Trip Difficulty Rating Guide
Our trips are designed for a range of fitness and experience levels, from those just starting their outdoor journey to seasoned adventurers. To help you determine which trip level is best for you, we've created the following guide.
Our trip ratings are:
Beginner (Easy) – Great for those who are new to hiking or outdoor adventures and prefer shorter, less strenuous experiences.
Intermediate (Moderate) – Perfect for those who have some outdoor experience and a regular fitness routine. Expect moderate physical exertion and longer days.
Difficult (Strenuous) – Designed for experienced outdoor enthusiasts who are comfortable with significant physical exertion, long days, and challenging conditions.
While this chart offers guidance, it may not capture every factor specific to you. We encourage you to evaluate your personal fitness, medical conditions, and comfort level to make the best choice. Most individuals who engage in regular exercise can generally manage our Intermediate or Difficult trips.
We recommend reviewing each category independently, then averaging your responses to determine which difficulty rating best suits you.
| Question | Beginner | Intermediate | Difficult |
|---|---|---|---|
| Without a backpack, what is your hiking experience like? | I rarely hike. | I hike a few times a month. | I hike regularly on challenging terrain. |
| What distances do you typically hike? | Less than 4 miles | 4-6 miles |
6+ miles
|
| What elevation gain do you typically hike? | Less than 1,000’ | 1,000’ - 2,000’ | Greater than 2,000’ |
| What elevation are you coming from? | Sea level or close to it | Under 4,000’ | Over 4,000’ |
| Do you engage in high heart rate activities regularly (50-80% of your maximum heart rate)? | Not regularly | Around 30 minutes a day, 3-5 days a week | Over 30 minutes a day, 3-5 days a week |
| Do you have any medical conditions that may affect your ability to exercise or hike? | Yes; please consult your doctor. | Yes; consult your doctor before participating. | No; but always consult your doctor for high-intensity trips. |
| For backpacking trips only: Are you comfortable carrying a pack weighing 20-25% of your body weight? | I haven’t tried. | Yes, but only for shorter hikes (under 5 miles). | Yes, and I’m comfortable hiking long distances with a full pack. |
| How would you describe your fitness level? | I like to take it easy. | Moderately active. | Highly active and physically fit. |