Taos Trails: Altitude Sun Stealing Gains Fast?
By Franklin Everett ShawImagine cresting a ridge, the thin air biting at your lungs, the sun blazing down with an intensity you’ve never felt before. This isn’t just any hike; this is Taos, New Mexico. The altitude, the sun, and the dry air demand respect, and without a plan, your dream trail run can quickly turn into a miserable slog, or worse.
Taos, nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, presents unique challenges for hikers and trail runners. We’re not just talking about a little huffing and puffing. We’re talking about altitude sickness, severe sunburn, and dehydration that can creep up on you faster than you think.
Let’s dive into how to conquer these challenges and make the most of your Taos adventure.
First, acclimatization is paramount. Don’t underestimate the impact of altitude. Taos sits at nearly 7,000 feet, and many trails climb significantly higher.
Here’s a sample 3-day acclimatization schedule, incorporating local hikes:
Day 1: Arrive in Taos. Take it easy. A gentle stroll around the Taos Plaza is perfect. Hydrate aggressively with electrolytes. Consider a light meal at Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe, but avoid overeating.
Day 2: Hike the Horseshoe Lake Trail near Taos Ski Valley. This is a moderate 4.6-mile loop that starts at around 10,000 feet. The key is to take it slow and steady. Monitor yourself for symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, nausea, dizziness). If you experience any, descend immediately. You can find hiking poles at Taos Mountain Outfitters if you need them.
Day 3: Hike the Williams Lake Trail, also near Taos Ski Valley. This is a slightly shorter and easier hike than Horseshoe Lake, but still offers stunning views and good acclimatization. Again, pace yourself and listen to your body. Reward yourself with a celebratory green chile cheeseburger at The Burger Stand at Taos Ale House.
This schedule is a guideline. Adjust it based on your fitness level and how you’re feeling. The goal is to gradually expose your body to higher altitudes, allowing it to adapt.
Now, let’s talk about sun protection. The UV index in Taos is often extreme, even on cloudy days.
A simple sunscreen application isn’t enough. You need a comprehensive plan.
Clothing: Invest in sun-protective clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 50+. This includes long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat. Check out the selection at Cid’s Food Market; they often have outdoor gear.
Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it liberally and reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re sweating. Don’t forget your ears, neck, and the back of your hands.
Sunglasses: Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Julbo Vermont Classic sunglasses are a great option, offering excellent protection and a stylish retro look. You can find them at Cottam’s Ski and Snowboard.
Lip Balm: Use a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from sunburn.
Many hikers make the mistake of only applying sunscreen in the morning. The Taos sun is relentless, and reapplication is crucial.
Finally, let’s address fueling and hydration. The dry air and high altitude can lead to rapid dehydration.
Altitude also suppresses appetite, making it easy to under-fuel.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even when you’re not thirsty. Add electrolytes to your water to replace those lost through sweat. Nuun tablets are a convenient and effective option, available at most grocery stores in Taos. Aim to drink at least a liter of water for every two hours of hiking.
Fueling: Pack high-energy snacks that are easy to digest. Trail mix, energy bars, and dried fruit are good choices. Consider bringing some local jerky from Taos Mesa Brewing Mothership for a salty, protein-packed treat. Aim to eat something every hour, even if you don’t feel hungry.
Altitude Sickness Prevention: Some people find that eating foods high in carbohydrates can help prevent altitude sickness. Consider packing some bagels or tortillas.
A common mistake is waiting until you’re thirsty to drink. By then, you’re already dehydrated.
Another pitfall is relying solely on sugary energy gels. These can cause stomach upset, especially at altitude.
Real-world application: Imagine you’re planning a trail run on the Deception Peak Trail. This is a challenging 10-mile run with significant elevation gain.
Here’s how to apply these principles:
Acclimatization: Spend at least two days in Taos before attempting this run. Follow the acclimatization schedule outlined above.
Sun Protection: Wear a long-sleeved sun shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Apply sunscreen liberally and reapply every two hours.
Fueling and Hydration: Carry at least two liters of water with electrolytes. Pack a variety of high-energy snacks, including trail mix, energy bars, and jerky. Aim to drink and eat something every hour.
Specific challenges and pitfalls:
Ignoring early signs of altitude sickness: Don’t push through a headache or nausea. Descend to a lower altitude immediately.
Overexerting yourself on the first day: Take it easy and gradually increase your activity level.
Forgetting to reapply sunscreen: Set a timer on your phone to remind you.
Underestimating the power of the sun: Even on cloudy days, the UV index can be high.
Not drinking enough water: Carry a hydration pack or water bottles and sip frequently.
Relying on sugary snacks: Choose a variety of snacks that provide sustained energy.
By following these guidelines, you can optimize your performance and enjoy the stunning beauty of Taos’s high-altitude trails. Remember to listen to your body, be prepared, and respect the environment. Now get out there and explore!