When planning our group trips, we try hard to accommodate everyone’s individual ability levels and needs. To help our adventurers get a general idea of the physical activity level of each trip, we have assigned a rating system that is based on the average person and should be adjusted based on your experience and physical abilities. This rating system should help you in choosing a trip that is appropriate for you and one that you will enjoy.
Some adventures are definitely a bit more difficult than others and require a higher level of fitness. Others are designed for beginners and allow you to relax and take it easy a bit more. Trip difficulty levels on our trips fall into the following categories:
All Ability Levels
Just as it indicates, these trips are suitable for all ability levels as no special skills are required and even people without a fitness base will enjoy these trips. Our sailing trips are rated under this category, but some trips are more leisurely, while others are more adventurous with stronger winds and longer sailing times. Participants should be able to walk without the aid of another person, be able to climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off of boats, and carry their own luggage, at a minimum.
Easy
These trips are suitable for those who are comfortable being active approximately 2-4 hours a day. Includes walking and/or hiking for 4-6 miles/day on rolling to hilly terrain with short ascents up to 600 feet. This trip may also include bike rides up to 10-15 miles/day on level or gently rolling hills, as well as canyoning, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, kayaking and other activities that require an average level of fitness to enjoy.
Moderate
Intended for the average active adult who feels comfortable being active approximately 3-5 hours a day. Includes walking and/or trekking on various types of terrain for 4-8 miles, including rough trails with elevation gain/loss of up to 1,200 feet. This trip may also include bike rides up to 15-20 miles/day on gently rolling to hilly dirt roads, as well as canyoning, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, kayaking, and other activities that require an average level of fitness to enjoy.
Challenging
Intended for those who feel comfortable being active approximately 4-6 hours a day. Includes walking and/or trekking on various types of terrain for 5-10 miles, including rough trails with ascends of up to 2,500 feet. This trip may also include bike rides up to 20-25 miles a day over a variety of hilly to mountainous terrain, as well as canyoning, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, kayaking and other activities that require an average level of fitness to enjoy.
Demanding
Intended for those who feel comfortable being active approximately 5-7 hours a day. Includes hikes of 6-12 miles on hilly to mountainous terrain with climbs up 3,000 feet. This trip may also include bike rides up to 25-35 miles/day over a variety of hilly to mountainous terrain, as well as canyoning, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, kayaking and other activities that require an average level of fitness to enjoy.
Extreme
Intended for those who feel comfortable being active approximately 7-8 hours a day. Includes high altitude treks above 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) and/or fairly difficult terrain. May include hikes of 7-14 miles per day on mountainous terrain. Requires an above average fitness level. Also for adventures that require a higher level of stamina to maintain a very fast pace of numerous back to back activities without long periods of rest. Just as you would a marathon, you must train prior to your adventure.
Need more info?
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like more information or specific details about any of our trips.