute mountain sickness, is mainly caused by the lower oxygen levels in the air at higher elevations.

Between the lower oxygen levels, increased respiration, and overall physiological stress on the body ─ it's not uncommon to feel malaise, headaches, and nausea. Symptoms of altitude sickness usually happen in about 6 to 24 hours of arriving at higher altitudes.

Flagstaff altitude sickness symptoms include:

headaches
dizziness or lightheadedness
nausea or vomiting
fatigue or exhaustion
shortness of breath
difficulty sleeping or insomnia
feeling of malaise

Flagstaff altitude sickness can set back your trip if you're not properly prepared.

4 Tips How to Avoid Flagstaff Altitude Sickness

If you're planning on traveling to Flagstaff or anywhere else in the mountainous regions of Arizona, it's important that you know what to do to prepare.

As an altitude-based company, we have in depth experience and research on high altitudes. From hydration to altitude supplements, we'll cover all the top tips so you can enjoy your Flagstaff trip.

Here Are 4 tips How To Avoid Flagstaff Altitude Sickness:

1. Acclimate Slowly

The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to spend time in Flagstaff before doing anything strenuous.

If you're flying into Phoenix or another low-elevation area, don't go straight from the airport to hiking or skiing in the mountains. Spend a day exploring downtown or other areas of Phoenix. At 1,086 feet (331 m), this gives your body a small gradual change in altitude.

Once in Flagstaff, you'll want a least 1-2 days to acclimate before going any higher in altitude at the ski resorts or surrounding hiking trails. Acclimating slowly gives you time to physically adjust to the higher altitudes.

2. Maximize Hydration

It’s important that you stay hydrated while visiting Flagstaff because dehydration can lead to fatigue and headaches.

Another way that altitude affects your body is by dehydrating it faster than normal due to increased respiration rates at higher elevations.

Dehydration also makes it harder for your body to adjust to low oxygen levels at higher elevations so staying properly hydrated will help keep any symptoms from getting worse.

Experts typically recommend drinking at least half your body weight in ounces of water. We'd recommend more if you're doing more physical activities at Flagstaff altitudes.

TIP: To maximize hydration, add sea salt to your water/foods or take Zaca's chewable electrolyte tablets.

3. Get Proper Rest

Often overlooked, but rest is often your best weapon against Flagstaff altitude sickness.

Take it slow when you first arrive. Get proper rest and sleep your first few days.

Altitude sickness can also cause insomnia and this may affect your performance. Sleep is utmost important to allow your body to adjust and recover to the Flagstaff elevations. At least 7 hours of sleep is essential.

You'll know you've had proper rest when you're very energized during the day. With the lack of altitude sickness symptoms, that's a good sign your body is adjusting well.

4. Take Altitude Supplements

Most Flagstaff visitors don't know that altitude supplements are available to help enhancement your body's altitude adjustment.

There's proven amino acids and herbs for altitude adjustment. Glutathione is one amino acid that has been shown to be affected by high altitudes.

Glutathione - A 2001 study showed Glutathione to be depleted by nearly 45% from high altitude conditions.³ Supplementing glutathione can help replenish this lost amino acid and master antioxidant to fight oxidative stress.

Take altitude supplements to help fuel your body for the high Flagstaff altitudes.

In conclusion, to best prepare to avoid Flagstaff altitude sickness ─ acclimate slowly, maximize your hydration, get proper rest, and take some altitude supplements.

Supplement For Altitude Trips

Supplement For Altitude Trips Flagstaff
Zaca chewables ─ first made popular in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado ─ are a supplement designed to help you rehydrate, replenish, and recover. Formulated with glutathione, along with other powerful herbs, these fast-acting chewables are loaded with 1100mg of ingredients to support your body. Simply take 2 chewables each day prior to your trip, and 2-4 chewables each day while on your trip. Try Zaca Chewables today and power your altitude trip.

SOURCES

1. Flagstaff Arizona Elevation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flagstaff,_Arizona
2. Effects of high altitude on humans
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_high_altitude_on_humans
3. Effect of high altitude (7,620 m) exposure on glutathione
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11320641/

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. *Setria and Sustamine are registered trademarks of Kyowa Hakko Bio Co Ltd.