For prospective residents searching for a new home in Colorado, one thing they may not consider is the change in elevation. There's a noticeable difference for those who have yet to experience life firsthand in the Mile High City.
Denver is located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, and usually surprises many first-time visitors by the fact that the city is generally very flat, often prompting many newcomers landing at Denver International Airport to wonder why the plane stopped in Kansas.
Although the city itself isn't located in the nearby mountain range—with many awe-inspiring peaks reaching over 14,000 feet—it still sits at a significant elevation that can have an effect on people who aren't used to it.
This article will dissect Denver’s elevation, offer a brief overview of the difference between elevation and altitude, and equip you with strategies for thriving at altitude and sidestepping altitude sickness like a seasoned Coloradan (or is it Coloradoan?). Get ready because, before long, you’ll be spending your weekends conquering those fearsome fourteeners!
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What Is Denver’s Elevation?
Denver is famous for sitting at an elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level and is the second-highest major city in the United States. However, if you want to get technical, most of Colorado’s Capitol sits just below 5,280 feet.
The official geologic survey marker denoting Denver’s mile-high elevation is located on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol building, which resides at the highest point in Denver in the Capitol Hill district. Denver is also far from the highest city in Colorado, with Leadville being the highest-elevation city in the United States at a breathtaking 10,158 feet.
What’s the Difference Between Elevation and Altitude?
In simple terms, elevation and altitude are different methods of measuring height. Elevation is widely used in geography and refers to an object’s vertical distance above mean sea level. Altitude is more commonly used in aviation and refers to an object’s vertical distance above the earth’s surface.
The Hawaiian volcano of Mauna Kea illustrates the distinction between elevation and altitude. The peak of Mauna Kea sits at 13,802 feet above sea level. However, much of Mauna Kea is underwater, so from base to peak, it measures 33,497 feet, making it the tallest mountain in the world in terms of altitude.
Many use “altitude” and “elevation” interchangeably, making the difference even more confusing.
What’s Denver’s Altitude?
While Denver sits at 5,280 feet above mean sea level, it can be challenging to calculate Denver’s altitude. The exact answer will depend on your location, as altitude is the vertical distance between an object and the earth’s surface. For example, the altitude of Mount Elbert is 14,440 feet, making the peak the tallest mountain in Colorado.
What is Altitude Sickness?
Before jumping into the definition of altitude sickness, it’s essential to understand that altitude sickness is uncommon below 8,000 feet above sea level. Most people, even those moving to a new city, don’t notice the difference in altitude in Denver. People who ascend higher altitudes and exercise without allowing their bodies to acclimate are most likely to be affected by Denver's altitude sickness.
Altitude sickness is a condition that occurs when an individual moves to a high altitude without giving their body the proper time to adjust. This condition occurs because the Earth’s atmosphere thins as altitude increases, and breathing in the same volume of thin air results in less oxygen delivered to the lungs. While altitude sickness can seem scary, most stages are preventable and easily treated.
The three stages of altitude sickness:
- Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is the most common form of altitude sickness, and it can cause symptoms within 24 hours of reaching a high altitude.
- High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a form of altitude sickness that causes an individual’s lungs to fill with fluid and requires immediate medical attention.
- High altitude cerebral edema (HACE) is the most severe stage of altitude sickness, causing the brain to swell due to prolonged exposure to low oxygen levels.
Each stage of altitude sickness is associated with various symptoms, progressing in intensity as an individual’s condition becomes more severe.
Altitude Sickness Symptoms
The symptoms associated with AMS usually appear within the first day of reaching a higher altitude than you are used to. These symptoms can include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Appetite loss
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Changes in vision
HAPE and HACE cause advanced symptoms, such as trouble breathing, loss of vision, and vertigo. These conditions are very severe, but most people who live in Denver never experience HAPE or HACE, especially if they know how to avoid altitude sickness.
How to Avoid Altitude Sickness in Denver
While avoiding altitude sickness in Denver is pretty effortless for most residents, there are a few tips you can follow as a newcomer to make your transition to the Mile High City easier on your body! Learn to avoid altitude sickness like a local by practicing these four tips.
Denver’s Elevation Tip #1: Acclimate
The best way to avoid Denver altitude sickness is to give your body time to acclimate to the elevation. This acclimation is critically important if you plan to hike, camp, or sightsee in Colorado's Rocky Mountain region shortly after flying into the Denver International Airport and arriving in the state.
Denver’s Elevation Tip #2: Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking plenty of water is your best defense to avoid altitude sickness. Colorado’s lower humidity keeps the outside air relatively dry, so you’ll need to drink twice as much water as you usually do at lower elevations. The increased atmospheric pressure common at higher elevations can also cause dehydration to progress much faster. And while you're at it, don't forget the sunscreen, moisturizer and lip balm.
Denver’s Elevation Tip #3: Potassium and Electrolytes
Eating foods high in potassium and other electrolytes is another excellent way to prevent yourself from developing altitude sickness. Foods high in potassium include bananas, broccoli, cantaloupe, greens, chocolate, and dried fruit. Hydration supplements and sports drinks are also helpful.
Denver’s Elevation Tip #4: Be Careful When Exercising
Workouts, runs, and exercises are more intense in Denver. The last thing you want to do is work out intensely shortly after arriving in the Mile High City. Start slowly and limit your physical activity until you develop a good baseline for what you can handle.
What to do if You Get Altitude Sickness
If you start to develop symptoms of altitude sickness at a high elevation, the best course of action is to notify someone in your party that you are feeling unwell. Next, you can take a moment to rest until you feel better. If your symptoms start to progress, you can attempt to move slowly to a lower altitude.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms:
- Confusion
- Lack of balance
- Loss in coordination
- Hallucinations
- Have trouble breathing
- Feel very sleepy
Most cases of altitude sickness get better with rest. However, you should respond to severe symptoms and cases appropriately. Individual reactions to altitude sickness may vary, and you should always consult your professional healthcare provider on the potential health risks of living in Denver.
5 Benefits of Living at Denver’s Elevation
According to a study from the National Library of Medicine, living at Denver’s elevation can be associated with a host of benefits, including:
- Lower risk of cardiovascular disease
- Lower risk of stroke
- Lower risk for certain types of cancer
- Lower risk for respiratory tract infections
- Lower mortality rate
Medical and health benefits aside, Denver’s elevation is also to thank for its beautiful summers, with more than 300 days of sun occurring annually. This ample sunshine gives Denverites plenty of perfect days to explore Colorado’s endless outdoor attractions.
Calling Denver Home
As most seasoned residents will tell you, there are many reasons to call Denver home. From health benefits to sunshine and a blissful average temperature of 53 degrees, living a mile-high life has its advantages.
Here at Century Communities, we’re committed to welcoming prospective Denver residents to the Mile High City and surrounding metro area with world-class properties and customer service. We’ll walk you through the entire homebuying process and explain the benefits of buying a newly built home, one step at a time.
If you’re ready to find your dream home, check out our selection of properties in Colorado!
Denver's Elevation FAQ
Is it Common to Get Altitude Sickness in Denver?
According to The Denver Post, only 8 to 10 percent of people get altitude sickness when visiting Denver. The percentage is even lower among residents.
Is Denver an Excellent Place to Live?
Denver’s impressive job market, endless recreational activities, proximity to the Rocky Mountains, diverse cultures, and great weather make it one of the best cities to live in the United States.
Why are People Moving to Denver?
People decide to move to Denver for various reasons, including job opportunities in the tech industry, the desire to be more connected with nature, the chance to take in world-class concerts at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, and the ability to cheer on multiple local professional sports teams.
What are the Best Neighborhoods in Denver?
Denver is home to several welcoming neighborhoods offering stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, including Cherry Creek, Washington Park, and Platt Park. Notable regions of downtown Denver include Park Hill, the Highlands, Lower Downtown (LoDo), and River North (RiNo).
What is the Most Populous City in Colorado?
Denver is the most populous city in Colorado with a population of over 710,000, with the metro area reaching 2.9 million people. The second-most populous city is Colorado Springs.