Shortly after starting the hiking group, the explorers wanted a better idea of how hard or easy a hike was. So we came up with a difficulty rating scale of 1 through 5.
The following are the factors taken into account to rate the hikes along with the levels or ratings themselves.
Rating Factors
- Length.
- Steepness.
- Potential for disorientation / getting lost.
- Footing- rocks, slip.
- Cliffs or other hazards.
- Water crossing / mud crossings.
- Handhold climbing - all 4’s etc…
Levels / Ratings
- Photographers / Strollers - Start - stop no challenges
- Strollers - easy need good balance and strength
- Strong Hikers - aerobic fitness, longer duration, multiple challenges within hike
- Advanced Hikers - prolonged vigorous demands, aerobic endurance, agility, good balance and sure footedness.
- Extreme Hikers - extreme duration, challenge, with often overt danger potential.
Thanks Susan and Pete