Denver’s 5280 Tips

Colorado is an outdoorsy, active state filled with hiking, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and snow tubing.  At any time of the day you can see people outside running, walking, or biking with their dogs, friends, or families.  Coloradans like to get out and be active even in Denver’s 5,280 elevation!    

Because Denver, Colorado is 5,280 feet above sea level, people from out of state aren’t quite used to such a high elevation.  If you aren’t taking the proper precautions, you can start to feel sick.  Here are some handy tips for you out of state guests and couples to follow in order to have the best time in Colorado and at the wedding!

“Denver Skyline at Sunset” by Larry Johnson is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Water is your best friend

Drinking plenty of water will help your body adjust to the higher altitude in Denver.  As soon as you get off the plane you’ll feel the difference in elevation.  It’s best if you start drinking water before your trip and during your stay to avoid altitude sickness.  Since it is dry here due to low humidity, you need twice as much water as you would back home.

“Clear Glass H2O Bottle” by Snapwire is licensed under CC0 1.0

Lower your alcohol intake

Alcoholic drinks hit harder than at sea level.  Don’t underestimate 5280!  Drink slower and not as much or else you’ll find yourself tipsier than planned and like a hermit crab the next morning.

“San Miguel – Pale Pilsen” by Unsplash is licensed under CC0 1.0

Feed your body potassium

Eating foods that are high in potassium will help replenish your electrolytes by balancing your salt intake.  These foods include broccoli, bananas, avocado, cantaloupe, celery, greens, bran, chocolate, granola, dates, dried fruit, potatoes, and tomatoes.  Potassium K will make your day!

“019 Potassium – Periodic Table of Elements” by Science Activism is licensed under CC BY 2.0

You’re not as in shape as you thought you were

Working out in Colorado is more intense and you will wonder why you can’t workout as hard or as long.

Fun Fact: Athletes train here in order to be in the best shape as possible and enter in competitions at a lower altitude.  By training at a higher elevation, it allows athletes to produce more red blood cells which allows more oxygen to be transported throughout the body and this means you can perform better.  (Read more information on training in a higher altitude at “Why Do Athletes Train at High Altitudes?”)   

“Athlete Boardwalk” by Pixabay is licensed under CC0 1.0

Fun Fact: Colorado hosts one of the official training sites for Olympic athletes in Colorado Springs.

“Adult Athlete Barbell” by Isabella Mendes is licensed under CC0 1.0

Sun rays shine bright like a diamond

Colorado skies are bluer than in other states because there is less water vapor in the air at this altitude.  Bluer skies equal less clouds which means there is less coverage from the sun.  There is 25% less protection to be exact and since there are 300 days of sunshine every year, protecting yourself from the sun is important.  Whether it is summer, winter, spring, fall, sunny, cloudy, or snowy bring sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, and a hat.   

“Sunny” by Pixabay is licensed under CC0 1.0

Layers, layers, layers

Check the weather two days before you depart to Denver.  The weather forecast is always changing!  In the winter, it can be cold in the morning and sunny and warm in the afternoon.  In the spring, fall, and summer it can be warm in during the day but chillier after the sun sets.  Since the sun is more powerful in Denver, it can feel a lot warmer than the temperature actually is.  It is best that you wear layers due to the bipolar weather!

“Woman Winter River” by Kristin Vogt is licensed under CC0 1.0

Follow these tips when in Denver and you will enjoy your time and the wedding 5,280 feet above sea level!