High Altitude and Weather Tips
Denver really is a Mile High, but most people don’t even notice the altitude difference. The air is just thinner and dryer. It’s best to follow these tips to stay happy and healthy.
- Drink plenty of water: Before your trip to Denver, and while you are here, drinking plenty of water is the number one way to help your body adjust easily to our higher altitude. The low humidity in Colorado keeps the air dry, so you need about twice as much water as you would drink at home.
- Monitor your alcohol Intake: Golf balls go ten percent farther…and so do cocktails. Alcoholic drinks pack more of a wallop than at sea level.
- Eat food high in potassium: Foods such as broccoli, bananas, avocado, cantaloupe, celery, greens, bran, chocolate, granola, dates, dried fruit, potatoes, and tomatoes will help replenish electrolytes by balancing salt intake.
- Watch your physical activity: The effects of exercise are more intense here. If you normally run five miles a day at home, you might try three miles in Denver.
- Pack for sun: With less water vapor in the air at this altitude, the sky really is bluer in Colorado. But there’s 25 percent less protection from the sun, so sunscreen is a must. Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, lip balm…even in the winter.
- Dress in layers: Denver is known for a year-round mild climate, but conditions can change rapidly, particularly in the Spring and Fall. Before you leave home, check the weather forecast and use this information to pack appropriately. Because the sun is especially powerful in Denver, it can feel much warmer than the actual temperature during the day, but then can become chilly after sundown. Dressing in seasonally appropriate layers is the best way to make sure you’re always prepared!
Safety Tips
What makes a visitor experience a great one is making sure it’s a safe one. Visitors are advised to observe some basic safety procedures that apply to all major metropolitan cities. Here are some helpful tips to keep you safe.
- Do not advertise that you are a visitor. If you’re here for a meeting, don’t wear your name badge when walking around the city.
- Plan your route in advance. Keep maps and travel brochures out of site when walking.
- There is safety in numbers. Walk with friends or other members of your group.
- Don’t display cash, and carry your wallet in the inside front pocket of your pants or jacket.
- Carry shoulder bags and other handbags under your arm, not by the handle.
- Don’t wear expensive jewelry and watches when out sightseeing.
- Demonstrate a combination of respect and caution around panhandlers and strangers.
- Be aware of suspicious activity and/or people. If you see something, say something and report a concern to your hotel or venue. If it’s an emergency, please call 911.
- Walk in well-lit areas. Use main streets and avoid alleys.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Keep your eyes up and not on your phone.
- If alone at night, consider using Uber, Lyft, or a taxi.
- Keep personal/valuable items in your hotel safe.
- Remember, alcohol consumption diminishes awareness.
Transportation
To and from Denver International Airport (DEN)
There are many options from DEN, including taxis, Uber, Lyft and the A Line commuter rail. At a cost of $10.50 one-way, the A Line train departs the airport regularly and drops at Union Station in the heart of downtown, with six stops in between. The 23-mile ride takes approximately 37 minutes. More information can be found here.
16th Street Mall Buses
The 16th Street Mall Ride is a free service that operates seven days a week, ferrying riders up and down the Mall from Denver Union Station to Civic Center. The buses run on a regular schedule but are currently operating on a revised route due to construction on the Mall (they are being diverted to 17th Street and 15th Street, but the start and end locations have not changed). For assistance, head to VISIT DENVER’s Information Desk inside Union Station upon arrival. More information can be found at RTD’s Free MallRide.
E-bikes and E-scooters
Denver is a leader in micro-mobility options. E-bikes and e-scooters can easily be rented using mobile apps from either of two providers, Lyft and Lime. If you use one of the micro-mobility devices, please use them safely. E-bikes and e-scooters should be ridden in bike lanes or on any street with a speed limit less than 35 MPH.
