Santa Fe is at an altitude of 7,200 feet (2,200m). There are a few things that attendees who are not used to higher altitudes may want to bear in mind:
- Give yourself some time to acclimate — take it easy the first 24-48 hours of your trip and plan quieter activities before going all out with higher-intensity endeavors.
- The humidity at this altitude is much lower than most people are used to. It is surprisingly easy to become dehydrated, so make a point of drinking water regularly. Watch out for caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen dehydration. Note that some people feel the effects of alcohol more strongly at altitude; be careful until you know how you respond.
- Eat foods that promote oxygen use – like complex carbohydrates (whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes).
- Know the signs of altitude sickness – and they are not a sign of weakness! Let someone know if you start feeling headaches, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, and intense fatigue.
- Don’t be fooled by the late-season sun, it’s easy to get sunburned at this altitude.
- Temperatures can vary widely over the course of the day; be prepared for a chilly evening even if the day is pleasant.