Ann, you're right about drinking liquor at high altitudes. It effects you much quicker up here, and more strongly, as well.
Other affects at high altitude:
~ you sunburn more quickly up here.
~ less humidity, so your sweat evaporates, rather than running down your face and body = a positive benefit . . . but = dry skin.
~ you need to hydrate yourself more, because of the much lower humidity. How much? Just listen to your body, it'll tell you. More is best.
~ less humidity = more moisturizer
~ people visiting out here tend to get more nosebleeds, because their bodies aren't used to the dryness. Not a big deal unless you're a hemophiliac. We always recommend a moisturizer nose spray such a Ayr, though.
~ wear a hat
~ bring good sunglasses
~ watch out for rattlers ;^D

Your trip sounds like a lot of fun. I've hiked both Bryce and Zion and they're breathtakingly beautiful. Don't forget your camera!
Lynn

This summer we went from sea level to 9600 feet. Drink, drink, drink. H2O of course! Always have a bottle of water with you, even at your bedside table. When you get up at night drink some water. You'll feel less parched when you wake up in the morning. It seemed like I drank three times as much water as I do at home. My husband got headaches from the altitude change so make sure you have some painkillers too.

If you can, try to gradually work your way up altitude. I wouldn't plan a mountain climbing trip on your first day. Last time I went to Colorado I went straight from the airport to the mountains. I wasn't sick but I definitely felt the effects. This time we stopped in Colorado Springs (6000 ft) for a few days and I had a much easier time when we got to the mountains.

Ann - First of all..... are you going to Red Mountain or Green Valley spa perchance? That part of UT is one of the most beautiful places in the world, IMO. You will love the hiking and shouldn't find it too difficult if you are prepared. We spent considerable time in that area when our son was in boarding school a bit north of Zion and had to learn a lot about adjusting to altitude since we're from Chicago at 600 ft> sea level.

As mentioned, water, water, water! You will think you're going to float away but keep drinking. Check with your doctor to be sure, but a week or so before your trip you can begin taking aspirin as a blood thinner. It can help with the altitude headaches. Also, pump up your iron intake - it's the hemoglobin/iron combo that oxygenates your body and that will help with the breathlessness that comes at altitude, especially with exertion. Limit alcohol intake. I find even one glass of wine at dinner dehydrates me terribly so if I do drink, it's minimal and I up the water even more. Both our sons live in high altitude areas - our younger son lives at 7800 ft and if I don't prepare before we go to visit him, I'm miserable.

It sounds like a WONDERFUL trip! I'm excited for you and can't wait to hear more.

Drink lots of water, and the first couple of days that you are there eat lightly, move slowly and just rest because you may feel a little dizzy and nauseous. You can take altitude sickness pills but probably overkill in this case (although you can always check) and so just painkillers for those headaches. Have fun with your galfriends.

My goodness, how high is it where you are going?

I've lived at 8,000 feet and no one mentioned the altitude, and then at 10,000 feet where a good night's sleep, some water, and some Excedrin taken prophylactically were recommended for newcomers.

graywings it's not that it's extremely high (probably about 3 - 4k ft), but it's far higher than what she's used to. That's where the adjustment issues come into play. Some people are only mildly affected (my DH) for whatever reason and others feel it more.

Haven't had a chance to check in since I posted my question, and came back to see all this terrific advice! Thank you to everyone who responded.

I have to remember to pack my outdoor hat. I've got a great lightweight wide brimmed one that I use outside both for the boat and canoeing. Will tuck in my polarized boaters' sunglasses as well.

Interesting about aspirin and iron--as well as water. I'll start next week (a week early) and just keep pumping it down.

Dlm, yes we are staying at the Red Mountain Resort. I'm eagerly anticipating taking advantage of some of their treats as well as nature. I don't travel a lot and my job is pretty encompassing, so this is going to be a most welcome getaway and respite from the usual busy routine at home.

Graywings, dlm hit the nail on the head. I live at sea level here in Miami. Altitude is completely and utterly something I do not deal with. So, given that this is a Big Trip for me I want to do everything possible to make the most of the experience.

And thanks to all the helpful suggestions, I plan to do just that :). Thanks everyone.

Ann

You are going to have a great time. I've stayed at Green Valley but we took a drive through Red Mountain. They offer hikes for all fitness levels so you're going to be fine - not that you aren't fit but you can take it down a notch until you know you have the altitude thing under control. Hike in the morning..... do your spa treatments in the afternoon...... take a yoga class...... sleep like a baby!!

Yes, can't emphasize enough the need for water hydration at higher elevations. When we visited BIL last year, before going to bed the first night, he told us to take 2 aspirin and to drink a bottle of water before bed. Also suggested drinking at least twice the amount of water than we normally drink at home. I normally drink alot of water at home, but did notice that I drank much more out there. Also, while drinking lots more, I didn't need to run to the bathroom either. Your body will need all of the hydration you can provide, especially if you are really physically active during the trip.

I didn't experience any difference in my breathing, but MIL claims that when she visited BIL, she did feel the altitude affecting her breathing when lying in bed some nights? Not that she had trouble breathing, just that it was different than being in bed at home. She is a non-smoker, but perhaps her age had something to do with her experience vs. mine?

Have a wonderful time!