A day hike at Slate Mountain

[CTCatskillfan]

Prescott is below the critical altitude for Altitude Illness. You may have some acclimitization issues but I haven't heard of anyone having problems in Prescott. I would expect that your wife would acclimate within a day or two. She might still have some shortness of breath on strenuous exertion, but that is normal.

I plan to visit the Flagstaff area in Arizona in October and am interested in a day hike at Slate Mountain. The hike is just under five miles and involves about 900 feet of elevation gain. In the past few years I have summited several mountains in the Catskills and Berkshires that were either similar or more difficult in terms of elevation gain, Should I be concerned with Slate, which tops out at 8215'? Any tips on preparation would be most welcome. Thanks in advance.

[joebartels]

@CTCatskillfan
Most do not have issues at this altitude. If you are able to handle 4.5 miles and 860 feet of gain you are likely to be okay if you go prehydrated, do not rush it and take breaks.

That said a very minor few do have issues at this altitude and acclimate before activity.

[flagscott]

Best advice would be to sleep in Flagstaff the night before your hike or more than 1 night if you can swing it. The longer you stay at high altitude before exerting yourself, the more you acclimatize. It's not a very steep hike, so hopefully it won't be too difficult for you.

One more piece of advice: sunset up there is really nice. If you can time it for a full moon, you can watch the moon rise, too.

[CTCatskillfan]

@joebartels
Thank you. I am looking forward to visiting Arizona and the hike.

[CTCatskillfan]

@flagscott
Thank you for the advice. I am looking forward to visiting Arizona and the hike.

[johnlp]

Red Mountain is nearby and worth a visit. https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=101