Going to Moab...what should I know?

[emily_in_nc]

Are you going to be riding there or just hanging out/hiking? We went there from NC in 2006 and did a lot of hiking in Arches and Canyonlands. No problems whatsoever. We had trained for hiking but did nothing specific for altitude and took no meds. I don't think the altitutde there should be a problem since it's really not that high. Honestly, we never even thought of doing anything to prepare or take any meds...not sure if it's worse if you're cycling vs. the long hikes we did.

Good luck!

[Chicken Little]

3 weeks. Sorry.
Take it easy.

[malkin]

Consider your overall level of fitness and the amount of exertion you are planning.

Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.
It's not exactly Everest, but you might feel headachy or a little out of breath.

[CyclicChick]

Consider your overall level of fitness and the amount of exertion you are planning.

Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.
It's not exactly Everest, but you might feel headachy or a little out of breath.

I'm working on the climbs..... and yes no booze and late nights for me. Thanks!

[emily_in_nc]

I asked my DH, and he still doesn't think you should have any problems at that altitude. Everyone is different, though.

We didn't even have trouble at Bryce (8000 ft), but we'd been out west for awhile by the time we got there so had probably acclimated somewhat. We did a couple of strenuous hikes there with no issues, though.

I think worrying about it might tend to make things worse...the mind is pretty suggestible. Was hoping some others who had gone from lowlands to Moab would chime in...maybe they still will.

[Crankin]

Everyone is different. I start feeling altitude at about 4,000 feet. It took me 2 days to get acclimated to Boulder (5,000 feet), but during our trip we also went up 8,000 a few times and to Rocky Mountain National Park, at 11,000 feet. I was tingly, sweaty, and kind of pale in the national park; I had to insist we leave, and we weren't even hiking!
I did do a short ride in Boulder, after we had been there for a few days. It was OK. But, generally, I don't plan any vacations at altitude, because I just feel awful.
Drink lots of water and no alcohol.

[Cataboo]

Give yourself a couple days to acclimatize before having doing much in the way of exertion.

I don't think you'll feel much at 4,000 feet - but everyone's different.

Some people use diamox for high altitude - but I think 4,000 feet isn't so high that you need to take a drug to deal with it. If cocoa tea was available in the US, I'd say drink that - it's really effective in Peru.

[CyclicChick]

Are you going to be riding there or just hanging out/hiking? We went there from NC in 2006 and did a lot of hiking in Arches and Canyonlands. No problems whatsoever. We had trained for hiking but did nothing specific for altitude and took no meds. I don't think the altitutde there should be a problem since it's really not that high. Honestly, we never even thought of doing anything to prepare or take any meds...not sure if it's worse if you're cycling vs. the long hikes we did.

Good luck!

Emily, going biking, hiking, rafting....I'm told to get there early to give the body a chance to catch-up