Tips and Tricks for Hiking on Your Wedding Day in High Altitudes

As someone who lives at sea level but often travels to Colorado or areas of higher elevation for work I’m always worried myself that a bride will struggle with the elevation. While I haven’t experienced altitude sickness yet it’s something I want to avoid at all costs. What could be worse than traveling to your dream wedding destination only to feel sick when you get there? While I can hike and ski on the coast and in Tahoe without a problem, I always feel a bit more winded in high altitudes with mild exertion. Take lots of breaks, and arrive a few days before your elopement so you have time to acclimate and drink that water!!!

1. Hydration! Bring lots of water, and preferably a re-fillable bottle you can travel with. I love to pack LMNT or Liquid IV to make sure I have electrolytes and a hypotonic solution. I do get dizzy easily and this always helps!!! Colorado water is often pretty clean and your hotel or Airbnb will usually have a place to re-fill your bottle. Pre-hydrate as soon as you land! You can see all my top travel essentials HERE

2. Sunscreen! The sun is much more harsh at higher altitudes so you want to make sure you come prepared, throw some extra in your hiking pack to re-apply! If worried about sunscreen messing up your makeup they sell many powdered versions that I love to just keep in my car or travel bag. Bring lots of chapsticks, the climate gets very dry! I love just having Aquaphor. While not appropriate for my brides, on their wedding days, if you are hiking before or after our time together I recommend packing long sleeves and a hat! You can see my favorite sunscreens HERE

3. Altitude sickness is real and dangerous. Altitude sickness can occur when one does not give the body adequate time to acclimate to the environment, the change in air pressure, and the lack of oxygen. This happens when you climb to high elevations too quickly. However, altitude sickness can happen even if you give yourself time to acclimatize. Everyone is different, and it can happen to anyone, even if you have spent a lot of time at high altitudes before without a problem. Symptoms of altitude sickness can include nausea, headache, lack of hunger or thirst, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, confusion, and vomiting. If you notice these warning signs early on, you can prevent altitude sickness. The only real way to treat altitude sickness is to get to a lower elevation, rest (reduce exertion), hydrate, and eat. ( credit REI.COM) I often travel with small packs of Advil, as it can really help with this as it reduces swelling!

4. Snacks! granola bars, and energy bites with sugar are your friend !! always have some sugar or protein on hand! One of the first things I do, when I land, is stop at a gas station for water, beef jerky, and protein bars.

5. Don’t forget a backpack to hold your water, sunscreen, snacks, and maybe your wedding bouquet!!

6. Bear spray; this is something I sometimes pick up when I land if I’m in an area with a large bear population. Also as a woman who often hikes alone in remote areas, it makes me feel safer from humans too lol.

Looking for a Colorado, Wyoming, or mountain elopement photographer? I want to be there!!