Taos Sun: Altitude Lies Burning Summer Lips?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe crisp mountain air bites at your cheeks, a stark contrast to the sun beating down. You’re in Taos, New Mexico, a land of stunning beauty and challenging altitudes. But this beauty can be deceiving. The combination of high elevation and intense sun can quickly turn a dream vacation into a miserable experience with altitude sickness and sunburn. Don’t let that happen to you.
Taos sits at a base elevation of around 7,000 feet, with the Taos Ski Valley reaching a dizzying 12,481 feet. This elevation change presents a significant risk of altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS). The air is thinner, meaning less oxygen is available. Your body needs time to adjust.
Sunburn is another major concern. The higher you go, the less atmosphere there is to filter out harmful UV rays. In Taos, the UV index is often extremely high, even on cloudy days. This means you can get burned much faster than you would at sea level.
Let’s dive into how to prevent and treat these issues, so you can enjoy everything Taos has to offer.
Acclimatization: Your First Line of Defense
The key to avoiding altitude sickness is gradual acclimatization. Don’t fly into Taos and immediately head up to the ski valley. Give your body time to adjust.
Arrive Early: If possible, spend a day or two at a lower elevation before heading to Taos. Santa Fe, at around 7,200 feet, could be a good option.
Ascend Slowly: When you arrive in Taos, take it easy. Avoid strenuous activities for the first 24-48 hours.
"Climb High, Sleep Low": This is a classic mountaineering principle. If you’re planning a hike to a higher elevation, descend to a lower elevation to sleep. For example, hike to Williams Lake (11,030 feet) but sleep in the town of Taos.
Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives: These can interfere with your body’s ability to acclimatize. They can also mask the symptoms of altitude sickness, making it harder to recognize a problem.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you feel. If you start to experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, or fatigue, descend to a lower elevation immediately.
Hydration: The Elixir of Life (and Altitude)
Dehydration exacerbates altitude sickness. The dry desert air of New Mexico, combined with increased respiration at higher altitudes, means you lose fluids quickly.
Drink Plenty of Water: Aim for at least 3-4 liters of water per day. Carry a water bottle with you and sip on it throughout the day.
Electrolyte Drinks: Consider supplementing with electrolyte drinks, especially if you’re active. These help replace the electrolytes you lose through sweat. Look for options with sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
Avoid Sugary Drinks: Sugary drinks can actually dehydrate you. Stick to water, electrolyte drinks, or unsweetened tea.
Monitor Your Urine: Your urine should be light yellow or clear. Dark yellow urine is a sign of dehydration.
Sun Protection: Shielding Yourself from the Taos Sun
The sun in Taos is intense. Protecting your skin is crucial to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage.
Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it liberally and reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re sweating or swimming.
Choose the Right Sunscreen: Look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These mineral sunscreens are more effective at blocking UV rays than chemical sunscreens. They are also better for the environment.
Don’t Forget Your Lips: Use a lip balm with SPF. Lips are particularly vulnerable to sunburn.
Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin from the sun.
Sunglasses are Essential: Protect your eyes from the sun’s glare with sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
Seek Shade: During the hottest part of the day (10 am to 4 pm), seek shade whenever possible.
Local Remedies and Treatments
While prevention is key, sometimes altitude sickness or sunburn can still occur. Here are some local remedies and treatments to consider:
Coca Tea: While not a traditional New Mexican remedy, some local shops in Taos sell coca tea. Coca tea can help alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness. However, be aware that it may show up on drug tests.
Ginger: Ginger can help with nausea, a common symptom of altitude sickness. You can drink ginger tea or take ginger capsules.
Acupuncture: Some people find that acupuncture can help relieve the symptoms of altitude sickness. There are several acupuncture clinics in Taos.
Oxygen: If your symptoms are severe, you may need to seek medical attention. The Holy Cross Hospital in Taos offers oxygen therapy for altitude sickness.
Aloe Vera: For sunburn, apply aloe vera gel to soothe the skin. You can find aloe vera products at most pharmacies in Taos.
Hydration, Hydration, Hydration: Continue to drink plenty of fluids.
Common Mistakes and Pitfalls
Underestimating the Sun: Many visitors underestimate the intensity of the sun in Taos. They think that because it’s not hot, they don’t need sunscreen. This is a big mistake.
Ignoring Early Symptoms: Don’t ignore early symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache or fatigue. These symptoms can quickly worsen if you don’t take action.
Overexerting Yourself: Avoid strenuous activities when you first arrive in Taos. Give your body time to adjust to the altitude.
Relying on "Cures": There is no magic cure for altitude sickness. The best treatment is to descend to a lower elevation.
Not Planning Ahead: Don’t wait until you arrive in Taos to think about altitude sickness and sun protection. Plan ahead and pack accordingly.
Specific Scenarios in Taos
Hiking to Wheeler Peak: Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico, is a popular hiking destination near Taos Ski Valley. The trailhead starts at over 10,000 feet, so acclimatization is crucial. Start with shorter hikes at lower elevations before attempting Wheeler Peak.
Visiting the Taos Pueblo: The Taos Pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see attraction. It sits at an elevation of around 7,200 feet. While the elevation is not as high as the ski valley, it’s still important to take precautions against altitude sickness and sun exposure.
Skiing or Snowboarding at Taos Ski Valley: Taos Ski Valley is known for its challenging terrain and high elevation. If you’re planning to ski or snowboard, make sure you’re properly acclimatized and hydrated. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing.
River Rafting on the Rio Grande: River rafting is a popular activity in the summer. The sun can be intense on the river, so wear sunscreen and a hat. Stay hydrated.
Actionable Insights for Your Taos Trip
Before you go: Consult your doctor, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a water bottle.
Upon arrival: Take it easy. Avoid strenuous activities for the first 24-48 hours. Drink plenty of water.
During your trip: Monitor your symptoms. If you start to experience altitude sickness, descend to a lower elevation. Reapply sunscreen every two hours.
If you get sunburned: Apply aloe vera gel. Stay out of the sun.
If you experience severe altitude sickness: Seek medical attention.
By taking these precautions, you can minimize your risk of altitude sickness and sunburn and enjoy a safe and memorable trip to Taos, New Mexico. Don’t let the sun and altitude ruin your vacation. Be prepared, be smart, and enjoy the beauty of the Land of Enchantment.