WyomingSummits wrote:This is why I laugh when noobs ask how good of shape they need to be in to avoid AMS. Lol.....if special ops isn't in good enough shape, then you won't be either! It can hit anyone, anytime, anywhere.
This.
I once flew from sea level to Denver and then drove up a 14er that same day. Mild altitude issues most likely due to the rapid climb on the drive.
Another time, in the Sierra Nevada, and after a few days at altitude already, I got slammed by the altitude around 9000'. I made it up and over the pass and on with the backpacking trip, but not after a long rest that involved dozing, snacking, and drinking a lot of water.