Jun 3, 2026 · 2 min · 4 segments
High summer temperatures make Flagstaff’s thin air feel even thinner. Density altitude affects your body, turning a simple mountain hike into a tough physical workout.
Melissa SevignyHost
At that height, the air is thinner, meaning there's less oxygen in every breath.
As temperatures rise, the air expands and becomes less dense, making oxygen even less available.
In thinner air, airplane wings produce less lift, and it's harder for planes to get off the ground.
Your lungs and muscles are working harder in hot rather than cool temperatures.
That can be a shock for people coming from lower elevations who might get tired faster or feel lightheaded.
That's why a midday hike right after arriving from the Phoenix Valley can feel much harder than expected, and why it's a good idea to plan hikes at cooler times.
In the mountains, even a coolish summer day can make for a tough physical workout.
At that height, the air is thinner, meaning there's less oxygen in every breath.
As temperatures rise, the air expands and becomes less dense, making oxygen even less available.
In thinner air, airplane wings produce less lift, and it's harder for planes to get off the ground.
Your lungs and muscles are working harder in hot rather than cool temperatures.
That can be a shock for people coming from lower elevations who might get tired faster or feel lightheaded.
That's why a midday hike right after arriving from the Phoenix Valley can feel much harder than expected, and why it's a good idea to plan hikes at cooler times.
In the mountains, even a coolish summer day can make for a tough physical workout.
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