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I have hiked in years past up to 12,000 ft but normally topped out around 8,000 ft when doing day hikes. Problem is that I'm in my 60's, haven't hiked in 3 years and live at an altitude that tops out below 1,000 ft . I'd liked to feel comfortable enough that I could do a 6 mile round trip day hike topping out at 8,000 ft.

My question is how best to condition myself and get back in shape to do these kind of hikes? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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  • I recently did a trail race on the Continental Divide (crested at 13,200) (I live at 5,300). I used Accli-mate, a powdered drink mix, and got great results. Was it a placebo? Maybe, but I'm happy with the results.
    – Stuart
    Commented Sep 15, 2017 at 16:18

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Older people better tolerate high altitude. For that altitude you don't need to do any special trainings\preparation. It would be enough to do any sport activity like running swimming or bicycle. The more sports you do the more comfortable you will be during your hike.

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    I did not know that older people better tolerate high altitude. That is interesting and took me by surprise. I can't swim and the doc wants to save my knees (lol) so no running. I guess I'll use the bike. Thx.
    – tale852150
    Commented Sep 15, 2017 at 16:29
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    Do you have a source for your claim that older people tolerate high altitudes better than young people?
    – Erik
    Commented Sep 15, 2017 at 16:34
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    @Erik see my answer here outdoors.stackexchange.com/questions/14739/…
    – Charlie Brumbaugh
    Commented Sep 15, 2017 at 17:26
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    @CharlieBrumbaugh thanks for the links. That was interesting. I don't know if wives will be convinced that their husbands want to bring their Viagra on a trip in case of altitude sickness.... :)
    – Erik
    Commented Sep 15, 2017 at 17:43
  • @Erik, no I don't have any good source. I thought that is well known fact. At least it's written on russian wiki
    – user1209304
    Commented Sep 20, 2017 at 9:12

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