Easy: Our most relaxed style of travel. Come prepared with flexibility and a spirit of adventure! Little or no physical challenge involved and activities may include hiking, biking, paddling. This level of hiking includes 2-4 miles, up to 500 ft. elevation gain, usually covering terrain that moderately rises and falls with hikes on unpaved trails as well as paved or gravel surfaces. This level of biking is less than 18 miles, usually covering terrain that moderately rises and falls. Paddling in very calm water with no current or wind; 0-3 miles; 1-2 hours.
Easy to Moderate: Active trips appropriate for most members. You don't need any previous hiking, biking, paddling or other experience, but should be in generally fit condition. Some exertion required. Hiking with an elevation gain between 500 - 1,000 ft. including 4-6 miles, covering terrain that is rolling. This level of biking is 18-25 miles, usually covering terrain that will be largely easy-going but may be rolling or include 1 or 2 short steeper ascents/descents. Paddling in mostly calm water; 3-6 miles; 2-4 hours. Sea kayaking in protected waters; 2-3 hours. River rafting on Class I-II rapids.
Moderate: The majority of GO trips. Your heart rate will go up now and then. For a reasonably fit person. This level of hiking includes an elevation gain between 1,000 - 2,000 ft. with 6-8 miles, including terrain that is rolling with possibly a few steep sections. This level of biking is 25 - 40 miles, usually covering varied, and usually rolling with some longer or steeper ascents/descents. Paddling in gentle current or occasional wind; 6-9 miles; 4-5 hours. Sea kayaking in protected waters with some open water; 3-4 hours. River rafting on Class III rapids.
Moderate to Strenuous: Trips for experienced travelers seeking a full day of activity and higher level of physical challenge. Be prepared for some serious huffing and puffing. You will need a pre-trip workout program. Hiking 8-10 miles on hilly climbs with a few steep sections including an elevation gain between 2,000 - 3,000 feet. This level of biking is 40 - 50 miles, taking in rolling and hillier terrain with occasional steeper ascents/descents and some longer ascents/descents on largely low gradients. Paddling in gentle current/waves or occasional wind; 9-12 miles; 6-7 hours. Sea kayaking 4-5 hours in open water with waves and tides. River rafting on Class IV-V rapids.
Strenuous: Even if you are in good shape, expect to be seriously challenged. A vigorous pre-trip aerobic workout program is mandatory. Hiking includes 10-15 miles on hilly, rugged terrain with several steep sections and an elevation gain between 3,000 - 4,000 feet. This level of biking is 50 - 62 miles, taking in rolling and hillier terrain with long/steep ascents/descents and have a degree of bike handling skills. Paddling in noticeable current/waves especially in wind or open water; 12-15 miles; 7-8 hours. Sea kayaking 5-6 hours in open water with waves and tides. River rafting on Class IV-V rapids and areas where portaging is needed.
Very Strenuous: Our most demanding trips for members seeking an ultimate physical challenge. If you haven't done a few strenuous trips, don't even consider this one. You'll need to be in top cardiovascular condition, have endless stamina, and be of robust health. Hiking 15+ miles on steep, rugged terrain with climbs of 4,000 feet or more. This level of biking 62+ miles, taking in rolling and hillier terrain with long/steep ascents/descents and have a degree of bike handling skills. Paddling in noticeable current/waves especially in wind or open water; 15+ miles; 8+ hours. Sea kayaking 6-7 hours in open water with waves and tides.
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