Conejos County Colorado Travel Tips

The mountains are the crowning jewel of Conejos County. If you plan on traveling to the mountains, we hope you'll take a moment to review the following tips that will ensure your trip is safe and enjoyable. Please note that children and the elderly have a greater risk of succumbing to altitude sickness. As you climb higher and higher, you may develop some minor nausea, tiredness and weakness or a headache. These symptoms can largely be managed by taking the following precautions.

Acclimation Tips:

• Increase your intake of fluids. Drink more water than will quench your thirst in order to help stave off headaches.
• Listen to your body and adjust your physical activity accordingly.
• Choose higher carbohydrate foods.
• Eat low fat meals.
• Reduce caffeine, alcohol and salt intake.
• Realize you are 8000 feet closer to the sun. It will burn you faster and more seriously than at lower elevations. Wear sunscreen.
• Temperature falls about 3º for every 1000 feet of altitude. This can cause it to become cold very fast. The weather in the mountains can be very unpredictable and fast-moving. Always bring a protective layer when you head outdoors. Even if it is hot and sunny, you might be stuck in a rain shower in an hour.
• Your heart will probably beat faster than normal which is an appropriate bodily response meant to utilize the oxygen in the air efficiently.

• Plan ahead and prepare with food, weather-appropriate clothing, a first aid kit, matches, compass, whistle and map.
• Pack in what you need, pack out your trash - do not bury or burn it.
• Stay on trails and roads.
• Camp in designated camping sites only.
• Build fires in contained fire pits and keep them small and manageable. Have a plan if the fire starts to expand.

• When in black bear and mountain lion country, don't take chances. Always make noise as you walk in the woods, preferably with a bell or by talking. This will alleviate the chance that you will sneak up on a bear and startle him.
• Always tell someone where you will be camping or hiking that day. Let them know when you will be returning and to call the appropriate law enforcement agency if you do not arrive back in time.
• Always take enough food and water for your trip.
• Do not drink from rivers, streams or lakes unless you have a water purifier or unless you can boil the water for preferably 3 to 5 minutes.
• Keep food stored in coolers in the trunk of your car or suspended from a tree at least 10 feet high.
• Keep food smells off of yourself and your sleeping gear.