While camping at 6,800 feet above sea level may seem like High Altitude Camping to some, it’s the average altitude here in Colorado. For Coloradans high altitude camping is anything above 11,000 feet or the tree line. Above this altitude only alpine vegetation grows. Camping at these altitudes requires some extra knowledge and preparation.
The most important factor that changes with altitude is oxygen, the higher the altitude the less oxygen available. This lack of oxygen at higher altitudes along with the lower air pressure has an effect on several things mainly our health.
Because of the low oxygen levels at high altitudes you may find breathing to be difficult. With the heavy breathing from physical activity at higher altitudes our bodies expel more moisture and thus it is very important to stay hydrated. Extra water needs to planned for before your trip.
Altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness occurs most often in people who go from low to high altitudes (>8,000 feet) very quickly. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, dizziness, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, shortness of breath and nausea. For most the symptoms usually go away after a day or two at the high altitude. If symptoms persist the individual should go to a lower altitude as soon as possible.
Above the timberline there is little fuel for a campfire. Also some camping stoves don’t preform well at high altitudes due to the lower oxygen levels and low atmospheric conditions. Therefore food takes longer to cook. Expedition stoves preform best at these altitudes.
Expedition stoves are designed to be ultra-lightweight and operate in very cold and low atmospheric conditions. The fuel is primarily liquid (white gas) because of its superior performance in extreme conditions. Expedition stoves are more complicated to use than the other camping stoves. At these altitudes stoves are usually used for heating water for freeze dried meals and drinks, although they can heat soups and other very basic meals.
With the lack of trees at these altitudes high winds are not uncommon. On summer nights the winds can help drop the temperature to sub-freezing levels at times, so your selection of sleeping bag and clothing should take this into account. During the day the sun is much more intense at high altitudes so don’t forget the sunblock and sunglasses.
If you are ATV camping keep in mind that most older carburetted ATVs are not tuned for high altitudes, therefore Electronic Fuel Injected (EFI) ATVs are highly recommended. Tread Lightly and remember to pack out what you pack in. Through proper planning and preparation high altitude camping is a very rewarding experience.
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High altitude camping is the best especially at the sand dunes in Colorado you can’t get much better then that when it comes to camping!
It’s been years since I last camped at the great sand dunes. I thoroughly enjoy the area and want to go back soon.
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Another problem of doing camping in high altitudes is the problem in breathing that you face. You should definitely have something that can take care of this problem, perhaps, an oxygen cylinder and such..
While the effects of Acute Mountain Sickness are most prevalent at altitudes above 8,000 feet, supplemental oxygen is typically recommended for altitudes above 25,000 feet. Having said this it does not hurt to have the extra oxygen available at altitudes below 25,000 feet if you have the room to pack it and the ability to carry it.
I am afraid having a camping in High altitude so scary. I like those people who have the courage to camp in high altitude but I can’t do it myself. By the way thanks for the information!
Danyelle Franciosa recently posted..Bifold Doors
Thanks Danyelle, all of my “High Altitude” camping has been less than 16,000 feet but it was still fun.