Taos Tech: Altitude Air Inflating Tracker Steps?
By Franklin Everett ShawForget those glossy brochures promising easy hikes in Taos, New Mexico. They conveniently omit the lung-searing reality of trekking at 7,000 feet, let alone scaling the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. You need a plan, and that plan starts with understanding how altitude affects your body and using technology to fight back.
Most hikers treat step trackers as mere vanity projects, counting steps to hit arbitrary goals. In Taos, your step tracker becomes a vital tool for survival. It’s about calibrating it for the thin air and using the data to avoid pushing yourself into a dangerous situation.
First, understand the enemy: altitude sickness. It’s not just about feeling winded. It’s a cascade of physiological responses to lower oxygen levels, leading to headaches, nausea, and in severe cases, life-threatening pulmonary or cerebral edema.
The key is acclimatization. This means gradually exposing your body to higher altitudes, allowing it to adjust its red blood cell production and breathing patterns. Taos, at 6,969 feet, is already high enough to warrant caution.
Here’s where your step tracker comes in. Don’t just slap it on and start hiking. You need to calibrate it for altitude. Most trackers use barometric altimeters, which measure air pressure to estimate elevation. However, atmospheric pressure fluctuates with weather, so a one-time calibration at the trailhead isn’t enough.
Instead, use a reliable GPS app on your phone (Gaia GPS is a good option) to get your precise altitude at several points along a short, relatively flat trail near Taos. Compare these readings to your step tracker’s altitude readings. Note the difference. This is your altitude offset.
Apply this offset to your step tracker’s readings throughout your hike. This gives you a more accurate baseline for understanding your exertion levels.
Now, let’s talk about step count. At higher altitudes, each step requires more effort. Your heart rate will be higher, and you’ll breathe harder for the same number of steps compared to sea level.
Forget about your usual daily step goal. It’s irrelevant here. Instead, focus on step rate – the number of steps you take per minute.
Before your Taos hike, find a flat area at a similar altitude and walk at a comfortable pace for 10 minutes. Note your average step rate. This is your baseline step rate.
During your hike, constantly monitor your step rate. If it consistently exceeds your baseline by more than 10-15%, you’re pushing yourself too hard. Slow down, even if it means taking frequent breaks.
Hydration is also critical. The air in Taos is dry, and you lose moisture more quickly at higher altitudes. Dehydration exacerbates the effects of altitude sickness.
Use your step tracker to remind you to hydrate. Set an alert to go off every 30 minutes. Each time it buzzes, take a few sips of water. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty.
Here’s a real-world example: Let’s say you’re hiking the Williams Lake Trail near Taos Ski Valley. The trailhead is already at 9,800 feet. You’ve calibrated your step tracker and determined your baseline step rate is 80 steps per minute.
As you ascend, you notice your step rate creeping up to 95 steps per minute. Your heart is pounding, and you’re breathing heavily. This is a red flag.
Instead of pushing through, stop, find a shady spot, and drink some water. Lower your step rate back to around 80 steps per minute, even if it means taking smaller steps or pausing more frequently.
Common mistakes? Ignoring the data. Many hikers become fixated on reaching the summit, disregarding the warning signs their bodies (and their step trackers) are sending.
Another pitfall is relying solely on your step tracker. It’s a tool, not a replacement for common sense. Pay attention to your body. If you feel unwell, descend immediately.
Don’t underestimate the mental aspect. Altitude can affect your judgment and decision-making. Plan your route carefully, tell someone where you’re going, and be prepared to turn back if necessary.
Consider using a pulse oximeter in conjunction with your step tracker. This device measures your blood oxygen saturation. A reading below 90% at altitude is a cause for concern.
Finally, remember that acclimatization takes time. If you’re flying into Taos from a lower altitude, spend a day or two resting and taking short, easy walks before attempting a strenuous hike.
Hiking in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is an incredible experience. But it demands respect. By understanding the effects of altitude and using technology intelligently, you can enjoy the beauty of northern New Mexico safely and responsibly. Your step tracker, properly calibrated and diligently monitored, can be your best friend on the trail. Don’t treat it like a toy; treat it like a lifeline.