For most of us, hiking takes place somewhere in the range of 0 - 5,000 feet above sea level. Within this range, there isn’t much of a tangible difference in regards to how the hike affects the body. However, when you begin to creep above this range you will undoubtedly experience the changes that come with high altitude. The three changes that we will be focusing on in this post are colder temperatures, reduced oxygen, and altitude sickness. Becoming familiar with these three characteristics of exploring higher elevations will not only enhance your experience, but may also save your life.
Colder temperatures
As you ascend up the mountain the weather you face will change dramatically. Oftentimes we see pictures of these high regions on bright and sunny days, giving the perception of an oasis above the clouds. However, these high mountain regions come with a whole host of violent weather conditions. The one that I would like to focus on is the colder temperatures that often accompany high elevation.
In order to properly prepare for the temperatures you will be experiencing it can be helpful to do some quick calculations. On average, you lose about 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit for every 1,000 feet of elevation gained. In order to properly prepare for the temperatures you’ll be experiencing while in the mountains you should look up the expected temperature in the area where you’ll be starting your hike. Then determine the difference in elevation from your starting point to your destination. Once you have these numbers you are ready to calculate the high temp and low temp for your day.
Equation
Take 3.5 and multiply the elevation that you're expecting to gain during your hike. Next, take that number and divide it by 1,000. This will give you the difference in temperature from your starting point to your destination. For example, if the high for your starting point is 60 degrees Fahrenheit and you will be climbing from 5,000ft to 10,000ft above sea level, your equation would look like this: 3.5 x (10,000-5,000) / 1,000 = 17.5 degrees. I like to round up just to be safe, so we can assume that there will be approximately a 20-degree difference in temperature. All that’s left is to subtract the number you just calculated from the high temperature at your starting point. 60 - 20 = 40. The high for the day at your destination (in this scenario) will be 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is crucial to know what temperatures to expect when you are deep in the backcountry. Being unprepared for a cold day or night can put you at risk for hypothermia or even death. Taking the time to calculate the temperature for your destination can save your life.
Less Oxygen
Another staple of high altitude is the reduced amount of oxygen available to consume. As you climb higher in elevation the oxygen levels will continue to drop. This can leave you scratching your head wondering why you are suddenly struggling to breathe. Your body uses oxygen to perform just about every function, especially physical activity. As the oxygen level begins to drop, your body’s needs to stay the same. At higher elevations your body will work harder to bring in more of the required oxygen to keep you moving at a similar pace.
Something you will be sure to notice while gaining elevation is an increase in the rate of your breathing. It is important to stay calm as this is a very natural occurrence and panicking will only make the situation worse. If your current pace and breath rate become too much and you begin to tire out, reduce your pace until you regain control of your breath. When doing physical activity at higher elevations it is important to manage your expectations. You will not be able to perform the activity at the same intensity as you would at sea level. Be sure to stay calm when something that felt easy before suddenly feels much harder, it’s normal.
Altitude sickness
This is arguably the most important thing to familiarize yourself with prior to spending time at a high elevation. Altitude sickness comes in a few different forms and it is important to know the difference between each before heading out on your adventure. While I won’t be going too deep into each of the versions of altitude sickness, I want to lay out some of the signs and symptoms that this illness may be occurring. Some of the mild symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, shortness of breath, sleeping problems, loss of appetite, loss of coordination, and a tightening in the chest. If you or whomever you may be with is experiencing all or some of these symptoms it is crucial that you monitor them very carefully for the next 12-24 hours. After this time window symptoms should improve as the body begins to adjust to the elevation.
If you or your hiking partner begins to experience these more severe symptoms; confusion, shortness of breath while resting, inability to walk, a cough that produces a white or pink frothy substance, or unconsciousness, you need to descend the mountain as quickly and as safely as possible. It is highly likely that they are dealing with the more severe versions of altitude sickness, commonly named HAPE or HACE. I highly recommend becoming familiar with the warning signs of each of these if you plan to be at a high elevation for an extended period of time (more than 24 hours).
Conclusion
Exploring high elevations is a rewarding and often beautiful experience. Often some of the most magnificent and untouched pieces of land hide here. While hiking here can be fun it also presents a variety of new challenges often not experienced at the lower elevations. By planning for colder temperatures and understanding how your body reacts to less oxygen, as well as learning what altitude sickness is, you can be sure that your time above the clouds will be well spent.
Exploring high elevations is a truly rewarding and breathtaking experience, offering glimpses of some of the most magnificent and unspoiled landscapes. However, it's important to acknowledge that hiking in such environments brings forth a unique set of challenges. By carefully preparing for colder temperatures, familiarizing yourself with the effects of reduced oxygen on your body, and understanding altitude sickness, you can ensure that your time above the clouds is not only memorable, but also safe and fulfilling.
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