How to Hike at Elevations

Ascending a mountain or hiking at varying elevations can be challenging and rewarding. The breathtaking view from the summit of a 10,000-foot mountain may give you a wonderful sense of accomplishment, but caution must always be practiced to prevent injuries and accidents. As you reach higher altitudes, air pressure decreases, which results in less oxygen. For every 1,000 feet you ascend, about 3 percent of the available oxygen is depleted. At 12,000 feet, each breath you take in only brings two-thirds of the oxygen you normally would breathe in at sea level, according to the Hiking Dude website. This requires hikers to carefully and properly adapt to the conditions.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Extra clothes
  • Protective footwear
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare your body. Acclimatize yourself by starting at lower elevations and slowly walk toward higher altitudes. Spend about two to three days hiking at lower elevations before tackling higher ground. Watch your sleeping altitudes. Hiking Dude advises the difference in height between two consecutive camps or sleeping areas should not be larger than 1,500 feet.

    • 2

      Walk slowly. There is less oxygen in higher altitudes, so pace yourself as you gain elevation to prevent overexerting your body. The faster you hike, the less chance you allow your body to acclimatize and adjust to the conditions of higher elevations.

    • 3

      Maintain an even breathing and stepping rhythm. Maintaining a steady pace and breathing pattern lowers the risk of fatigue and overexertion. If you experience difficulty breathing, take deep breaths and smaller steps until you can sustain a steady pace again.

    • 4

      Stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause headaches and fatigue, or worse, Acute Mountain Sickness, known as AMS. AMS is an illness that affects hikers, mountain climbers and skiers at altitudes typically above 8,000 feet. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, symptoms of AMS are difficulty sleeping, dizziness or light-headedness, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, rapid pulse and shortness of breath.

    • 5

      Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and extra clothes. Sunscreen is necessary because sun rays are more powerful in higher elevations. Sunglasses safeguard your eyes and help prevent headaches and squinting. Extra clothes protect you from the elements and against rapid temperature changes. Wear protective and comfortable footwear suitable to the terrain you plan to hike.