Taos Air: Altitude Sun Cracking Summer Youth?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

May 30, 2026

The crisp mountain air, the promise of adventure, and the sheer joy on a child’s face – that’s the allure of summer camp in Taos, New Mexico. But for parents sending their kids from Denver, Colorado, a significant concern looms: altitude sickness. Taos sits at a breathtaking 6,969 feet, a considerable jump from Denver’s mile-high status. And if your child is participating in activities with Taos Air, they might be flying into Taos Regional Airport, which sits even higher at 7,301 feet. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it can derail a child’s entire camp experience. Let’s equip you with the knowledge and strategies to ensure your child’s Taos adventure is filled with laughter and learning, not headaches and nausea.

Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs when the body struggles to adjust to lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes. Children are often more susceptible than adults because their bodies are still developing. Symptoms can range from mild headaches and fatigue to more severe nausea, vomiting, and even high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) or high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), though these are rare.

The key to preventing altitude sickness is acclimatization, a gradual process of allowing the body to adjust to the reduced oxygen levels. Since you’re sending your child from Denver, they already have a slight advantage, but further acclimatization is crucial.

Here’s a step-by-step plan:

1. Pre-Trip Preparation (1-2 weeks before departure):

   • Hydration is Key: Encourage your child to drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the trip. Dehydration exacerbates altitude sickness. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day.
   • Iron-Rich Diet: Ensure your child is consuming iron-rich foods. Iron helps the body transport oxygen. Good sources include lean meats, beans, spinach, and fortified cereals.
   • Consult Your Pediatrician: Discuss your child’s trip to Taos with their pediatrician. They can assess your child’s individual risk factors and provide personalized recommendations. Ask about the possibility of prophylactic medication like acetazolamide (Diamox), although this is generally reserved for those with a history of altitude sickness or rapid ascents to very high altitudes.
   • Gentle Exercise: Encourage light physical activity, but avoid strenuous workouts that could overexert your child.

2. Upon Arrival in Taos:

   • Hydration, Hydration, Hydration: This cannot be stressed enough. Pack a reusable water bottle and encourage your child to refill it constantly. Avoid sugary drinks, as they can dehydrate.
   • Light Meals: Encourage your child to eat light, easily digestible meals. Avoid heavy, greasy foods.
   • Avoid Strenuous Activity: The first 24-48 hours are crucial. Encourage your child to take it easy and avoid strenuous activities. Taos Air’s youth activities should ideally incorporate a gradual introduction to physical exertion.
   • Monitor for Symptoms: Teach your child to recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness and to report them immediately to camp counselors. Common symptoms include headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and loss of appetite.
   • Consider Electrolyte Supplements: Electrolyte imbalances can worsen altitude sickness. Consider packing electrolyte tablets or drinks to help your child stay hydrated and maintain proper electrolyte balance.

3. During the Camp:

   • Continued Hydration and Light Meals: Reinforce the importance of staying hydrated and eating light meals throughout the camp.
   • Sun Protection: The sun is more intense at higher altitudes. Ensure your child wears sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Sunburn can worsen altitude sickness symptoms.
   • Layered Clothing: Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically in Taos, especially during the summer. Pack layered clothing so your child can adjust to changing conditions.
   • Open Communication: Encourage your child to communicate openly with camp counselors about how they are feeling. Counselors should be trained to recognize and respond to altitude sickness symptoms.

Specific Challenges and Pitfalls:

• Dehydration: This is the most common mistake. Children often don’t drink enough water, especially when they are busy and active.
  • Solution: Pack a fun, personalized water bottle and set reminders for your child to drink throughout the day. Counselors should also actively encourage hydration.
• Ignoring Mild Symptoms: Children may downplay their symptoms to avoid missing out on activities.
  • Solution: Educate your child about the importance of reporting even mild symptoms. Assure them that it’s okay to take a break and rest.
• Overexertion: Pushing too hard too soon can trigger altitude sickness.
  • Solution: Ensure that Taos Air’s youth activities are designed with gradual acclimatization in mind. Counselors should monitor children for signs of overexertion and encourage them to pace themselves.
• Flying Directly into Taos Regional Airport: The rapid ascent can be particularly challenging.
  • Solution: If possible, consider having your child arrive in Albuquerque (lower altitude) and spend a day or two acclimatizing in Santa Fe (7,199 feet) before heading to Taos. This allows for a more gradual adjustment.

Emergency Preparedness:

• Know the Camp’s Emergency Protocol: Understand the camp’s procedures for dealing with altitude sickness. Who is the designated medical professional? How will you be contacted in case of an emergency?
• Pack a Basic First-Aid Kit: Include pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen), anti-nausea medication (with your pediatrician’s approval), and any other medications your child regularly takes.
• Have a Plan for Evacuation: In rare cases, severe altitude sickness may require evacuation to a lower altitude. Discuss this possibility with the camp and ensure you have a plan in place.

Real-World Scenario:

Imagine your 10-year-old daughter, Lily, is attending a week-long outdoor adventure camp in Taos. She’s excited about hiking, rock climbing, and exploring the New Mexico wilderness. However, on the second day, she complains of a headache and feeling tired. She dismisses it as just being “a little tired” from the previous day’s activities.

If Lily’s counselors are properly trained, they will recognize these as potential symptoms of altitude sickness. They will encourage her to rest, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity. They will also monitor her symptoms closely. If her symptoms worsen, they will contact the camp’s medical professional and, if necessary, you.

By being proactive and prepared, you can help ensure that Lily’s Taos adventure is a positive and memorable experience. Don’t let altitude sickness steal the joy of summer camp. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can help your child thrive in the high-altitude environment of Taos, New Mexico. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for your child.