Acclimatizing from sea level

[Rozzy]

If I am coming from sea-level, how much would I feel the altitude in the early part of the hike, starting in Denver? Would I need to spend some time in Denver to adjust? Also, as the trail progresses towards higher altitudes, do you need to spend acclimatizing on the trail?

[Cookerhiker]

Every person's body is different. Some will experience breathing problems soon after they get off the plane in Denver. For others, their limit might be 7,000' or 8,500' or 10,000'. What's your experience to date? How high have you been, did you hike or exercise at that level, how did your body respond?

The trail starts out at about 5,500' and reaches 7,000' at 10.5 miles, 8,000' at 40 miles, 10,000' at 47 miles. This is gradual enough that you can start slowly with small-mileage days and work yourself up. If you feel affected as soon as you get to Denver, then you probably want to wait 1-2 days before starting. And drink lots of water.

[Wise Old Owl]

Having been there ..what a great question... I had no effects so I did not give it a thought. bet it would be different now.

[ChuckBrown]

I was fine until I hit 10000 feet, got altitude sickness, went into town , drank a whole lot of water and rested one day. After that everything was great even at 12000 plus feet. I live at 30 feet above sea level.

[bearcreek]

If you are hiking from Denver to Durango then you shouldn't worry about it. You will acclimatize and you will be fine. Just do it!

[Rozzy]

My only experience with altitude is the White Mountains. I've never spend more than a few hours at a stretch above 4500 ft, and I have live in Boston. I've never been anywhere out west where that altitude is higher. I have friends in the Denver area, though. At the least, I would visit them for a day or two. Sounds like a that would be helpful, a long with a planning for one or two zero extra zero days.

[Highway Man]

One of the strategies is to go slow in the first 3 days before hitting the first 10,000 Ft. Meanwhile, take more breaks and drink a lot of water in a day. Avoid fatty and protein rich food. Always take deep breaths when getting higher and higher.