**Taos Air: Altitude Lies Drying Summer Smiles?**
By Franklin Everett ShawForget the glossy brochures and staged Instagram shots. You’re heading to Taos, New Mexico, this summer from Denver. You’re trading the Mile High City for something even higher, and that direct flight on Taos Air? It’s a potential shortcut to paradise, but also a fast track to altitude sickness if you’re not prepared. This isn’t a scare tactic; it’s a reality check. Let’s arm you with the knowledge to conquer those extra vertical feet and enjoy Taos to the fullest.
Denver sits at 5,280 feet. Taos? The town itself is around 7,000 feet, but the Taos Ski Valley, a popular summer hiking destination, soars to over 9,000. Flying directly bypasses the gradual acclimatization your body would get from driving. This sudden altitude change can trigger a cascade of unpleasant symptoms, from headaches and nausea to fatigue and shortness of breath.
The key is preparation, starting before you even board that plane in Denver. Think of it as pre-loading your body’s altitude adaptation.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Start upping your water intake several days before your trip. Dehydration exacerbates altitude sickness. Aim for at least a gallon of water a day. Add electrolytes. Consider a product like Liquid I.V. or Nuun tablets. These help your body absorb and retain fluids more effectively than water alone.
Iron-Rich Foods: Altitude sickness is linked to lower oxygen saturation. Iron helps your blood carry oxygen. Load up on spinach, lentils, and red meat in the days leading up to your trip. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, consider an iron supplement, but consult your doctor first.
Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: These are diuretics, meaning they dehydrate you. They also interfere with sleep, which is crucial for acclimatization. Cut back a few days before your flight.
Consider Acetazolamide (Diamox): This prescription medication can help your body acclimatize faster. It works by increasing the rate of respiration, which helps you get more oxygen. Crucially, talk to your doctor before taking Diamox. It has potential side effects and isn’t suitable for everyone. Don’t self-medicate.
Once you land in Taos, the real work begins. Don’t assume you’re in the clear just because you feel okay initially. Altitude sickness can creep up on you.
Slow Down: Resist the urge to immediately hit the trails or the river. Your body needs time to adjust. Spend the first day taking it easy. A gentle stroll around Taos Plaza is a good start. Avoid strenuous activity.
Hydration is King (Still): Continue drinking plenty of water. Carry a water bottle with you everywhere. Set reminders on your phone to drink.
Electrolyte Replenishment: Continue using electrolyte supplements. The dry mountain air will dehydrate you faster than you realize.
Dietary Adjustments: Avoid heavy, greasy foods. They’re harder to digest at altitude. Opt for lighter, carbohydrate-rich meals. Think fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These are easier on your system and provide energy.
Avoid Alcohol (Seriously): Alcohol impairs your body’s ability to acclimatize. It also masks the symptoms of altitude sickness, making it harder to recognize when you’re in trouble. If you must drink, do so in moderation and stay well-hydrated.
Monitor Yourself and Your Group: Pay attention to how you’re feeling. Be aware of the early symptoms of altitude sickness: headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Don’t dismiss them as just being tired. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop what you’re doing and rest.
Now, let’s talk about specific activities in the Taos area and how altitude sickness can manifest differently.
Hiking: Taos offers incredible hiking trails, but they can be challenging at altitude.
Pace Yourself: Start with shorter, less strenuous hikes. Gradually increase the difficulty as you acclimatize.
Listen to Your Body: Don’t push yourself too hard. If you start to feel symptoms of altitude sickness, turn around and descend.
Be Aware of Pulmonary Edema: This is a serious condition where fluid builds up in the lungs. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. It can be life-threatening. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect pulmonary edema.
Whitewater Rafting: The Rio Grande is a popular spot for whitewater rafting. While the exertion level might not seem as high as hiking, the combination of physical activity and the cold water can exacerbate altitude sickness.
Stay Warm: Hypothermia can worsen altitude sickness. Dress in layers and wear waterproof clothing.
Communicate: Let your guide know if you’re feeling unwell. They’re trained to recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness and can help you get to safety.
Avoid Overexertion: Don’t try to be a hero. Paddle at a comfortable pace and take breaks when needed.
Common Mistakes and Pitfalls:
Ignoring Early Symptoms: This is the biggest mistake. People often dismiss mild symptoms as just being tired or having a headache. Don’t ignore them.
Ascending Too Quickly: This is especially relevant if you’re planning to hike to higher elevations after arriving in Taos. Give your body time to adjust before going higher.
Dehydration: It’s easy to become dehydrated in the dry mountain air. Make a conscious effort to drink plenty of water.
Overexertion: Don’t try to do too much too soon. Pace yourself and listen to your body.
Not Seeking Medical Attention: If your symptoms are severe or don’t improve with rest and hydration, seek medical attention. There are clinics and hospitals in Taos that can treat altitude sickness.
Actionable Insights:
Create an Acclimatization Plan: Before you leave Denver, create a detailed plan that includes hydration goals, dietary adjustments, and activity levels for each day of your trip.
Pack a Portable Pulse Oximeter: This small device measures your blood oxygen saturation. It can help you monitor your acclimatization and identify potential problems early on. You can find these at most pharmacies.
Download a Hiking App with Altitude Tracking: Apps like AllTrails can track your elevation gain and provide information about the difficulty of trails.
Know the Location of the Nearest Medical Facility: In Taos, Holy Cross Hospital is the primary medical facility. Know its location and phone number in case of an emergency.
Inform Someone of Your Plans: Let a friend or family member know your itinerary and check in with them regularly.
By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of altitude sickness and enjoy a safe and memorable summer vacation in Taos. Don’t let the altitude hold you back from experiencing the beauty and adventure that this unique destination has to offer. Remember, preparation is key, and listening to your body is paramount. Now go explore Taos, responsibly.