Altitude Illnesses

Background

• The elevation in the Coachella Valley averages around 150 ft above sea level (from ~480 ft above sea level in Palm Springs to 70 ft below sea level in Coachella).
  Altitude symptoms typically become more common over 8200 ft elevation, and especially without time for acclimatization.
• Traveling rapidly via the Palm Springs Aerial Tram to the Mountain Station (~8500 ft), hiking to the Mt San Jacinto summit (10,834 ft), or hiking at higher elevations on the PCT may produce symptoms.
• Developing symptoms has no relationship to fitness level, and can also occur in individuals who have never suffered symptoms before.
• Risk factors:
  • Prior history of altitude sickness (most reliable predictor)
  • Living at sea level/ low altitude
  • History of chronic pulmonary or cardiovascular disease
  • Age under 50
  • Obesity

Symptoms/ How to Address

• AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)- Mildest form. Fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting.
  HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema)- Uncommon at elevations listed above. Significant shortness of breath, cough, weakness. Requires urgent descent.
  HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema)- Uncommon at elevations listed above. Extreme fatigue, drowsiness, confusion, loss of coordination. Requires urgent descent.

Prevention

• Drink more fluids (water) than usual.
• Pace of hike more moderate (slow down).
• Avoid alcohol intake prior to the hike.
• Ibuprofen can help with mild symptoms.

(Sources: NIH/National Library of Medicine, Acute Mountain Sickness, 9-15-25. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430716/ )
The information provided on this CVHC page is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.