Acclimating to 13ers?

[LaineyNC]

My fiancé and I were looking at hiking a 13er this weekend, specifically Sniktau, but are open to something else. I am just wondering if we'll have altitude issues as we haven't been above 10k this season. We did Bierstadt two years ago, but had prepped for it. We live in the Tech Center, are active and have done some hikes already this season, but like I said, nothing above 10k feet. Do we need to do some hikes between 10-13k or will we be alright?

If not, I'll gladly check out the forums for other "training hikes." Thanks!

[LarryM]

People vary, but living at 5,000 feet and hiking at 13,000 feet IMO generally does not require acclimatization. You may or may not have issues, but that's more a matter of your personal reaction to altitude rather than an acclimatization issue per se. As always, take all relevant precautions (hydrate, etc.) & be aware of the relevant symptoms & be prepared to cut your climb short if they appear.

[Ptglhs]

You should be okay. You'll move more slowly going up hill at that elevation than if you were just going up a front range foothills hike, but acclimating shouldn't be necessary. The more time you spend at elevation the better, and it will make hiking higher up easier. Going from the front range cities to any hike in the lower 48 means acclimating is a plus, not a must.

As Larry says, hydrate! Sunblock is also a great idea.

[disentangled]

People vary, but living at 5,000 feet and hiking at 13,000 feet IMO generally does not require acclimatization.

i'll just say from experience that living at 5,000 feet doesn't eliminate acclimatization at 13,000 feet. your other comments are correct to advise for caution!!

[LarryM]

People vary, but living at 5,000 feet and hiking at 13,000 feet IMO generally does not require acclimatization.

i'll just say from experience that living at 5,000 feet doesn't eliminate acclimatization at 13,000 feet. your other comments are correct to advise for caution!!

Well as I said people vary. I'm personally lucky in that regard (says the guy who hasn't been over 10,000 feet in several weeks, but may run Bierstadt Thursday, and will be running the Leadville Trail marathon, topping out over 13,000 feet, in 10 days).

But probably the most accurate statement of general applicability was from Ptglhs: "Going from the front range cities to any hike in the lower 48 means acclimating is a plus, not a must."

[mtnkub]

Sniktau is a good test piece for finding out what issues you may have!
(And it's short enough, so you can take your time and check out what altitude does to you).

[Trotter]

My fiancé and I were looking at hiking a 13er this weekend, specifically Sniktau, but are open to something else. I am just wondering if we'll have altitude issues as we haven't been above 10k this season. We did Bierstadt two years ago, but had prepped for it. We live in the Tech Center, are active and have done some hikes already this season, but like I said, nothing above 10k feet. Do we need to do some hikes between 10-13k or will we be alright?

If not, I'll gladly check out the forums for other "training hikes." Thanks!

You'll probably be fine, and if not, Sniktau is perfect because you can turn around and be back at your car pretty quickly.