Colorado Experts-- Are there any places with cool summers but low elevation?

[WestGuest]

Yes SW Washington State and the Oregon coast have nice cool summers. Cloudcroft NM has cool summers but the air is so thin. I'm fine with El Paso and Bent NM most of the year but the summers in El Paso are just too hot.. My wife is an ER Nurse and many people don't realize when they are older the altitude affects them more severely. Quite a few heart attacks when she worked Ruidoso ER from visitors who lived much cloier to sea level. El Paso is about 3400 ft up.


Once again thanks.

[anyam22]

Originally Posted by coschristi

About the closest you would find is Canon City; it is in a unique spot as far as geography & weather are concerned but it’s at 5,300 ft (which is low for Colorado). It’s nicknamed “The Climate Capital of Colorado”:

Canon City, CO -- What's It Like There

I have exhaustively researched this question more than once...like I think it would change. I live in Summit County and want to get out of this astounding amount of snow now, but I don't want to leave Colo. It's been my home for 40 years. I've loved this snow, but I've had enough. I have planned where to live for decades based upon the fact that I would not have to have air conditioning. For several reasons, Canon City seems to be the "best option" except for the heat and the air conditioning aversion! This past May the temps went to 101 in Canon. In May! I know that for sure, because since late last winter, I check their temps every day. People are telling me it was a freak year. But then we are hearing "it isn't going to get any cooler".

I lived up the mountain in Westcliffe for ten years and I recall my summer grocery shopping trips to Canon. I remember the pure relief when I got my sweaty self into my car, knowing I was headed up to the higher cool country. I always get that giddy feeling when leaving the hot low lands!

[NW Crow]

Other strategies might include looking for a place with a bit of wind (some valleys get morning and late afternoon temperature variation initiated winds up and down the valley) for perceived cooling. And focusing outdoor time to mornings or early evenings.

[Danbo1957]

Elevation is really a problem for older people as mentioned above. At 61, I chose not to live any higher than 3K feet.

So I moved from Austin, with its heat and humidity, to San Angelo, which has heat, but is much drier. Nothing pretty about the place, but its very livable, located in the center of Texas-- and is drivable to most of the state.

[SkyDog77]

Originally Posted by Danbo1957

Elevation is really a problem for older people as mentioned above. At 61, I chose not to live any higher than 3K feet.

So I moved from Austin, with its heat and humidity, to San Angelo, which has heat, but is much drier. Nothing pretty about the place, but its very livable, located in the center of Texas-- and is drivable to most of the state.

I know plenty of active retirees who live in Vail and Aspen. My 75 year old dad skis 3 days a week. Elevation issues vary by the individual.

[maciesmom]

Originally Posted by SkyDog77

I know plenty of active retirees who live in Vail and Aspen. My 75 year old dad skis 3 days a week. Elevation issues vary by the individual.

Yes. My dad skied well into his 70s, flying in from lower elevation once a year with no trouble acclimating. He is now near 80 and still hikes as often as he can get out here. The elevation doesn't seem to affect him. My mom was bothered by simply visiting Denver even in her 50s.