1 (easy)- This rating applies primarily to our lodge-based trips and to a handful of day hikes. You will carry only a day pack. You should be comfortable walking 3-5 miles in a day over generally level terrain, taking as many breaks as you need.

2 (easy-moderate) - This rating describes trips with full days of on-trail hiking, possibly with significant ups and downs, but with no more than a day pack. You should be comfortable walking/hiking over uneven terrain with only occasional breaks.

3 (moderate) - This rating describes trips with long days of on-trail hiking, possibly with significant ups and downs, carrying a 25-30 pound backpack. It may also pertain to day hikes that are steeper than average. You should be comfortable walking/hiking over uneven terrain with only occasional breaks.

4 (strenuous) - This rating denotes trips with steep, long days of both on and off-trail hiking. You should be comfortable running/biking/hiking for several hours without many breaks.

5 (very strenuous) - This rating denotes a trip with long days of very strenuous hiking. You should be able to hike all day with a 45 pound pack over varying terrain, possibly encountering boulder fields, thick vegetation, and steep side slopes. You must be able to exercise vigorously at home (extended runs, swims, bike rides, etc.) to join a hike with a "5" rating.