If you're a first-timer to many areas througout Colorado, you may experience a more rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, chapped lips and a quick sunburn. Compared with sea level, you are more than a mile closer to the sun, so the air is thinner and clearer. While there is less oxygen and less humidity, there is also less distortion of sight and sound. The sun burns your skin faster because ultraviolet rays are transmitted more directly through thin mountain air. For that reason, sun glasses and sunscreen are recommended year-round.
Most people enjoy a comfortable life at high elevations.
The varying Colorado elevation climbs as steadily as Interstate 70 winds westward. The communities of Golden, Evergreen and Georgetown each become higher until you reach the Eisenhower Tunnel, where the elevation reaches over 11,000 feet. Colorado has fifty three mountains over 14,000 feet with Mount Evans ranked number 21. Another fourteener, west of Ft. Collins is Longs Peak.