Trail Ratings
An easy-to-use trail rating system ...
Scenery Rating
Refers to the quality of scenery experienced along the trail. Time above tree-line, how soon you start to see views, plus the presence of awe-inspiring peaks, steep cliffs, waterfalls, rocky gorges, cascading glaciers, alpine meadows, plummeting waterfalls, emerald lakes and the overall visual impact are all taken into consideration. We rate each trip Exceptional, Highly Recommended, Worth Doing and Last Choice.
• Exceptional
These are the best adventures, where you'll find the most spectacular mountain scenery. Many of the day trips start at higher elevations where the best views present themselves quickly. You'll find yourself in an alpine setting for the majority of the trip. You will be wowed by glacier-glad peaks, rugged mountain ranges, cascading waterfalls, sparkling alpine lakes, enchanting meadowlands and vast forests. On overnight trips you will encounter striking alpine landscapes with stunning mountain views. These are must-do trips!
• Highly Recommended
The destination is awesome and the journey inspiring, but the day trips may not offer a constant alpine experience or a close up view of rugged mountains and glacier-glad peaks. On overnight trips you have to travel farther and work harder to reach great vistas, but the overall trip is still remarkable. The trips are still outstanding, but aren't at the top of your must do list.
• Worth Doing
The scenery is beautiful and the trips are enjoyable, but not the kind that are truly memorable. Day trips present a unique natural feature of the area and in some cases are largely below treeline. On overnight trips you'll travel a long distance before you realize why you came, but you'll be rewarded for your effort. Save these trips for last.
• Last Choice
Typically these trails lack any inspiring views, are extremely tedious or so physically demanding that only a handful of adventure travelers would consider attempting them. Only do these trails as a last resort. Instead chose an Exceptional or Highly Recommended trail to ensure a rewarding trip.
Difficulty Rating
Refers to how strenuous the adventure is by giving you an idea of how much physical effort is required to complete the trip. Elevation gain, steepness, time required, distance and the nature of creek crossings are factors used in determining each rating. We rate each trip Easy, Moderate or Strenuous.
• Easy
These adventures are undemanding with little or no elevation gain. Steep sections are not encountered. Trips usually take less than 2 hours to complete, cover a short distance and require minimal physical effort. Great for families with young children and for those seeking a less demanding adventure.
• Moderate
The occasional steep section will be encountered. You will experience gradual elevation gains over mid-range distances. Trips take from 2 to 6 hours to complete and can be done by anyone in reasonable physical shape.
• Strenuous
You will come upon major elevation gains with significant steep sections. Adventures take from 4 to 8 hours to complete, cover long distances and include all overnight trips. Individuals contemplating these trips should be in good physical condition.