Thin mountain air, unpredictable weather and fragile terrain make tent camping at high elevation in Colorado a challenge. You'll need special equipment and should exercise extra caution. If you're headed to the backcountry, check with area rangers for news about conditions and be sure to take along a good map. For those willing to accept the challenges, Colorado, with an average altitude of 6,800 feet above sea level, offers a wealth of scenic campsites, in both organized campgrounds and the backcountry.
Health Considerations
The atmosphere at high altitudes contains less oxygen, which can make breathing difficult. You may find yourself short of breath after exertion, even if you're in good shape. This lack of oxygen, coupled with lower air pressure, can lead to altitude sickness. According to Princeton University, persons of any age and conditioning can succumb to altitude sickness. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, dizziness, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, shortness of breath and nausea. If symptoms are mild, they may abate in a few days if you take it easy. If symptoms worsen, you should travel to a lower elevation as soon as possible. If you ignore worsening symptoms, you could suffer from fluid buildup in the lungs.
At high altitudes, the thinner atmosphere allows more of the sun's damaging rays to reach your skin, so it's important to wear sunblock and sun glasses to protect your skin and eyes.
Equipment
Less oxygen at high altitudes means food takes longer to cook. There's also less oxygen to fuel the fire for your camp stove. You'll need a camp stove rated for high altitude conditions. Don't count on cooking over a campfire. Above-treeline wood may be difficult to find and in some areas at some times, open fires are prohibited by law. Because nights can be cold even in summer, select a sleeping bag rated for at least 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Choose a sturdy tent with a rain fly in case of sudden storms. Pack trash bags, because you'll need to carry out the trash you pack in. And bring a shovel, since you'll need to bury human waste.
Site Selection
The high altitude landscape in Colorado is composed mostly of fragile tundra and forest, according to the Bureau of Land Management. In areas where others have camped before, choose established campsites to lessen your impact on the area. If you're in backcountry with no established sites, camp away from streams and lakes. Don't camp on top of ridges or on exposed ground. Lightning storms are common at high altitudes, especially on summer afternoons. Choose sheltered areas farther downslope. High winds can scatter equipment, so always stake your tent and weight other items with rocks.
Weather
Summer temperatures decrease 4 to 7 degrees for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain in the Colorado mountains, according to Colorado State University. At night, without the warmth of the sun, temperatures can dip below freezing even in mid-summer at higher elevations. Strong winds are common above treeline. CSU reports they can reach up to 100 miles per hour, especially in the winter. Mountain thunderstorms with deadly lightning occur almost every afternoon in July and August.
Wildlife
Black bears live in Colorado and are active in the mountains from April to November. Bears will attack when they feel threatened. Their main focus is finding food and they can be very destructive in the pursuit of calories. The Colorado Department of Wildlife recommends you store all food and anything bears might perceive as food, including toothpaste and lip balm, away from your tent. Store these items in bear-safe containers or double bag them and suspend the bag from a rope between two trees.
Ticks in Colorado can carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever or Colorado tick fever. Wear an insect repellent containing Deet and apply to skin and clothing. Before going to bed at night, inspect your body for ticks and remove any you find. If you develop a fever or rash at the site of a tick bite, see a doctor.
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