Rating System - Difficulty Levels 

Relaxed (1) : Adventure Travel at its most relaxed pace.

• Activity: 1-3 hours most days

• Distances: walk less than 3 miles most days

• Surfaces: flat terrain

• Elevation change: little to none

• Altitude: less than 3,000 ft

Easy Active (2): Great for newcomers to active travel.

• Activity: 2-5 hours most days

• Distances: Hike up to 6 miles

• Surfaces: flat or rolling terrain with some steep ascents/descents and uneven trails

• Elevation change: up to 2,000 ft/day

• Altitude: up to 6,000 ft

Moderate (3): For outdoor novices and above.

• Activity: 4-6 hours most days

• Distances: Hike up to 10 miles most days

• Surfaces: rolling or mountainous terrain with some steep ascents/descents and uneven trails

• Elevation change: up to 3,000 ft/day

• Altitude: up to 10,000 ft

Vigorous (4): Recommended for fit travelers with basic skills

• Activity: 5-8 hours most days

• Distances: Hike up to 12 miles most days

• Surfaces: mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and uneven trails

• Elevation change: up to 4,000 ft/day

• Altitude: up to 14,000 ft.

• Experience may be required

Strenuous (5): Designed for very fit travelers.

• Activity: 10+ hours/day

• Distances: Hike 12 or more miles most days

• Surfaces: remote, mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents, uneven trails with loose features.

• Elevation change: up to 4,000 ft/day

• Altitude: may well exceed 14,000 ft

• Experience is required