Outings Ratings

DAY HIKING **
* Easy: 5 miles or less and up to 1000' elevation change (on trail).

* Moderate: 5-10 miles and/or elevation change of 1000-1800', on trail hiking.

* Moderately-Strenuous: 10-14 miles and/or elevation change of 1800-2500', mostly on trail, some off-trail possible.

* Strenuous: Over 14 miles and/or over 2500' elevation change, can be on trail or some off-trail.


BACKPACKING **
* Novice: Easy trip for the beginner to learn about backpacking or the "haven't been for a while" to reacquaint themselves with their equipment. These trips are designed with the beginner in mind although others may be accepted to fill the trip.

* Easy: 5 miles maximum per day and/or 1500 feet maximum elevation gain per day, on trail hiking.

* Moderate: 8 miles maximum per day and/or, 2500 feet maximum elevation gain per day, all or mostly on trail hiking.

* Advanced: 12 miles maximum per day and/or 3500 feet maximum elevation gain per day, trail hiking with the option of some off-trail.

* Difficult: Over 12 miles and/or over 3500 feet in elevation gain per day, trail hiking with the option of some off-trail.

**Any of the following conditions will move a specific category to a higher difficulty rating: elevations above 7000 feet, mostly off-trail on lower mileage outing, rocky terrain, poorly maintained trail, or steep slopes, or remoteness.

The term exploratory may be added to any of the above categories. Exploratory means that the hike leader has not been on this trail. When participating in an exploratory hike anticipate extra time to locate the trailhead and realize that conditions encountered can be more or less difficult than listed.


BICYCLING ON ROADS
* Easy: 15 miles or less and up to 1000' elevation change.

* Moderate: 15-30 miles and/or elevation change of 1000'-1800'

* Moderately-Strenuous: 30-50 miles and/or elevation change of 1800'-2500'

* Strenuous: Over 50 miles and/or over 2500' elevation change

BICYCLING ON RAIL TRAILS
* Easy: 10 miles or less and up to 1000' elevation change.

* Moderate: 10-25 miles and/or elevation change of 1000'-1800'

* Moderately-Strenuous: 25-50 miles and/or elevation change of 1800'-2500'

* Strenuous: Over 50 miles and/or over 2500' elevation change


MOUNTAIN BIKING **
* Easy: 7 miles or less with minimum of hills greater than 200' elevation change or longer than 0.25 miles

* Moderate: 7-12 miles with fewer than 5 hill climbs greater than 200' or longer than 0.25 miles

* Moderately-Strenuous: More than 12 miles or involving hills greater than 500' elevation gain or longer than 0.5 miles.

* Strenuous: More than above

** especially rooty, rocky, or rutty trails or those with wet crossings will be noted and may be rated higher as a consequence.


CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING **
* Easy: 3 miles or less with up to 100' elevation change on trail. Groomed or un-groomed.

* Moderate: 3-7 miles and/or elevation change of 300'-500' on trail. Groomed or un-groomed.

* Moderately-Strenuous: 7-12 miles and/or elevation change of 600'-1000'. Mostly on trail, some off-trail possible.

* Strenuous: Over 12 miles and/or over 2500' elevation change. Can be on trail or some off-trail.

** especially narrow trails, involving steep downhills with turns required will be noted and may be rated higher as a consequence.


FLAT WATER PADDLING **
* Easy: 7 miles or less

* Moderate: 7-10 miles

* Moderately-Strenuous: 10-14 miles

* Strenuous: Over 14 miles

** especially windy, dense motor boat traffic, colder water, remoteness, or especially hot conditions will be noted and may be rated higher as a consequence.

MOVING WATER PADDLING **

Based on stated distance and class of rapids.

Class I - These rapids are small and have slightly fast moving water. There are hardly any dangerous spots and those that are dangerous are easily spotted and avoidable.

Class II - With some basic training, the obstacles in this class are easily maneuvered around or avoided. The swifter currents of water, channels, and rapids are easily noticed with some forward scouting.

Class III - Accomplished whitewater skills and/or training are needed for these rapids. Constant changing rapids, harsh currents, large obstacle, and tight channels are prevalent.

Class IV - These large and predictable currents require very strong boating skills. Some large waves, holes, and currents may be unavoidable. Quick thinking and fast skills are a must.

Class V - Expert only. These rapids put the boater into extreme danger. Large holes, rocks, waves, and currents are violent and all have an added danger. Rapids are longer and much more intense.

Class VI - These rapids are unpredictable and may never have been run before. These rapids should only be run by professionals in perfect conditions.

** Colder water or remoteness will be noted and may be rated higher as a consequence.


***Please contact the outings leader before signing up for a moderately-strenuous, strenuous or exploratory outing and discuss your prior experience.***