Reference

Altitude & Safety

AMS · defenses · critical descents

01

Elevation context

1,000
HOME (FT)
6,500
HQ (FT)
7,132–9,698
CAMPS (FT)
12,441
BALDY MOUNTAIN (FT)
You'll step off the plane at 6,500 ft. Then climb to 12,441 ft by Trail Day 5. Hydration starts before you fly.
02

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

AMS can affect anyone regardless of fitness level. Not a toughness issue.

Symptoms

  • ●Headache
  • ●Nausea
  • ●Fatigue
  • ●Dizziness
03

Defenses

  1. 1Arrive hydrated
  2. 2Keep pack weight in check
  3. 3Hike at sustainable pace
  4. 4Eat and drink consistently
  5. 5Tell crew leader/advisor if symptoms develop — do not push through silently
04

Critical descents

Descent destroys knees and ankles more than climbing destroys legs. Two days demand serious attention.

Trail Day 5

Baldy descent

−5,820 ft

Trail Day 11 · Return

Final descent to HQ

−6,870 ft
Trekking poles + good ankle support are non-negotiable on Trail Day 11. 6,870 ft of descent in one day. Don't skip the poles to save weight.
05

Speak up early

If you have symptoms, tell your Crew Leader or an advisor. Pushing through silently is how serious AMS happens. Treatment is straightforward when caught early — descent, rest, hydration.