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Altitudes in Utah
Alta Ski Resort Base - 8,527 feet (2,599 meters)
Arches National Park - 6,000 feet (1,829 meters)
Bryce Canyon National Park - 7,586 feet (2,312 meters)
Canyonlands National Park - 6,000 feet (1,829 meters)
Capitol Reef National Park - 6,843 feet (2,086 meters)
Cedar Breaks National Monument - 10,662 feet (3,250 meters)
Kings Peak in the Unita Mountains 13,528 feet (4,123 meters)
Lake Powell - 3,700 feet (1,128 meters)
Park City - 6,900 feet (2,103 meters)
Salt Lake City Airport - 4,330 feet (1,320 meters)
Snowbasin Ski Resort Base - 7,497 feet (2,285 meters)
Snowbird Ski Resort Base - 7,756 feet (2,364 meters)
Zion National Park - 3,913 feet (1,193 meters)
Most ski resort summits are above 10,000 feet (3,048 meters)
High
Altitude Illness
Most people have no problems after arriving in Utah. However, some
people experience unpleasant reactions to Utah's high altitudes. Symptoms
of high
altitude illness can include headache (generally at the back
of
the head-particularly
in the morning), dizziness, fatigue,
dry cough, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, disturbed sleep, and
a general feeling of being ill. Symptoms of altitude illness may
mimic those produced by hypothermia, dehydration, carbon monoxide
poisoning or low blood
sugar.
Most of these symptoms are caused by a lack of
oxygen. At 6,500 feet (1,981 meters), the air we breathe
contains
about 20% less oxygen than at sea level. Lack of oxygen affects most
bodily functions. Our muscles cannot do as much work, our
nervous system cannot take as much stress, and our digestive system
cannot handle fat
as
well.
If possible, arrive a few days in advance of your planned physical activities
to allow time for your body to acclimate. Also for those first few
days, stay away from fatty foods and drink plenty of water.
People who are overweight, have high blood pressure, sickle-cell anemia,
heart or lung disease should consult with
a doctor before coming to Utah's high elevation.
Loss of muscular control, blurred vision, hallucinations, and mental
confusion are signs to get down to a lower altitude immediately and
seek medical attention.
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