Level 1: Easy

• Hiking Distances: 
  Short distances with 4-8 miles of hiking per day with up to a 38 lb pack. 

• Difficulty of Terrain:
  Relatively easy trails with no significant off-trail sections. Average daily elevation gains and losses of usually no more than 2500 feet. 

• Commitment Level:
  Little commitment level. Usually camping no more than 4-8 miles from trailheads. No more than 2 nights in length.

•  Previous Experience Required:
  Suitable for beginners who have never been on an overnight backpacking trip. Must have day hiking experience and be in good physical shape.

Level 2: Moderate

• Hiking Distances: 
  Moderate distances with approx. 6-10 miles of hiking per day with up to a 35-42 lb pack.

• Difficulty of Terrain:
  Mostly on-trail with average daily elevation gains of approximately 3500 feet. May include very short off trail sections. 

• Commitment Level:
  Somewhat committing, usually less than 8-10 miles from trailheads. No more than 4 nights in length

• Previous Experience Required:
  Should have previous backpacking experience carrying an overnight backpack of 25-35 lbs on at least a one-night trip, or have multi-day overnight trekking experience in which most of your gear is carried for you. Must be in very good physical shape.

Level 3: Difficult

• Hiking Distances:
  Long distances with 8-12 miles of hiking per day for multiple days in a row with up to a 35-45 lb pack.

• Difficulty of Terrain:
  Mostly on-trail with average daily elevation gains and losses of approximately 3000 feet and possibly up 4000 feet. May include long off-trail sections. 

• Commitment Level:
  Committing. Usually more than 8-10 miles from trailheads. No more than 8 nights in length.

• Previous Experience Required:
  Must have previous backpacking experience carrying an overnight backpack of 30-40 lbs on at least a two-night trip. Very experienced day hiker and have hiked some off trail. Must be in very good physical shape with very good stamina. 

Level 4: Extreme

• Hiking Distances:
  Long daily distances of 10-12+ miles per day for many days in a row

• Difficulty of Terrain:
  Average daily elevation gains and losses up to 3000 feet with possibly days of up to 4000 feet. May include some off-trail sections, or could include difficult terrain some scrambling with an overnight pack (depending on the trip). 

• Commitment Level:
  Very Committing. Usually more than 8-10 miles from trailheads. Committing and remote wilderness trip with some days spent more than 12 miles from trailheads. Length can vary from 4 days for off trail scrambling terrain or up to 21 days for on-trail terrain

• Previous Experience Required:
  Must have previous wilderness backpacking experience carrying an overnight backpack weighing 35-45 lbs on multiple trips of at least 4 nights in duration, including some off-trail hiking. For scrambling trips, must have previous scrambling experience up to Class 3. Must be in excellent physical shape with excellent stamina.

Give us a call at 877-686-2546

or shoot us an email at: info@InternationalAlpineGuides.com