Our son is getting stationed in CO. Fort Carson. I have lived basically at sea level my whole life and while hiking NH White Mountains I never slept above about 3000 feet. A couple of years ago I went to Guadalupe Mountains and spent 1 night at 5000 feet and ended up with a headache and nausea until I decided to leave the next day after my easy hike. I know there are doubters about my experience but I know people often have trouble going from sea level to Denver. More so if they need to engage in athletic activity. The New England Patriots always travel immediately to Denver after finishing their last game before playing in Denver so they can acclimate.

So how long do you suggest to take to acclimate just to the altitude in/near Denver before attempting any mountains? Any suggestions on how to acclimate? I expect we may spend as much as a month there so I can get some good hiking in and we can see our son as much as possible before heading south before winter.