Pike's Peak

**slowhike** · 12-23-2007, 12:08

Originally Posted by RevT

Thanks Slowhike,

Where else have I seen your handle? Are you on the Hammock Camping Yahoo group? I've seen a sig like yours there.

Brian

yep, hammockcamping yahoo group.

**Sasquatch** · 12-24-2007, 06:51

I have not done it down hill before just up hill. I lived just north of the springs for a number of years and my company was one of the major sponsors for a benifit hike called the Pikes Peak Challange. It was a hike to raise awareness of Brain Injury. Picabo Street was our honary chair woman. I am not sure they still do it but it was in Sept. The idea of hanging at the A fram hut at timberline is great the view would be spectacular. If you had the means to get a ride back you could possibly do an up and over and have someone grab you from one of the other trail heads.

Do keep in mind you are talking about 14,000 ft summit elevation and you are from KY. nothing will put a damper on your hike quicker than alt. sickness and it sometimes effects people at elev as low as 9 to 10 thousand feet so just know of this and be smart.

**Just Jeff** · 12-24-2007, 08:29

When I was at the AF Academy we'd sometimes have parents get altitude sickness, and that was only 7200'. We also had a girl die of HAPE in the mountains...we only averaged around 9000' for that trip. Sasquatch is right - definitely read up on altitude issues when planning a trip at altitude if you're coming from near sea level.

**Cannibal** · 12-24-2007, 11:08

Originally Posted by Just Jeff

When I was at the AF Academy we'd sometimes have parents get altitude sickness, and that was only 7200'. We also had a girl die of HAPE in the mountains...we only averaged around 9000' for that trip. Sasquatch is right - definitely read up on altitude issues when planning a trip at altitude if you're coming from near sea level.

Yep yep! First trip to Pike's Peak as a kid (13) my dad sent me to the car to get the camera. When I came back he had a look on his face I've never seen before or since. He grabbed me and ran to the car. He drove like a race car driver down the mountain. I passed out on the way down (I thought I was just tired). I asked him what happened and he said I looked like a smurf!

He said my entire face was a shade of blue/purple. Only thing I wanted to know is why he didn't take a picture?!

**Big E** · 12-24-2007, 11:46

So, any tips from anyone on preparing for the altitude? Anyone here ever come from sea level and done a hike like this?

I did spend 3 years in Provo, UT for law school and understand the different feeling at altitude, but this will be much higher than when I hiked the "Y". That was not too bad, just noticed more fatigue, etc.

I was thinking about getting something like a mild asthma med from my doc to increase oxygen capacity on the trip . . . other than that, getting in shape before going is the only other thing I can think of. I'll probably schedule a bunch of overnighters in the RRG and go over and back on Misery Hill a BUNCH!

**Cannibal** · 12-24-2007, 12:23

As long as you aren't coming from sea level you'll probably be fine; just out of breath.

You can GREATLY reduce the effects of altitude sickness by spending 24-48 hours in Colorado Springs before heading up. Drink lots and lots and lots of water; NO BEER! The better hydrated you are the happier you will be. Aspirin for the headache doesn't hurt either.

**Just Jeff** · 12-24-2007, 12:28

Drink lots of water - especially b/c Kentucky is humid and CO is dry even at lower altitudes. You should be peeing every half hour or so while you're active. Dehydration accelerates altitude sickness and makes it more acute.

Acclimatize. Limiting activity as you acclimatize helps...which isn't really consistent with hiking, but fits perfectly with hammocking! Maybe spend a night at ~7000' before you hit the top. (Hotels in Colorado Springs are ~6000'). And take it easy once you start hiking...overexertion can accelerate altitude sickness b/c your body is already starved for oxygen.

The biggest thing is just knowing the signs of AMS, HAPE and HACE - and that the only cure is to descend.

Diamox can help, too. But planning to rely on meds to get you thru is a bad plan, IMO...maybe get some for emergency use if you can't descend at night or something.

Edit - Cannibal beat me to a lot of it. I agree with his first sentence - just monitor yourself and know what the signs are and you'll probably be fine.

**RevT** · 12-24-2007, 12:56

I found this web site a long time ago and added to mine...

http://www.tannehillclan.com/colorad...wtopic.php?t=7

Pretty good article on Altitude Sickness.

You might even think about staying in Woodland park for a night, its around 8000 feet maybe. Say spend one night in COS, on the N end of town, (its higher) LOL, then the next night camping in Woodland Park, or a motel, then go for PP on the third night, if you have that much time.

Another Option is coming at it from the back side. Its only 6 miles up that way I think. I'd go in through the crags campground, and that would give you a night at 8000 or so feet, then hike over the hill, and down Barr trail.
http://jemez.org/lam/64.html

Here is a report at 14ers.com
http://www.14ers.com/php14ers/tripre...&cpgm=tripmain

and others reports about PP.
http://www.14ers.com/php14ers/tripmain.php

Brian

**Big E** · 12-24-2007, 22:21

This is what I love about our group on this forum . . . tons of good advice and counsel . . . and ALL in the best spirit!

Thanks for the great advice. Everyone have a great holiday. I'll keep you all posted as we prepare for and tackle Pikes Peak!

E

**slowhike** · 12-24-2007, 22:24

Originally Posted by Big E

This is what I love about our group on this forum . . . tons of good advice and counsel . . . and ALL in the best spirit!

Thanks for the great advice. Everyone have a great holiday. I'll keep you all posted as we prepare for and tackle Pikes Peak!

E

take care & Merry Christmas! we'll be looking forward to hearing about it!