Top Ten Summer Travel Tips for Colorado Vacationers

Some of the most magnificent sights in Colorado can only be viewed during the summer months. A 4WD drive along the Alpine Loop, day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, a heart-stopping trip over Black Bear Pass, or driving to the top of 14,000 ft. Mt. Evans. While enjoying these many scenic wonders, be aware of these common travel safety tips while traveling about our gorgeous state. Coloradoans want you to be safe and come visit us often.

Watch the weather

Colorado weather is unpredictable and can be dangerous year-round in Colorado. Colorado weather includes thunderstorms, hail storms, snowstorms, and tornados during the summer months. It's not uncommon to experience summer and wintry days until the beginning of June - especially in the Colorado Mountains. Be prepared by determining the local weather forecast before making the day's travel plans. It's best to be flexible and have alternative plans available.

Be wary of altitude

Colorado's high elevations present challenges to the 20-30% of visitors sensitive to high altitudes. If you experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, or insomnia you may be experiencing altitude sickness. Milder symptoms can include diarrhea or gas. If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms, consult a medical professional. Those with a medical history of heart, lung, or circulatory issues should consult with their physician prior to their trip. Staying hydrated, stamina, acclimation, Diamox, and relaxation can help prevent altitude sickness.

Be wary of the wildlife

We have some very scenic wildlife in Colorado so be sure to have a camera and binoculars handy. Be aware that wildlife is that - it's wild. Moose, bear, deer, elk, buffalo, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes have attacked people in the state of Colorado. Do not approach them no matter how comfortable they appear to be around humans. If you stumble across them while hiking - leave the area quickly. Moose and mountain lions are particularly dangerous.

In rattlesnake encounters - freeze immediately upon hearing the rattle. Slowly look around for the snake - you are probably quite close to it. Stay frozen until the snake stops rattling and slithers away into the bush. I've had this work with a rattler one foot away from my bare ankle - don't panic. Teach children this before any hiking.

Be aware of hiking hazards

Hiking trails are one of the best ways to enjoy the Colorado backcountry. It's a chance to experience solitude, quiet, and unadulterated nature. It is best however to know your route and stay on the trails. Visitors have become lost while exploring side trails or become "cliffed out" while trying to take a shortcut back to the trailhead. Others have gotten injured after sliding down tempting snowfields into rocks or have fallen down one of our many unmarked abandoned mine shafts. Stay safe - stay on the trails.

Wear sunscreen

Colorado has the highest average elevation of any state in the USA. As a result, residents and travelers alike are exposed to more UV radiation than those living at lower altitudes. As a consequence, Colorado has one of the highest rates of getting skin cancer and death by skin cancer. Be sure to wear a hat, eye protection, lip balm, and protect any exposed skin with sunscreen. It's easy to burn unprotected skin within 15 minutes at high elevations in Colorado.

Don't drink untreated water

Rocky Mountain water tastes great and is safe to drink - once its been treated. While that stream or spring may look inviting during a hike on a hot day, it mostly likely isn't safe to drink. Most lakes, springs, and streams in Colorado contain the Giardia lamblia parasite. Consumption leads to a very unpleasant small intestinal disease known as Giardiasis.

Cell phone limitations

Cell phones are a great way to stay in touch while on vacation and are useful in emergencies. Due to Colorado's unique topography, they can be of limited use in some areas of the state. Most cell phone companies offer great coverage in major population centers and along well-traveled highway corridors. There are however some counties and roads that have limited coverage due to the mountains and tower coverage. Check with your cell provider for Colorado coverage. Verizon tends to give the best overall coverage.

Cooking challenges

If you've ever noticed high altitude cooking directions on a cake mix box, pay attention when cooking in Colorado. You may have to adjust the cooking time, temperature, or recipe while you are here. These are some helpful high altitude cooking tips by the USDA.

Hazards for pets

Pets can experience many of the same hazards as humans in Colorado. Colorado wildlife view dogs and cats as prey. If a bald eagle flies off with your little dog - you'll be out of luck. Larger dogs are also preyed upon by coyotes and mountain lions. Dogs can also experience Giardiasis. Cats are preyed upon by owls, foxes, coyotes, and birds of prey in Colorado.

Denver International Airport

Construction on Denver International Airport (DIA) was completed in 1995 and is the largest international airport in the United States by land size. It has almost all the features a modern airport could have. It is however situated in prime tornado country and is exposed to high winds. Those traveling to and from DIA should schedule their flights to arrive or depart in the early morning. Afternoon flights can experience high winds and tornado watches in summer. If a tornado warning is given, look for the tornado shelter signs scattered about inside the airport.

More:
The 10 Best Scenic Drives in the Colorado Mountains
Summer Hiking Safety Tips in Colorado

Sources:
http://www.flydenver.com/doyouknowdia
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g28927-s208/Colorado:United-States:Weather.And.When.To.Go.html
http://wildlife.state.co.us/Viewing/Tips/
http://www.hiking-gear-and-equipment-used-for-camping.com/colorado-hiking.html
http://www.roadandtravel.com/health/altitudesickness.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/statistics/state.htm
http://sunsafecolorado.org/
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/epidemiology/giar_fs.html
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/High_Altitude_Cooking_and_Food_Safety/index.asp#2
http://www.alpineloop.com/HTML/index.html
http://www.nps.gov/romo/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLfWahjceG4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=av7y77ytDw0&feature=related
http://www.mountevans.com/
http://www.fidofriendly.com/destinations/moose/
Personal experience