How To Stay Hydrated At Altitude

Many visitors to Colorado don’t think about hydration until it’s too late, when the headaches and dizziness have already set it. 

The high elevation and altitude of the mountains surrounding Colorado Springs can rapidly accelerate the effects of dehydration, as the thin air and intense sun can leave tourists and locals alike exhausted after just a few hours outside. 

At nearly 6,000 feet above sea level, Colorado Springs is one of the highest elevation cities in the Front Range, meaning you need to pay extra close attention to your hydration levels when visiting! 

If you plan to visit one of Colorado Springs amazing hiking trails, check out the surrounding mountain biking trails, or even just plan to take a drive into the state’s high country, be sure to utilize these vital hydration tips while doing so! 

Tips on How to Stay Hydrated in Colorado

1. Drink plenty of water

 Here’s the deal about elevation: Since high altitude is drier and has lower air pressure, moisture evaporates quickly from your skin. That makes it difficult to truly gauge your hydration levels. Many folks make the mistake of thinking that because they don’t sweat much, they’re properly hydrated. This notion is completely inaccurate, though. That’s why it’s so important to drink plenty of water on your way to altitude. It doesn’t matter if you’re coming here by plane or car. The last thing you want to do is arrive dehydrated.

2. Ease into activity

The mountains may be calling, but that doesn’t mean you should rush there. You may be itching to ski or snowboard as soon as you get off the plane. That said, it’s not smart to demand the same level of energy from your body at altitude that you experience at sea level. Experts recommend that, if possible, you stay an entire day in Denver before engaging in physical activity at a much higher elevation. This allows your body extra time to acclimate and take more rest than normal. By rushing into activities, you’re only leaving yourself more susceptible to altitude sickness.

3. Continue to drink water

Just because you feel fine after a day or two at altitude doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Pay attention to what your body’s telling you. If you’re at all concerned, drink a little more than you think is necessary. Never ignore signs such as fatigue or headaches, as these may be signs of dehydration.

4. Eat foods with high water content

Many folks just don’t like the taste of water. If you feel like you just can’t drink enough, make it a point to consume fruits and vegetables high in water content.

5. Steer clear of caffeine

Do you need a cup of joe to get started in the morning? You may want to think of an alternative pick-me-up once you get to Colorado. It’s important to know that caffeine is a diuretic and may inhibit your body’s water absorption. Do what you can to limit liquid intake to mostly plain water.

6. Discover the benefits of IV Hydration in Colorado Springs

There is no better way to stay fully hydrated while in Colorado than using IV hydration therapy. Our Elevate Hydration package is packed with everything your body needs to prepare for the Colorado alpine, rapidly rehydrating your body and mind. Vitamins and electrolytes are, like b12, are infused into your unique IV mix, giving your body lasting protection against dehydration when journeying into the wild peaks of Colorado Springs. 

How Much Water Should You Drink A Day in Colorado?

Even if you don’t plan on exercising while visiting the state, experts recommend doubling the amount of water you normally drink at lower elevations. 

However, if like many of the visitors to the state of Colorado, you are planning to bike, hike, climb, walk or ski while here, it is likely you will need to meet or even exceed these recommendations. 

The daily recommended water intake for healthy adults is around 8-10 cups per day, meaning when traveling to high elevation areas of Colorado Springs, you may need 16-20 cups of water each day. 

Many hikers often begin hiking through the mountains with only a small bottle of water, unaware of just how much they will truly need at altitude. 

Always be prepared anytime you step out into Colorado outdoors, bringing more water than you think you will need! 

Signs of Dehydration at Altitude

If you plan to journey into the high elevation areas of Colorado on your trip here, being aware of the early signs of dehydration can be vital to staying safe during your planned activities. 

Always be on the lookout for the top signs of dehydration at altitude:

• Feeling extremely thirsty
• Dry mouth
• Headaches
• Weakness or fatigue
• Light-headed or dizzy
• Feeling confused or anxious
• Dark color in your urine

If you think you or your loved ones are experiencing effects of dehydration while in Colorado, drink water and seek medical attention immediately. 

Why Do You Get More Dehydrated at High Altitudes?

When traveling from areas of low elevation to the mountains of Colorado, your body will go through significant changes in regards to water consumption. 

According to recent studies, your body will lose double its normal amount of water while at high altitudes, especially while doing high energy activities. 

Due to the less oxygen and pressure in the air, your body will likely need to breathe more rapidly, expediting the amount of water you burn through. High altitudes will also cause you to urinate more often than normal, increasing risks of dehydration even more. 

What’s more, if you are visiting during Colorado’s cooler months, the temperatures at high elevation mountain areas will be lower, suppressing your body’s thirst response by up to 40%. 

Be sure to keep these factors in mind when planning your Colorado vacation as they can play a big role in keeping you safe on your excursion into the alpine. 

Will IV Hydration Therapy Work At Altitude?

Whether you are trying to rapidly rehydrate after a day out in the mountains of Colorado Springs or simply want to prep your body against altitude sickness, IV therapy is a great option for you.

At Elevation Hydration, we the best IV hydration therapy Colorado Springs and Lakewood have to offer, with packages designed for the unique challenges you will face while at altitude. 

Discover why thousands have chosen our locations as their preferred way to avoid altitude sickness and stay hydrated while in Colorado Springs!