HIKE DIFFICULTY RATINGS

All hikes organized by Seniors Outdoors! have a difficulty rating. Sometimes trips are designed with optional hikes to accommodate a range of hiking abilities. However, not all hikes will accommodate all hiking abilities. For example, a hike rated moderate (with no options) is for moderate hikers only who intend to do the whole trip. It is your responsibility to choose trips that are within your ability. Following is a description of the trip ratings used by Seniors Outdoors!

Very Easy: Short hikes, often close to town, planned for those wanting a short (less than 2 miles round trip), relatively flat trip on a smooth, well-defined trail. Elevation gain is up to 250'.

Easy: Hikes may vary in length, but are usually less than 4 miles round trip. Easy hikes are on well-defined trails that are relatively smooth and gentle, although short stretches may be steep and rough. Elevation gain is up to 500'.

Moderate: Hikes are up to 8 miles round trip. Moderate hikes are generally on established trails that can be rocky and steep in places. Elevation gain is up to 2000'.

Hard: This category covers hikes that are longer than 8 miles and/or greater than 2000' of elevation gain. Hikes may be on poorly defined trails or include off-trail sections, be unusually rough or dangerous, or encounter unexpected obstacles. This category is for experienced hikers in good physical condition. Because of poorly defined trails or off-trail situations, it is important that hikers on hard hikes stay together for safety reasons, so those attending must be capable of keeping up with the group and going the whole distance.

Most Challenging: Hike may be especially long, have a large elevation gain, or is over difficult and/or exposed terrain.

Mountain Explorations: These hikes will generally be hard hikes, but at a moderate pace, and with a limited number of participants. There will be stops for breathing, photography, looking at flowers and scenery, eating, etc., but the group stays with the leader. Expect an exploratory hike with some or all off trail, and sometimes with exposure and scrambling. Hikes will usually be in the range of 1,000 to 3,000 feet vertical and 6 to 10 miles distance. Due to the exploratory nature of these hikes, when the outing is listed on the schedule only a general location will be given and without the customary details. The route for the day will be up to the trip leader. Return to vehicle times will be unpredictable.

The Primary rating for all hikes will assume the participant completes the entire hike. Some hikes may have an easier option than the main rating. If this is the case, then this option will be mentioned in the hike description. One example might be a hike on a good trail that is 10 miles and thus rated hard, but with an option to turn back early, so there would be an easy option. An example of this might be the Upper Hermosa Creek Trail. Another example is the Grizzly Peak Hike. The peak climb is rated Most Challenging, but if a participant just hikes to the meadow below the peak, then the rating is moderate. Thus, the rating for this hike would be “Most Challenging with a Moderate option”.