Unexpected Colorado Part 1: Why I Scrapped All My Plans for exploring Colorado

This is part 1 of my multi-episode adventure in Colorado. In this video, join me as I make the long trek from home in western Oregon to the jaw-droppingly beautiful mountains of Colorado, and find out what went wrong before I could even begin the adventure.
Watch the rest of the Unexpected Colorado series:
Part 2 • Unexpected Colorado Pa...
Part 3 • Unexpected Colorado Pa...
Part 4 • Unexpected Colorado Pa...
Topo Toppers Mesa wedge camper:
www.topotopper...
Alldogs Offroad/Koni 2" lift kit:
www.alldogsoff...
Alldogs Offroad wheels for Frontier/Xterra:
www.alldogsoff...
ASFIR 4x4 skid plates:
www.asfir.com/...
Yankum Ropes:
yankum.com/?af...
(use code SOFTROADINGTHEWEST for a discount off your purchase)
MAXTRAX MKII recovery boards:
adventure-impo...
Viair 300p compressor:
amzn.to/43b18Fw
LED CoLight driving lights (my large round lights)
www.led-coligh...
Diode Dynamics SS3 LED pods (my amber pods)
amzn.to/341SWv2
ScanGauge 3:
amzn.to/3HECOUe
Wavian NATO Jerry Can:
amzn.to/3P4Nqhe
My rear bumper:
• DIY offroad rear bumpe...
Spot X satellite communicator:
amzn.to/3NfIrtk
Dash mounting my devices:
• Installing my Ram Moun...
Breakfast thanks to Grizzlies:
www.grizzliesb...
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made after clicking one of my Amazon links, even if you ultimately choose another product. Purchases made via my link at Yankum also provides a small benefit to the channel. This costs you nothing, but the small commissions earned on referrals support the ongoing creation of content for this channel. Thank you!
--------------------------
If you enjoy my work and would like to more directly support my efforts, consider joining my Patreon page with a small monthly contribution. Patrons receive access to exclusive extra content, messaging priority, and other benefits:
/ softroadingthewest

[@idahoverland_208]

Having grown up in southern Idaho, I never realized it was windy…until one day it stopped.

[@user-gs5bd7fj3b]

Me also. The wind stopped and I fell flat on my face.

[@swidahooverlanding2867]

Not so windy over here...

[@ejacs8077]

Check out the San Juan mountains pretty awesome country around Delores Colorado

[@ThalassTKynn]

At least you had the presence of mind to recognise something was wrong. Next time will be better!

[@mikechandler3791]

I am sure you are back in western Oregon by now. We live at 9K in Colorado and always inform visitors to spend a week hydrating 50-100% more than what they normally do prior to visiting and to spend a night either in Denver or Colorado Springs at 5-6K altitude to acclimate. Many years ago, when my mom was still with us, she and some of my family that live(s/d) in Florida came out for Christmas and we took them up to Breckenridge (11K) to spend Christmas and enjoy some activities, they did what we suggested and were fine. Note: everyone reacts differently to altitude, I have a friend that tried to climb 14’ers with us and he lived in Colorado Springs at the time, even with the gradual approach he never was able to acclimate to altitude. Suggestion, next time take a little more time in Idaho and Utah at some lower elevations to camp and explore before climbing into Colorado’s mountains. That would make for a good transition/acclimation into coming from sea-level to higher altitude. Plan your trip in CO with lower altitude camping but exploring higher areas during the day(s). Very few Colorado natives camp at high altitudes, keep in mind tree line is at 12K. Do come back and enjoy the beautiful mountains.

[@plainairbarnettsoutdoors]

Not a downfall, rather another learning experience.

[@IronmanV5]

I guess Colorado really IS breathtaking

[@softroadingthewest]

LOL 👏👏😆

[@Flyin_high_pnw]

You added the clip of me being loaded into the ambulance after my moto accident, that's a day I'll never forget and I'm so glad I got to meet you that day! I hope you are enjoying your summer so far! Wonderful video as always Donald!

[@montechie]

AAS is no joke and can even catch pro climbers off guard. Everyone's different, but "Sleep Low, Climb High" eliminates many issues and helps acclimation. Plan your activity around camping lower at night, and doing higher altitude during the days. Especially those first couple of nights.

[@steveparsons6324]

Altitude sickness is not what I expected to set you back. Good decision to scuttle the trip as planned.

[@softroadingthewest]

LOL, it is not what I expected to set me back either. 😄 But now I know, and will be ready for it next time!

[@Gyppor]

You made the right call going down, the mountains will still be there next time. Take 7-10 days, ascend over 2-3 days, and do like mountaineers - climb high and sleep low. Those mountains aren't going anywhere!

[@larryr.burfield1893]

Like the location subtitles!

[@cmcduff1297]

I grew up in Co. but now live in N Ca. I visit home often. The thing is you have to drink a lot of water on your way there and while you are there. Going from 200 ft. To 8000ft you have to hang out a few days first. Even after being home a month and hiking daily, I still get light headed when I get up on trail ridge or wander around above tree line. Seriously, hydration is key.

[@AndrewM83]

Thanks for being some of the few KZbinrs who drives a Nissan frontier for the adventures! 2011-2019 are some of the best Nissan trucks!

[@charlieswearingen500]

Sorry to hear about your bout with Mountain Sickness. I grew up in Idaho at 5,000 ft elevation and did most of my work/recreating between 5 and 10 thousand feet of elevation all my life. This summer, I went to Alaska to fish for salmon and was amazed by my improved endurance at age 75. At sea level, I never once starved for oxygen or stopped to rest while hiking uphill to my cabin.

[@johnwalker3263]

I wish you would produce more. The content is great and it always brightens my day! Keep it up Donald.

[@johnwalker3263]

That totally sounded wrong and I gotta fix it. You produce such great content that I wish there was more. I realize that it takes a lot of time to get to the quality that you’ve achieved. I’m thankful for what you do post. Please do not turn into a content factory and spew out cr@p. There’s too much of that out there already! I’ve found as KZbin content quality has steadily declined over the years that your content is bucking that trend. Keep up the good work and I wish you success in achieving your goals for the channel.

[@jeffreypreiss8191]

Don't feel bad, Donald. Altitude is no joke. It will steal your breath from you. Glad you are making the best of it with some lower altitude exploring. I like that you are already planning for next time. Look forward to that adventure, too.

[@Solo-Road]

Glad to see Charlie the cat make an appearance.

[@clifsant9266]

I’ve been over 13,000 ft loads of times in my jeep and sometimes I got a bit sick. It’s definitely not a pleasant feeling but does seem to go away pretty quick. It does suck that your plans where forced to be changed but better changed then left alone in that remote of a place. Maybe next year there will be a group of people that could make the trip or meet you somewhere.

[@stretch9952]

Please remember what you provide to those of us who may be stuck in our present location for whatever reason. and can't get out and explore though we might love to do so. Just looking through your winshield and your lenses at these landscapes is both welcome and inspiring. Thank you for bringing these to the adventures to us.

[@rufusr.freighttrainjones9699]

You’re the best Donald. You are the everyman overlander. Thanks for sharing your successes and fails. Love this channel.

[@tomas5376]

You can count yourself lucky! Years ago I taught winter survival and it was always interesting to see the number of people who went into the backcountry unprepared.

[@louiskudlak2241]

Really loving your video style, not minutes of trail footage with just music, so boring, your style is perfect with narration, glad your ok, I had no idea about the effects of elevation, would of kept driving and thought everything ok, looking forward to the Colorado series, stunning scenery ❤

[@warrenscorner]

Sorry that things didn’t work out. I understand the emotion of going through such a disappointment. When our trip to the Grand Canyon was cancelled because of covid I just about cried. We were eventually able to make it. Safe and happy travels.

[@largemarge1603]

I remember that 'economic lock-down': * spritzing sanitizer on shopping-carts * masks aka 'face-masks' * plastic barriers * six-foot 'anti-social' distance * arrows in aisles. Fun times!

[@RawFeeding101]

Altitude sickness is real man. I’ve lived 99% of my life in Utah (minus some seasonal work and a 3 day “move” that i ultimately abandoned to Eugene Oregon funny enough) and it always surprises me how winded people get just being at our baseline 5,000+ feet. Let alone 7,000 - 8,000+ feet in some of our lower mountains. Don’t feel bad, it was a well earned learning experience and those lessons stick the most.

[@highdesertdrew1844]

Knowing your limitations, and working within those bounds is an important consideration. Altitude sickness kills people, don't mess around with it. Yea, you didn't think about it, because why would you? I'm really glad you're sharing this with everyone as this advice might help save a life. Based on the amount of rain the desert southwest, and mountain west has received, simple dirt roads can become impassable morasses. Combine that with the basics of human physiology, and there's real possibility of things becoming life threatening. Even the vehicles we use to get around develop less power at altitude. I understand the disappointment but accept the unexpected experience, and learn from it. You got a great channel.

[@Oldguysrock1969]

I led climbs in Colorado for flatlanders. A couple days rest at middle altitudes surely helps, plus proper hydration, but the biggest factor involved is really that your body is using breath size and rate from low altitudes and you need to increase both the higher you go. A mountaineering technique called a “rest step” is often used; you increase the number of breaths between steps. During the day and during activity is easy, but trying to sleep and breath more often takes some time and practice. If done carefully, most healthy people get the hang of it after a couple days so don’t give up on yourself. Slow down and breathe deep and get a real Rocky Mountain High.

[@jayfoster5756]

I live at 400 ASL in Maryland, but travel to Colorado every year for the last 30 years and still get headaches the first couple days. I have turned back from more than a few peaks due to altitude sickness. You need a few days to acclimatize your system. Perhaps on you way out from Oregon, select some stops/campsites that slowly increase in elevation. That should help out by the time you reach the mountains. Keep exploring!

[@bobgiddings0]

Three days is usually enough to acclimate to altitude, if you are healthy. But not if you've had multiple stents like me. These make portions of your arteries inflexible. When I used to climb fourteeners, I'd spend 3 days at 7000 to 8000 feet, gradually hiking a little more each day, and that would get me ready for an ascent. But not after my heart arteries had metal tubes inserted, and couldn't expand to carry the load. The first day wouldn't be so bad, but the O2 deficit was cumulative. After 3 days at 8000 feet, gasping sleepless nights and headaches drove me back down to 5000. I could actually feel the stress lessening as I drove down. After I had my stents bypassed, however, I regained my ability to stay at 7000 feet, if I took it easy, but my mountain climbing days are over. You are still young. Enjoy it while it lasts.

[@TheOffroadCamper]

I’m a former aviator and so I’m used to altitude and know how to deal with the pressures of altitude but even before that when I was a elite level athlete we had a training camp in Denver Colorado and I drove straight through or rode straight through on a bus several times without it affecting me I guess I was lucky because a lot of people on the bus had issues. The correct way is to bring your self up to around five or 6000 feet acclimate to climate for a few days and then move onto our another higher elevation. I know we had training camps in multiple elevations when I was a cyclist back in the 80s.

[@BrienWood7.3]

You did the right thing.and dont beat yourself up.. everyones body is different and you just never know what will happen. You still had a very nice adventure and beautiful scenery... your videos are wonderfully done!!! Keep up the great work.

[@offgridrecon]

Oh man, I’m the same way. I went to pikes peak and was almost passing out. Hard to breath, dizzy, heart pumping… feels horrible. ❤️‍🩹👍🏻

[@ronhall9517]

AMS happened to me riding a gondola up the mountain at Heavenly in Lake Tahoe. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@tjkrueger2655]

Some of my best discoveries and experiences came when my initial plans/routes fell through, and the happy accidents can feel really rewarding after momentary defeat

[@noprefixamerican4743]

You are a smart man, too many people risk and lose their life for youtube.

[@angelogarciajr5356]

Have been there and done that. Both times above 10,000 feet. I needed help getting back to camp. Twice I forced myself to eat something then immediately took a nap. When I awoke at the lower elevation, I felt better but it was not until the next morning that I felt somewhat normal again. I dont wish that on anyone especially if you are on foot in the middle of nowhere like I was. Good luck

[@atomicfrijole7542]

Buddy, you need to allow your body at least a week at about a mile high to really acclimate before heading up to high altitude, especially for an extended trip. Also you have to heavily hydrate as you hit the western semi-arid zones or you can do a real number on yourself. Also keep up on your electrolytes. In Colorado/Utah/Wyoming you don't really sweat the same as you do in a humid area -- it just wicks off your body and evaporates. That's why hydration is so critical. I hope that makes sense. Sorry you got sick.

[@strockm]

You are definitely are not alone. My wife and I went to Peru and Lima (Sea level) and Cusco (11,000+) my wife got very sick and she runs 50 miles a week at 1,600+ ft a week. She could not go on one of the tours. I took a anti elevation sickness pills from Amazon(Altitude RX) and did not have a problem. I don't run at all. I took them two weeks before with no issue before vacation. Glad you were smart and backed off before getting in trouble. Keep rolling.

[@gringo3009]

I feel your pain. It usually hits me around 8000'.

[@raysiebert6758]

Sorry you missed out, but you have educated me. Colorado mountains are on my bucket list. Now I know what I need to do. Be safe, not sorry. Great video.

[@dynamicrainmakers8794]

Living at 6500 feet sudden altitude gains can be bad. I do gold prospecting and know that feeling. I carry Boost Oxygen canisters for help. The thing is that you go to do the climbs slowly. Sorry your adventure didn't go as planned.

[@seanwatson3790]

Donald, such a bummer what happened. Our altitude is no joke but we here tend to forget about that when we get used to it. Something that may be worth looking into for you is that a lot of gas stations out here sell cans of Oxygen. I've never seen anyone buy one but I also feel like a couple of those when you're brain is struggling for o2 could help you next time keep that from hitting you so hard. Bummer I couldn't make it to expo this year , I did want to meet ya. But check into those cans. They're not expensive as far as I know . I know you would have captured our mountains as beautiful as they could be too.

[@softroadingthewest]

Yeah, I was totally unaware of those cans (though I was also unaware of altitude sickness in general so wouldn't have thought to buy some anyway). Next time, I will be prepared with more days scheduled to ascend gradually and acclimate, extra hydration, and oxygens cans on hand for sure. 🙂

[@darrylk808]

Donald, stop your truck in the middle of the stream and get out to wash off all that mud.😁

[@jeffmorris739]

hey man, that's part of the Journey, what keeps you coming back to finish un-finished business. Had it happen 2 times in north eastern Tennessee this weekend. Lesson 1 was don't drive close to the edges of the road cause sometimes it's not there. 2nd is don't be too disappointed when finding the place you really wanted to go but you are by yourself and it's just to dangerous. Bring back help and party on.

[@roaming-aus]

No matter what your health always comes first. At least you now know that you need to acclimatise for the mountains. Stay safe

[@squatch2461]

🍻Really glad you did the right and went to lower altitude. Too many folks think they can gut it out. It's not worth the risk if you start feeling it as you did. Thanks for the video of the camper in the weather.

[@alberttu8120]

Fortunes to the upside or downside can change very quickly on these road trips.

[@danhiggins8733]

Hey, Donald, as you well know (now) you aren't the first to be caught by altitude sickness. I realize of course that your trip is over. But for those who make extreme elevation change trips like this in the future, you need to give yourself a few days, maybe even a week, to adapt. Also LOTs of water as it is very easy to get dehydrated which makes things worse. Finally, I lived in Denver for 32 years (we now live in Bend) and you do need to be careful hitting these trails all alone. Best to travel with a buddy. Looking forward to the rest of the trip as I already recognize some of the areas you are in!

[@bajasoobnut]

AMS is always on the back of my mind every time I go to even moderatly higher altitudes being one that has lived at various altitudes throughout my childhood and venturing out when I was able to drive. We are planning to get over to Colorado but will be making a beeline to Longmont as that is where my sister lives. Staying there a few nights to acclimate, and then hitting at least one of the few passes in the rockies. Glad that you decided to cancel because of AMS, but you could have done those trails after a few days of staying at the 5-8000ft level. Funny thing I think of is when my sister and niece visit from there my niece is all hyper because of oversaturation of oxygen lol.

[@softroadingthewest]

Yeah, I just didn't have enough days on my hands to sit and acclimate unfortunately. Next time, I will definitely build in time to work my way up! 🙂

[@jonnytacooutdoors]

MUD SUCKS 😆 really enjoyed this video. Thanks for putting it out.

[@brianwatson3705]

Next time , get in the cab of your truck , turn the hvac to high with a comfortable temp. That will increase the air pressure for your lungs to breathe. Its not much , but can help.

[@YouTubeTyler]

Great to see a glimpse of Castle Rock above the tunnels at Green River WY where I grew up. If you're ever that way again pan the camera south across town to see a very cool rock formation called Man's Face. Thanks for the video. Can't wait for more.

[@jasonbrink4237]

Thanks for the flashbacks. I drove longhaul for 17 years coast to coast based in Boise. Many memories.

[@BirdPhish]

Hi Donald! Perfect...Ninja Cat and all lol

[@greta4615]

Yup. The canyon around 1150 is my home. Fantastic place. Amazing climbing on those limestone walls you mentioned. Caves, dirt roads. Yes acclimation is important, but hydration and electrolytes are also key. Get hydrated, stay hydrated. Ascend slowly. Descend when needed. Repeat.

[@goekesmi]

I, too, recently went on trip I had been looking forward to and turned back due to altitude issues. All of my doctors tell me I made the right choice, but it still grinds on me. Best of luck next time.

[@BrandonBaecker]

Sorry you missed a chance to explore our high country. If you ever make it back to Colorado I'll play tour guide for you in the Alpine Loop and surrounding areas. I know a lot of great campsites. We'll acclimate you first.

[@christorealov9050]

20:35 Starbucks at Silverthorne - quintessential spot for fueling up to ski Abasin!!! Wonder if this could be the best view out of any Starbucks in the US?

[@softroadingthewest]

I'm pretty sure it's the best view I've ever had from a Starbucks! Though it was bittersweet at the time, LOL. 🙂

[@firebeardlongfellow5295]

As a Colorado born boy myself. Even nowadays from being away for so long from my forever home. I do find when I visit the altitude can sneak up on you. Anyone for that matter. You have to keenly be aware of what your body is feeling with whatever you are doing to stay safe. There were times on my most recent trip to Red Rocks that I would only be able to go up at most 5-10 steps due to getting so winded. What saved me was I heavily loaded myself up with extra water bottles and a hearty camel pack too. I was absolutely SUCKING water to stay coherent and also taking 10-20 minute breaks to breathe between stair step sets. Meanwhile you have the current acclimated natives doing SPRINTS up those stairs! I was just in shock at the difference between people. Be safe. Don't let the mountains drag you down, or prevent you from exploring. Just take extra time, and pace yourself. May you have better travels in the future.

[@paultompkins7392]

Sorry you had a disappointment, you still turned out an extremely well done, informative and entertaining video.

[@StealthGTI]

I'm hoping to drive Mt Evans Scenic Byway at some point, which ascends to above 14,000 ft. Thanks for sharing your experience. Now I know that I need to plan a few days at lower elevations and acclimate as I move upwards. Best wishes, Donald!

[@elizabethescher5445]

Atitude sickness... I got as a child in Yosemite in the mountains. It feels like the flu. Only resort is to go down in elevation. You made a good choice. It takes some people some time to adjust to the higher elevations.

[@joshua.harazin]

As others have said, you made the right choice. Hypoxia becomes a significant problem at 13k ft. So even if your body isn't immediately affected by altitude sickness, your mind is affected and you start making poor/risky decisions. Some people recommend carrying Viagra (yes, that Viagra) at high altitudes as it helps with blood flow (in your entire body, not just there) and can provide temporary relief while you retreat to safer altitudes.

[@WolfOverland]

After my first trip to Colorado the boost oxygen and lots of water made my trip easier. It affects everyone different. You made the right choice.

[@KnittedSchnauzer]

Once again, a terrific travelogue. Makes me homesick for the Rockies.

[@GregariousAntithesis]

You go down to the lower elevation in Colo and acclimate then after a few days you go camp at higher elevation.

[@henryfownes1201]

I had a similar experience with a friend when we hiked the Under The Rim Trail at Bryce Canyon in 2021. It's certainly no joke.

[@uritaub5441]

No problem Donald. Take it easy. Safety and your health come first. Plenty of Colorado is available for you next time. Regards from 2000ft high Jerusalem!

[@michaelsanchez7798]

You are not that high up. All you really need to do is drop down a few thousand feet and spend a few days there acclimatizing. Then try again. Good catch on your condition though. Too many people let their ego get in the way and keep pushing too quickly.

[@erichughes9098]

Thank you Donald for sharing your video. I had never thought about the increase in altitude and altitude sickness. That’s the one thing about being a working stiff not enough time to adjust to the higher altitude . Thank you for helping me not make the same mistake hopefully 😎👍

[@johnspanjers2750]

I feel for ya. I drove from Wi. to Co. Mtns and had to change plans for the same reasons

[@robbutler1947]

Seven years ago, at the age of 69, my wife and I climbed Kilimanjaro. 19,310'. We took 5 days to ascend and 2 days to get back down. The base camp we slept at the night before our final ascent was 15,330'. There were 13 of us. 12 made it to the summit. One of us went back down on a stretcher and barely survived. Every year half a dozen or so people die on Kilimanjaro due to altitude sickness. You made the right call, after making the wrong one. If you had more time, you could have camped at 10,000 for a day or two, then camped again at a slightly higher elevation. All you needed was a few more days of prep. Maybe next year.

[@johndewolfe9411]

I am sorry your Colorado trip did not go as planned. Frustration for sure! However, I always appreciate when you show what goes right, but also, what goes WRONG. It can help everyone to learn from problems you run into and how you deal with them. I really appreciate that aspect of your videos! In this case, I myself live in the Pacific Northwest and am headed for Colorado next week. Before your own trip, I had not even considered altitude sickness. Now I will be on the watch for symptoms and will take a bit more time getting used to the altitude before taking on some of Colorado's high altitude jeep trails and passes. Keep up the great work and hope you make it back to Colorado and successfully drive some of those trails in the future!

[@brohammer]

live and learn, Donald. At least something horribly wrong didn't happen when you were up there!

[@scottymac5174]

Upgrading to a battery powered fridge is my upcoming winter to do project. A rear seat delete, a platform for a 50 Qt electric fridge on a slider plate, and a power station. Till then, its a 50 Qt Yeti. I always use block ice. Wait till dark the night before a trip and load it up.

[@stevevick9946]

That was one of your best videos! Thanks for taking us along! Be safe

[@ProjectBasecamp]

Hey Donald, it was great to meet you at Expo MW! I hope you can come back again and experience our beautiful mountains!

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks for stopping to say Hi!

[@steverhodes3054]

I have also had altitude sickness while hiking Longs Peak in Colorado. I was told that most of my water should have been consumed on my way up. And that the best way to combat altitude sickness is staying hydrated. I thought my head was going to fall off my shoulders. Taking a couple of extra days to acclimate was also suggested. I live in Illinois and the altitude was a big adjustment.

[@ThatOneDudeNick]

Altitude sickness can really beat you up. The only time I've ever felt in danger in all of my solo travels and camping was driving from home at 2000 ft straight to a 10,000 ft trailhead to hike a 13140 ft peak the same day. 3 hours from camp and my vehicle, it started to get bad. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't get the breath I needed to relieve the dizziness and exhaustion. I did the same hike again a year later, spending a couple days around 9000 ft and things went much smoother (still a challenge, but not fear-of-death difficult). I never took acclimatizing seriously before that, I thought only people doing 14ers needed it.

[@stout_tossme7541]

Christmas Valley…the most alone one can feel. Lol. Out in the middle of nowhere. Logan Canyon is beautiful. And that drop into Bear Lake is really cool. Next time go north on the west side of the lake and hit the cave!! As a Utahn and growing up at over 5,000 feet, altitude sickness is a dangerous thing. I was assigned to the Olympic Sports Park during the 2002 Olympics in Utah. We had quite a few folks who had issues with altitude sickness. Even well-made plans can go wrong. Great video, Donald. As always, it was enjoyable.

[@johnbob4545]

Partied in the mountains for the 4th of July. Never knew how fast one could get drunk at 10k elevation. 😜

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, yeah, I'm already cautious with alcohol in our mountains at just five to six thousand feet, I can totally feel the difference compared to home. I didn't dare touch a drop up in mountains, LOL.

[@Blue.Crawler]

Altitude is no joke the one time i went exploring in Colorado was amazing but we never went higher than 10k. Even at that elevation being Vermonters who live at 2k we were all gasping for oxygen. Looking forward to whats next.

[@mikedevere]

We live at 5k ft. If you're suffering ams best to descend somewhat, wait a few hours, or overnight or longer (until you feel better) then re-ascend. Take it easy. 😊

[@athoutdoors9921]

Great video. Don’t beat yourself up over the altitude sickness. Part will be great too!

[@markbielawski]

Disappointing, yes, but it's more important to acknowledge limitations and take care of your health. You did the right thing, Donald.

[@heiz1962]

I was just in Fort Collins for training, as I live in the PNW, I new to pace myself in the gym & pool because I had lived in Colorado and Wyoming. People have had heart attacks from working out on trips to Colorado.

[@mikeoldham]

Glad you still found some cool trails to visit. Altitude sickness can be bad news. I've never had it but have heard lots of horror stories. I've heard of plenty of people going from 4500' where I live to 11000' who have had issues. Coming up from sea level is even tougher. Seems like you ran into a little bit of everything on this trip. I hate the mud, it changes what could be a nice pleasant drive into a messy and often dangerous situation. Always love the videos!

[@scottymac5174]

When I/we were younger.. Surf in the early morning in Santa Cruz. Go home, pack up and be up in Tahoe to buy a half day ski ticket. But those were the days when I was spending a couple of months a year at lake Tahoe.

[@swidahooverlanding2867]

I have experienced altitude sickness myself when I was a kid. It is not fun for sure. Glad you recognized the issue before getting into more trouble. Looks like you found something that you would not even have known was there if you didn't have to change plans. Looking forward to the rest of the adventure... George.

[@softroadingthewest]

Indeed, it was not the Colorado I expected, but it was still beautiful and interesting and I never would have hit those places if my mountain trek had gone as planned.

[@wesdarling]

Sorry to hear about how your trip ended up Donald! I’ve been In similar situations but this definitely takes it to a new level. Great video regardless 👍🏼

[@cootie181]

Don, next time get you can of boost.. it is a can of compressed oxygen you can get at most Walmarts or camping, hiking or outdoor places for just this very thing… I lived in Colorado for 3 years and it takes a while to acclimate…

[@softroadingthewest]

Yeah, I was totally unaware of those cans (though I was also unaware of altitude sickness in general so wouldn't have thought to buy some anyway). Next time, I will be prepared with more days scheduled to ascend gradually and acclimate, extra hydration, and oxygens cans on hand for sure. 🙂

[@DanitaReynolds]

I totally can relate to this whole experience. We spent 5 weeks in the (to us) high altitude of the southwest. The highest was dispersed camping at north rim Grand Canyon at 8900 ft. We live near Crow, near Eugene (Oregon) at 600 feet above sea level and being in high altitude kicked my butt. I was excited to get in a ton of hiking in on our trip but all I could manage was slow walking, with breaks, 2 or 3 blocks worth of trail. Even that was a workout. Though I suffered high altitude sickness on that trip (not as bad as you did from the sounds of it) I also suffered low altitude sickness when I got back home. Who knew it was a thing. Look it up! I was unwell for a few months until my body finally recovered.

[@24Alisonall]

Wow, sorry you had to go through that experience. I get altitude sickness at 6000 feet in central Oregon cascades!! I was so surprised when that happened!! Took me an hour to set up my tent. Some of us are more prone to that I guess. Looking forward to your next installment!

[@shannonswyatt]

I feel for you. I had to go to Los Alamos for work, 7500 feet. Lived my entire life at 1200 foot or less. When going through the airport in Albuquerque I thought I was having a heart attack or an allergic reaction. Planning a big western trip next summer but I'm not going to stay in any high altitude areas until the way back, and then for short periods of time. Someone mentioned cand of oxygen. That would work if the can was the size of your truck, the ones at the gas stations would help for about 2 minutes.

[@Alex.outbound]

I recall meeting you at the overland expo last week. I moved from the Portland area few months ago to CO, it took me a while to adapt to the altitude and get my running times back to where they were at sea level. I waited a month or two before checking out any of Colorados famous passes. Even still, spending the night above 10,000 feet, I still notice it. Unfortunately it just takes time to adapt.

[@slyflea]

Donald, I’m guessing you regrouped and forged ahead despite the altitude sickness. I hope you did! The closing of this video brought back a flood of memories of a canceled trip to Colorado that my wife and I had planned. We had rented a place, purchased plane tickets, and researched places we wanted to hike. Somewhere along the way we came across info about altitude sickness. Long story short, we ended up cancelling the trip due to being unable to reschedule lodging in order to aclimate prior to going to the higher altitude in the San Juan mountains. Thank you for keeping your content genuinely honest.

[@softroadingthewest]

Yes, I ended up finding some interesting places at lower elevations. Such a diverse & beautiful state!

[@letsgo_inc]

In my experience, altitude sickness varies from person to person making it hard to predict beforehand. As an MN native with family in CO, I visit CO once or twice a year and have had no problems crossing any of the passes there. I've driven to the summits of Pikes Peak and Mt. Evans (both 14k) with zero issues. I've spent multiple days camping and mountain biking at 10-12k with no issues. I only experience shortness of breath when exerting but no headaches or other symptoms. My only real struggle with sickness was hiking to 14000 the day after flying in (in my early days, wouldn't do it again) and I still completed and drove home. At the summit, I found multiple midwesterners who had made it with minimal acclimatization. Meanwhile, a friend of mine recently succumbed to severe altitude sickness at around 10k and had to be airlifted out. I easily would have planned a trip to 12k and not thought twice about it.

[@scottymac5174]

One of the main rules for high altitude acclimatization is to climb high and then to drop back down and sleep low. Push a little higher up each day. My brother and I did a Mt Whitney climb years back (14,500 ft). We drove up from Santa Cruz, (sea level) to Whitney Portal (approx 8500 ft) and camped overnight before climbing to the summit the following day. My brother felt nauseous, had a slight headache, I was puking with a headache so bad I could barely function. We had a climbing permit and only a couple of days off due to work. Looking back, it was a pretty stupid thing to do. We both have done many years of skiing. To put it into context, the highest skiing elevation in the Sierras is Kirkwood with a summit altitude of 9800 ft.

[@bruceyyyyy]

Sad music is sad. The elevation up there really does get ya! We stayed in Denver, then in Alma a night each before getting to Ouray. It still got to me but not like it seems to have got to you! Looking forward to where this goes.

[@codyaverhoff6828]

I had very similar issues this summer on a family trip to telluride. My doctor was able to prescribe a medication that really helped. I believe it helps keep fluid from getting around your lungs. My doctor said that for future trips he can prescribe it before the trip as a preventative measure.

[@terrypiwek7442]

Hi Donald, I have been looking for a engine monitoring gauge(s) and I noticed your set up on the left side of the dash. I own a 2010 Frontier Pro4x and I was curious on what brand it was that you used?

[@softroadingthewest]

It's the ScanGauge III. Works very nicely. I've intended to make a video about it but it keeps getting bumped down for other priorities. Long story short, I'm pleased with the purchase. Very customizable monitoring, and being able to read CEL codes has been awesome.

[@THESPORTINGCAMP]

Great video. Thank you for sharing your experience. Colorado is amazing. 🌲