Going up a lot of these passes means you could be getting pretty high up in elevation, and if you’re not from around here then you could experience altitude sickness. Here are a couple tips to remember when traveling at higher altitudes.

1.Drink plenty of water.  At higher altitudes, the air holds less moisture due to low pressure. This causes water from the skin to evaporate more quickly than normal. This means that the “eight cups of water a day” rule is not enough. In the mountains, there is no formula on how much water you should drink. Some symptoms may be dizziness or feeling light headed or head aches. Pay attention since its much easier to be proactive rather than reactive.

2. Energy- You’re going to need a lot more energy when exploring even if you’re in a Jeep. I have been in Colorado for a couple years and this is still true for me. Make sure you load up on carbs they not only keep your energy levels high, but also keep you fuller longer. The brain, unlike other organs in the body, runs on energy from carbohydrates, so keep it happy and prevent those altitude-induced headaches by eating well. Make sure that not only do you have enough water but have plenty of snack in case you start to feel sluggish. Healthy snacks are recommended, I find KIND bars to be really good and healthy.

3. Take time to acclimate. This takes anywhere between 24-48 hours.

4. Iron- Iron is a major nutrient in the bloodstream that helps with oxygen delivery, so you’ll want to ensure healthy levels of iron before you head to the mountains. Iron deficiency is not uncommon, and women are more prone to becoming iron-deficient than men.