You’re all ready for your Jackson Hole vacation—your hotel is booked, your itinerary is set, and you’ve packed everything you need for an epic getaway. You might be certain that you’ve thought of everything, until you arrive in Wyoming and feel absolutely miserable. Is it the flu? A stomach bug? It’s likely altitude sickness, but there are some steps you can take to limit its effects so you can still enjoy your trip.

What Causes Altitude Sickness in Jackson Hole

The altitude on the valley floor in the Jackson Hole area is 6,300 feet above sea level, which most people have no trouble adapting to. That said, if you have pre-existing conditions involving your heart or lungs, you may experience altitude sickness. Where most people have trouble is in areas with higher altitudes—visiting mountains for climbing or skiing or even Yellowstone National Park, which is on a plateau that is higher than the elevation in Jackson Hole.

Altitude sickness occurs when you have trouble adjusting to the lower oxygen pressure at higher altitudes. For most people, altitude sickness develops anywhere from 6 to 24 hours after reaching a higher altitude than they’re used to and it typically subsides within 3 days.

Symptoms of Altitude Sickness

When you have altitude sickness, you might feel as if you have a hangover. You’ll experience nausea, fatigue, and headaches. Because of the lower levels of oxygen available at higher altitudes, you may also have some shortness of breath. These symptoms are worse the higher your elevation and the more you exert yourself. 

If you’ve suffered altitude sickness in the past or you’ve never been to a higher altitude area and aren’t sure how your body will react, don’t plan on going to the mountains until at least a day after you’ve landed in Jackson Hole. This will give your body some time to adjust. During this time, plan on some activities in the valley, like a Snake River scenic float trip. 

How to Prevent and Treat Altitude Sickness

For most visitors, altitude sickness isn’t serious and doesn’t have any negative impact on their Jackson Hole vacation, but it does have the potential to be serious. Here are some precautions to take to protect yourself:

• Stay hydrated. Bring a bottle of water with you wherever you go and sip from it throughout the day.
• Don’t drink alcohol until you’ve adapted to the altitude. Alcohol can exacerbate your altitude sickness symptoms, making you feel worse. 
• Allow your body to acclimate to higher elevations. Don’t climb a mountain the day you arrive in Jackson Hole. Let your body slowly adapt; avoid too much physical activity and high elevations for the first day or two of your vacation.

If you follow these steps and your altitude sickness doesn’t go away after a few days or if your symptoms are severe, don’t hesitate to see a doctor. The symptoms of altitude sickness are symptoms you can experience with a number of other health issues, so it’s a good idea to get checked out to make sure nothing more serious is going on.

Learn More About Jackson Hole Vacations

If you’d like to book a whitewater rafting trip or scenic float trip in Jackson Hole, contact us today at 307-733-1000.

Jackson Hole has many fun activities to offer travelers, including camping, whitewater rafting, scenic float trips, and hiking. However, preparing for your time in the great outdoors can be a daunting process. The gear and clothing you bring along on your trip are key to making sure your experience is an enjoyable one. Here are some tips on the best things to pack before starting your Jackson Hole adventure.

Clothing

• Shirts: Do not bring cotton clothing during your trip as it takes in moisture, leaving you cold and wet. Take water-resistant clothing made of nylon or neoprene.
• Pants and Shorts: Water resistance matters just as much with your pants and shorts. Having a light pair of shorts for the day and warm, comfortable pants at night will keep you prepared for any kind of weather. Bring along a swimsuit for swimming and rafting!
• Jackets: You may encounter rainstorms during your stay, so bring a wind-proof and waterproof jacket with a hood. Temperatures can drop quickly so take a fleece jacket to make sure you stay warm.
• Socks: High-quality socks will keep your feet dry and snug when hiking and prevent injury.
• Shoes: There are two kinds of shoes you need to take on your journey. Water shoes will prevent slipping during rafting and watersports. And a good pair of hiking boots will make any trail comfortable to traverse.
• Sunwear: Polarized sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat can keep you safe from the heat and sunburns.

Gear

• Bag: A light backpack will help you store all of your gear while being portable and easy on your shoulders. 
• Lights: Flashlights and headlamps are essential when hiking or exploring landmarks, while lanterns will keep your campsite bright.
• Water Bottle: It is important to stay hydrated when in warm weather or while you are exercising outdoors. A quality water bottle will keep your drinks cold for long periods.
• Binoculars: With many mountain peaks, scenic views, and wildlife, a good pair of binoculars will make sure you don’t miss a special moment.
• First aid kit: A well-stocked first aid kit is great for handling any scrapes you receive while hiking or out in the water.
• Insect Repellent: Keep bugs away with DEET or oil-based repellents.

Personal Items

• Snacks: Portable, non-perishable treats like trail mix or protein bars will help keep your energy up in between meals.
• Bear mace: Jackson Hole is in bear country, so it is prudent to bring mace along for safety. If you cannot bring any mace with you, purchase a canister from a trusted retailer in Jackson Hole when you arrive.
• Sunscreen: Sunburn can be a real issue in a dry, sunny climate. High SPF, waterproof sunblock will protect you and your loved ones no matter what activity you are doing. Be sure to reapply a new layer according to the instructions on the bottle.

Make Your Time in Jackson Hole Special

With several white water rafting and scenic float trip packages available, Barker Ewing will help make your stay a memorable one. We have the experience, safety measures, and enthusiasm that establish us as the premier rafting company in Jackson Hole. Contact us at 307-733-1000 to schedule your next Wyoming adventure!

October transforms Jackson Hole

Gone are the crowds and delays around the Town Square. Most of the people you’ll sit next to at restaurants are locals. And wildlife are most often spotted this time of year as they prepare for winter.  The shoulder-, or off-season, seems to grow shorter each year in Jackson as more festivals and events draw people to town year round.

October is one of those rare quiet months left before the snow starts to fly and powder hounds descend on the valley, but temperatures have cooled enough that vacationers know this is no longer the time to go for a summer vacation. Town is quieter, but for those seeking an authentic glimpse of Jackson Hole, this is the perfect time to go. Take a wildlife tour and listen to elk bugle. Cast a line on the Snake River and enjoy the solitude. Hike low-elevation trails shrouded with gold and orange leaves.

For many people who live in the area, this is their favorite time to visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park. Services are limited, but so are the crowds.  But be beware. The weather in Jackson Hole is often unpredictable, especially this time of year. Roads, in particular in Yellowstone National Park, might close due to snow. Carry extra layers and be prepared for snow if you hike.

This is the best time of year to take Jackson Hole wildlife tours. Experienced guides will take you out looking for moose, elk and bears.
The elk mating season, known as “the rut,” runs through October. In the quiet you can hear the shrill bugle the animals make to attract mates.

Bears are active this time of year, scouring for extra calories to pack on the pounds before heading to hibernate.
For those looking to more than watch Wyoming’s iconic wildlife, several hunting seasons begin in the fall, attracting sportsmen and women to the area searching for game. Check with Wyoming Game and Fish for season and license information. No matter your activity choice, if you seek quiet and solitude, October is the best time to find it in Jackson Hole.