WhiteBlaze Pages 2024
A Complete Appalachian Trail Guidebook.
AVAILABLE NOW. $4 for interactive PDF(smartphone version)
Read more here WhiteBlaze Pages Store

Results 1 to 14 of 14
  1. #1
    Registered User
    Join Date
    05-14-2009
    Location
    scranton pa
    Age
    47
    Posts
    93
    Images
    5

    Question is altitude an issue???

    being a lowlander im wondering how the altitude will affect me. Will i get altitude sickness? Will my energy level be extremely low? How long does it take 2 get acclimated? thx

  2. #2
    Registered User
    Join Date
    10-07-2006
    Location
    Chattanooga, Tennessee
    Age
    44
    Posts
    481

    Default

    It seems to affect people differently. I have talked to some people that haven't had much of a problem where as others are sick for three or four days. If you can, I would plan on acclimating yourself for three or four days before you start hiking, but if you don't have the time, just start and see how it goes.

  3. #3

    Default

    I have been at sea level for the last 2 years with a few exceptions, and every time I hit the mountains it takes me a few days to be able to hike without getting winded

  4. #4
    Registered User Wise Old Owl's Avatar
    Join Date
    01-29-2007
    Location
    High up in an old tree
    Posts
    14,444
    Journal Entries
    19
    Images
    17

    Default

    NO its not the altitude, I thought that at first, In Shenandoah I needed my inhaler because of the pollution.
    Dogs are excellent judges of character, this fact goes a long way toward explaining why some people don't like being around them.

    Woo

  5. #5
    Registered User Pokey2006's Avatar
    Join Date
    07-14-2006
    Location
    Gatlinburg, TN
    Age
    51
    Posts
    1,294
    Images
    41

    Default

    He's talking about the JMT, not the AT...

    The biggest problem with altitude is dehydration (at least for me). Yes, you get winded, but the process of thickening up your blood dehydrates you, giving you those famous altitude headaches. Drink more water than usual, in addition to giving yourself time to acclimate.

  6. #6
    Registered User Wise Old Owl's Avatar
    Join Date
    01-29-2007
    Location
    High up in an old tree
    Posts
    14,444
    Journal Entries
    19
    Images
    17

    Default

    Thanks Pokey... I did miss that.
    Dogs are excellent judges of character, this fact goes a long way toward explaining why some people don't like being around them.

    Woo

  7. #7
    Super Moderator Marta's Avatar
    Join Date
    01-30-2005
    Location
    NW MT
    Posts
    5,468
    Images
    56

    Default

    I've heard that it takes about three days for your blood to increase the concentration of red blood cells. Even as you attempt to stay hydrated (average recommended fluid intake is 6 liters per day), your body throws off liquid.

    I didn't really have any trouble with the altitude. We planned an easy schedule for the whole hike, especially for those first few days. A couple days from the end, I felt a noticeable training effect--my lungs just kind of opened up and I was breathing to a deeper level. When I got to Mt. Whitney, I felt as if it were sea level. It was great!

    When I came back to the humid lowlands, that training effect went away about as quickly as it happened.
    If not NOW, then WHEN?

    ME>GA 2006
    http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=3277

    Instagram hiking photos: five.leafed.clover

  8. #8
    Registered User Engine's Avatar
    Join Date
    03-29-2009
    Location
    Citrus Springs, FL
    Age
    58
    Posts
    1,673
    Images
    10

    Default

    Try to sleep as low as possible for the first 3 or 4 days. Sleep apnea is common at altitude if not acclimated and it leaves you really drug out during the day.
    “He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.” –Socrates

  9. #9

    Default Depends on how fast you climb

    Those who think you can go up to Whitney Portal and climb to Mt. Whitney the next day after spending a year at sea level will learn very quickly how that thin air thing works. I've seen many of them with very pale faces (or retching over some rocks next to the trail).

    My acclimation for the Sierras is gradual - I drive to California, spend a few hours in Colorado hiking around Loveland Pass, drive on through Utah and Nevada to Owens Valley, then spend a night at Reds Meadow or a similar high campground. Another day or two are spent setting up food caches and doing smaller hikes around Tuolumne Meadows. I've never had any altitude issues after a gradual first week like this, nor has anyone else who was hiking with me.

  10. #10
    Registered User Phreak's Avatar
    Join Date
    04-21-2005
    Location
    Lake Saint Louis, MO
    Age
    53
    Posts
    1,708
    Images
    132

    Default

    I live in Atlanta and had no issues with the altitude during my JMT hike last September.

  11. #11
    Pilgrim of Serendipity
    Join Date
    06-05-2006
    Location
    Texas
    Age
    45
    Posts
    849

    Default

    I've lived most of my life within 200 feet of sea level. While I don't seem to really notice elevation sickness around the Appalachians, I'll never forget my first trip (in high school) to a place in New Mexico that was about 6,000 feet above sea level. That first day, I had very noticeable chest pains and shortness of breath. I figured 17 was too young for me to be having a heart attack, but it was rather scary. But by the second or third day, I was ok.

    I'd agree with the advice to try to acclimatize to altitude gradually if you can, to see how it's going to affect you. Plan to take it easy the first day at least.
    Deuteronomy 23:12-13 "Designate a place outside the camp where you can go to relieve yourself. As part of your equipment have something to dig with… dig a hole and cover up your excrement."

  12. #12

    Default

    Most people don't start to feel the "thin air" until around 8,000 feet so you should be ok

    Foxfire 01 Ga. Me. 02

  13. #13
    Registered User RossSFCA's Avatar
    Join Date
    10-08-2011
    Location
    San Francisco, California, United States
    Age
    56
    Posts
    39

    Default

    I realize this thread is two-and-a-half years old, but I thought I would reply, in case there was a 2012 JMT hiker with the same question.

    I live in the SF Bay Area, right at sea level, and have been here for 11 years. I did not find the elevation to be an issue. I encourage anyone thinking about doing the Trail to be as prepared as possible, do a lot of hiking beforehand with a full (or weighted) pack, and be in good cardiovascular shape.

    Hydrate and eat properly while on the JMT, take breaks often to snack and soak your feet (a cold foot plunge does wonders for many miles thereafter), and take care of your feet with changes of socks. Also, allow plenty of time to complete the trail (unless you are an ultralight speed-hiker, set aside one month for the entire experience), so that you do not feel rushed or stressed out.

    I hiked the JMT in July/August, starting at Tuolumne Meadows (permitting issues) rather than Yosemite Valley. I understand that the first day of hiking from Yosemite Valley around Half Dome can be a big challenge for many. I started at a higher elevation, but my climbing was at the very end of my first day. As I was going southbound on the JMT, I was working my way up in elevation toward Mt. Whitney, so Whitney seemed like just another day (more or less).

    Because the 2010/2011 winter in California was SO snowy, the big challenge in July/August 2011 was too much (or unexpected amounts of residual) snow. Not being able to find the actual Trail was what slowed me down.

    Interestingly enough, the ONLY time I could really feel a difference in the elevation was between the Trail Junction and the top of Whitney. Understandably, this WAS at 14,000 feet, so I thought it was natural to feel a little dizzy. I could have eaten better and possibly hydrated more, but I felt like I was urinating & sweating enough.

    Again, allow yourself time to get up and down the passes and you will be just fine with the elevations. Again, I think the only folks who have problems are the ones who rush the first few days out of the Valley.

    I would love to see any comments from 2011 hikers, if anyone is still checking out these posts!

    Ross/DirtyGirl
    - - - - -

    DirtyGirl
    2012 NoBo AT Thru-Hiker
    (and an incredibly proud 2011 SoBo JMT Thru-Hiker... I did it!!)

    Ross Hayduk
    San Francisco, CA

    www.hikerosshike.org

  14. #14
    Saw Man tuswm's Avatar
    Join Date
    11-14-2008
    Location
    Philly/ OC MD
    Age
    43
    Posts
    776
    Images
    25

    Default

    go north to south
    "you cant grow old if you never grow up" ~TUswm

++ New Posts ++

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •