Pre-Trip Preparation
Everything you need to know before you leave home.
Table of Contents
- Altitude Preparation
- Physical Preparation
- Health Considerations
- Vehicle Preparation
- Reservations Checklist
- Communication Plan
- Final Week Checklist
Altitude Preparation
At 8,600 feet, Eleven Mile State Park sits higher than many people have ever slept. Altitude affects everyone differently, but proper preparation dramatically reduces the chances of altitude sickness ruining your trip.
Understanding the Challenge
At this elevation, the air contains about 25% less oxygen than at sea level. Your body needs time to adjust—a process called acclimatization. Without it, even fit people can experience headaches, fatigue, nausea, and difficulty sleeping.
Who’s Most at Risk
Children under 12 and adults over 60 tend to be more susceptible to altitude effects, though fitness level doesn’t predict who will struggle. Marathon runners have been laid low while couch potatoes feel fine. The best predictor is your own history at altitude.
The Two-Week Prep Plan
Weeks Before Departure:
- If possible, spend a night or two at moderate altitude (5,000–7,000 feet) in the weeks leading up to the trip
- Begin light cardio exercise to improve overall oxygen efficiency
- Stay well-hydrated (your body needs more water to process oxygen at altitude)
48 Hours Before Arrival:
- Avoid alcohol completely—it accelerates dehydration
- Drink at least 100 oz of water daily
- Get extra sleep; fatigue compounds altitude effects
First 24 Hours at Elevation:
- Take it easy. Really. No major hikes or strenuous activity
- Keep drinking water (aim for “clear pee”)
- Eat lighter meals; digestion requires oxygen too
- Watch children closely—they may not recognize or report symptoms
Recognizing Altitude Sickness
| Symptom | Severity | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Mild headache | Normal adjustment | Hydrate, rest, take ibuprofen |
| Persistent headache | Mild concern | More rest, more water, limit activity |
| Nausea/vomiting | Moderate concern | Stop all activity, consider descending |
| Confusion, loss of coordination | Serious | Descend immediately, seek medical help |
| Severe shortness of breath at rest | Emergency | Call 911, descend as fast as safe |
Over-the-Counter Helpers
Some people find these helpful (consult your doctor):
- Ibuprofen for headaches (avoid acetaminophen, which can mask serious symptoms)
- Ginkgo biloba (started 24 hours before arrival)
- Iron supplements (for those prone to low iron)
For those with known altitude sensitivity, prescription Diamox (acetazolamide) is highly effective when started 24 hours before arrival. Ask your doctor.
Physical Preparation
For Grandparents
Focus on:
- Walking 20–30 minutes daily for 4 weeks before the trip
- Gentle stretching to maintain flexibility for getting in/out of RVs and camp chairs
- Practicing any medications or medical routines away from your usual environment
For Parents
You’ll be doing the heavy lifting—literally. Prepare for:
- Carrying gear, coolers, and possibly children
- Setting up camp, managing cooking, breaking down sites
- Start a basic strength routine 6 weeks out: squats, planks, and walking with a loaded backpack
For Teens Planning the Manitou Incline
This is no joke: 2,744 steps gaining 2,000 feet of elevation. Most fit adults take 45–90 minutes. Preparation:
- Stair climbing: Find tall buildings or stadium stairs. Work up to 30 minutes continuous climbing
- Leg strength: Lunges, squats, calf raises
- The week before: Rest. Don’t overtrain into injury
For Kids
Kids are generally resilient, but tire quickly at altitude. Build endurance with:
- Family walks increasing in duration
- Hiking local trails if available
- Let them pick out their own water bottle and encourage drinking
Health Considerations
Required Supplies
Every family should bring:
- Complete first aid kit (see Packing List)
- All prescription medications plus 3-day extra supply
- Sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, hats, sunglasses
- Insect repellent (mosquitoes near the reservoir)
- EpiPens if anyone has allergies (nearest hospital is 40 miles away)
Medical Proximity
The nearest medical facilities:
- Woodland Park: 40 miles east (full medical center)
- Fairplay: 30 miles northwest (basic clinic)
- Colorado Springs: 60 miles (major hospitals)
If someone needs regular medical access (dialysis, oxygen therapy, etc.), plan accordingly. Cell service is unreliable; carry a paper list of emergency numbers.
Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable
At 8,600 feet, you receive about 25% more UV radiation than at sea level. The high-altitude sun can cause burns in under 20 minutes, even on cloudy days.
Rules for the trip:
- Apply sunscreen before leaving the RV every morning
- Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming/sweating
- Everyone wears hats, no exceptions
- Bring aloe vera gel for the inevitable missed spot
Vehicle Preparation
For RVs and Tow Vehicles
High altitude affects engines. Before the trip:
- Service the engine and check all fluids
- Test air conditioning (you’ll want it during midday)
- Check tire pressure (altitude changes affect PSI)
- Top off propane tanks
- Test generator if equipped
- Verify tow package if pulling anything
For All Vehicles
- Full tank before entering the park (nearest gas is Lake George)
- Coolant levels checked (mountain grades are hard on engines)
- Emergency kit: jumper cables, basic tools, tire inflator, flashlight
- Paper maps (GPS may not work in remote areas of the park)
Reservations Checklist
Six months before departure:
- Book campsites at Rocky Ridge Campground (Loops A, B, or D for electric hookups)
- Reserve additional adjacent sites for family overflow
- Purchase Colorado State Parks Pass (annual is usually cheaper than daily for 7 nights)
- Book any day trip activities requiring reservations (see Day Trips)
One month before:
- Call park office to confirm reservations: (719) 748-3401
- Purchase fishing licenses for all anglers over 16
- Make restaurant reservations for the one night you eat out (if desired)
Communication Plan
Cell service is extremely limited at Eleven Mile. Before you go:
Establish Check-In Protocol
- Designate one family member at home as emergency contact
- Agree on check-in times (if you drive to Lake George for signal)
- Provide detailed itinerary to emergency contact
Download Offline Resources
- Park map to phones (screenshot or offline maps)
- First aid app (Red Cross app works offline)
- Star map app for stargazing
- This guide (download as PDF)
Pack Communication Gear
- Two-way radios with at least 5-mile range for spreading out in camp
- Whistle for each family member (emergency signaling)
- Physical notepad and pen for leaving messages at camp
Final Week Checklist
7 Days Out:
- Begin packing non-perishables
- Test all camping equipment
- Charge all devices and backup batteries
3 Days Out:
- Confirm ice availability for coolers
- Check weather forecast for Lake George, CO
- Complete vehicle prep and fuel up
Day Before:
- Load vehicles
- Pack coolers (freeze water bottles as ice packs)
- Get good sleep—the drive will be long
Altitude is the Wild Card: Even with perfect preparation, some people simply don’t acclimate well. Have a backup plan. Know that it’s okay to cut a hike short, spend an extra day resting, or even leave early if someone is struggling. Health comes first.