Trail Ratings Explained…
There are many factors that go into assessing and attempting to communicate the difficulty of any given trail, and no rating system is completely objective. The same trail may be considered easy by one hiker and difficult by another. The descriptions and explanations below are designed to help you determine which of our trips might be the most suitable and enjoyable for you.
Each trip has two primary ratings: Difficulty and Solitude. To create a clearer picture of the nuances of each trip, additional ratings are given for Daily Hiking Distance, Backpack Weight, Terrain (Trail Surface), Daily Elevation Change, and Heights Exposure.
Difficulty Level
The overall difficulty of each trip considers the variables listed below, as well as the experience of our guides in leading many different types of people into the wilderness. On a scale of 1 to 5, the least difficult is 1 and the most difficult is 5.
Backpacking is a physically demanding activity that requires carrying heavy loads for long distances on rugged terrain. Our ratings assume that hikers are already physically active and familiar with the demands of backpacking. If you are unsure of your abilities, start with a lower rated trip and feel free to give us a call. We would love to discuss the rigors of each of each trip and help you choose the best fit.
Daily Hiking Distance
This is the maximum hiking distance on any single day, including day hikes. Some days may be shorter. Check the itinerary for each trip for more details.
| Level | Max Daily Distance |
1  |
4 Miles |
2  |
6 Miles |
3  |
8 Miles |
4  |
10 Miles |
5  |
Greater than 10 Miles |
Backpack Weight
These are normal weight ranges when utilizing the equipment we provide. Actual weight will vary throughout the trip based on several factors. Most hikers can stay on the lower end of the range by minimizing the number of personal items they are carrying. We will provide a recommended packing list in advance.
| Level | Typical Backpack Weight |
| 1 |
Less than 15 Pounds |
| 2 |
15-25 Pounds |
| 3 |
25-35 Pounds |
| 4 |
30-40 Pounds |
| 5 |
35-45 Pounds |
Terrain
Trail conditions can have a major impact on the stability and energy required to navigate a trail, especially while carrying a heavy backpack.
| Level | Trail Surface Conditions |
| 1 |
Paved or otherwise smooth trails. |
| 2 |
Developed trails with some rocks or steps to navigate. |
| 3 |
Developed trails with significant rocks, steps, or loose slopes. |
| 4 |
Undeveloped trails with uneven surfaces, high steps, steep or loose slopes. |
| 5 |
Extreme, undeveloped, possibly off-trail hiking on very challenging surfaces. |
Daily Elevation Change
These ratings represent the biggest day of elevation change throughout the trip. Other days may be less. Hiking up or down a grade, especially on rough terrain while carrying a heavy backpack, increases the need for physical strength and endurance. Many hikers are surprised to find that traveling downhill is often much harder than travelling uphill.
| Level | Max Daily Elevation Gain or Loss |
| 1 |
Less than 500 feet |
| 2 |
500 to 1,500 feet |
| 3 |
1,500 to 3,500 feet |
| 4 |
3,500 to 5,000 feet |
| 5 |
Greater than 5,000 feet |
Heights Exposure
A strong fear of heights can be problematic on many of our trips. If you are uncomfortable near cliff edges then look for trips for a lower Heights Exposure rating.
| Level | Max Daily Distance |
| 1 |
No heights exposure. |
| 2 |
Mild exposure. Cliff edges or drop-offs are easily avoidable and pose minimal risk. |
| 3 |
Moderate exposure. Cliff edges and drop-offs nearby or adjacent to a wide trail. |
| 4 |
High exposure. Cliff edges and drop-offs adjacent to a relatively narrow trail. |
| 5 |
Extreme exposure. Hiking directly on or next to dangerous drops. |
Solitude
If getting away from others is part of your objective, look for trips with a higher rating. Solitude ratings represent our typical experience, but actual results will vary based on weather, time of year, holidays, etc.
| Level | |
1  |
Heavily trafficked trail with many other hikers. |
2  |
May experience up to an hour without seeing other hikers. |
3  |
May experience several hours without seeing other hikers. |
4  |
Expect to see only a few other parties per day. |
5  |
May go entire days without seeing other hikers. |
