{"id":73637,"date":"2025-12-10T14:52:34","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T21:52:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=73637"},"modified":"2025-12-12T14:55:49","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T21:55:49","slug":"trip-to-colorado-what-to-know-before-visiting-colorado","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/trip-to-colorado-what-to-know-before-visiting-colorado\/","title":{"rendered":"A trip to Colorado: Insider tips and what to know before visiting Colorado"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Discover insider tips for visiting Colorado \u2014 altitude adjustment, weather prep, wildlife safety, traffic rules, legal guidance and more. Photo: Getty Images.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With more than 90 million annual visitors, Colorado is a magnet for people seeking majestic mountains, wildlife encounters and a plethora of outdoor activities, from world-class skiing<\/a> to camping<\/a>, mountain biking, rock climbing<\/a> and relaxing in hot springs<\/a>. Fans of professional sports can also find plenty of opportunities to cheer on their favorite teams.<\/p>\n

While the state is beautiful and inviting, you\u2019ll want to be prepared when taking a trip to Colorado. Here are some insider travel tips and things to know before visiting Colorado.<\/p>\n

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Colorado visitors enjoy an epic Colorado whitewater rafting experience in Glenwood Canyon. Thoughtful preparation is your key to an enjoyable and safe trip to Colorado. Photo by Matt Inden\/Miles, courtesy of the Colorado Tourism Office.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Prepare for the high altitude in Colorado<\/strong><\/h2>\n

You\u2019ve probably heard that Denver is the \u201cMile High City.\u201d Why? Denver happens to sit at 5,280 feet above sea level. The elevation and access to the Rocky Mountains make Colorado a beautiful state. But many visitors also get altitude sickness, which means that their bodies aren\u2019t adjusting well to decreased oxygen. (What to do if you have altitude sickness.<\/a>)<\/p>\n

To prevent altitude sickness, it\u2019s wise to take things gradually. Don\u2019t arrive in Denver and head straight up to the ski slopes or to climb a 14,000-foot peak, known locally as a 14-er. Give your body a chance to adjust to Colorado\u2019s elevation before you exert yourself physically. It\u2019s also wise to skip or reduce alcohol and the use of other drugs. Using these substances can make altitude sickness worse.<\/p>\n

Drink water and stay hydrated<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Colorado has a dry climate. Plus, the higher elevation will make you thirsty. To avoid altitude sickness, drink plenty of water.<\/a> You\u2019ll notice that locals bring reusable water bottles nearly everywhere they go. Why not make your first Colorado souvenir a refillable water bottle? Then, do what Coloradans do: plaster it with stickers from cool places you visit, fill it up with delicious Colorado water (from the tap, not from streams) and carry your water bottle with you.<\/p>\n

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People visit Colorado for all sorts of reasons, from outdoor recreation to attending professional sports games. Learning insider tips before your trip to Colorado will make for a safer and more enjoyable experience. Photo: Getty Images.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Insider tip:<\/strong> Do not drink directly from streams and lakes in Colorado. Yes, the water will look pristine and inviting. But animals have spread a parasite in Colorado called giardia. If you drink untreated water from Colorado streams and lakes, you can get an illness called giardiasis<\/a>, which causes very unpleasant diarrhea, nausea, fevers, cramps and body aches. If you think you have giardia, seek medical treatment right away. Doctors can test you for the parasite, and there are treatments available.
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Need medical care while you’re in Colorado?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Try UCHealth’s Virtual Urgent Care<\/a><\/h3>\n