ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
SUMMER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
Be prepared to hike up to 1 mile per day, comfortably, through relatively flat terrain on maintained trails.
MILD
Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible.
MODERATE
Be prepared to hike up to 5 miles per day, comfortably, with occasional elevation gains up to 1000 feet in undulating terrain.
DIFFICULT
Be prepared to hike up to 8 miles per day, at a brisk pace, comfortably, with climbs up to 1500 feet on dirt trails. Loose rocks, uneven footing, and off-trail hiking are possible. Good coordination is recommended.
CHALLENGING
Be prepared for brisk aerobic, destination-oriented hiking up to 12 miles a day. You should be physically conditioned to do these hikes comfortably. Elevation changes up to 2000 feet on dirt trails or off-trail. Loose rock, uneven footing, steep hillside traverses, and stream crossings are possible. Good coordination is required.
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STRENUOUS
Be prepared for brisk aerobic, destination-oriented hiking over 12 miles a day. You should be physically conditioned to do these hikes comfortably. Elevation changes over 2000 feet on dirt trails or off-trail. Loose rock, uneven footing, steep hillside traverses, and stream crossings are possible. Good coordination is required.
WINTER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE
RELAXED
Leisurely hikes up to 1 mile per day through relatively flat terrain on maintained or snow-packed trails.
MILD
Hikes on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.
MODERATE
Brisk hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing up to 5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet, including some trail-breaking in snow.
DIFFICULT
Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 8 miles per day with climbs up to 1000 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
CHALLENGING
Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 12 miles per day with climbs up to 1500 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
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STRENUOUS
Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing over 12 miles per day with climbs over 1500 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.