Activity Levels

Choose a Level to learn more.

There's no one way to be a badass.

There is only knowing your body and choosing the appropriate experience.

Every woman is a galaxy of gorgeous complexity. (Duh.) And we each define our sense of adventure differently. It’s why we offer an obsessive range of activity levels. No matter where you are, we are SO game to draw you out of that comfort zone.

Beyond the brief overview of each activity level below, each trip page rates and details the physical demands required in the “Activity Level” sections.

If in doubt, check with your doctor, do some stair climber conditioning to Rihanna, and hike up those compression socks!

Easy Doesn’t Change You

1 Level 1 - Easy Active

Trips rated as EASY ACTIVE (1). These trips are designed for women who are new to adventure travel. Single day adventures will introduce you to a new skill. Rarely, do we offer a Level 1 trip, however our trips could have a Level 1 type activity.

Level 1 Trips

2 Level 2 - Moderate Active

Trips rated as MODERATE ACTIVE (2). You should enjoy hiking and feel comfortable hiking for consecutive days. Hikes average 4-7 miles with elevation gains/losses up to 2,000′ with average hiking times of 4-6 hours.

Hikes may include low exposure, beginner level rock scramble. To maximize enjoyment of your trip we recommend starting an exercise routine 2-3 months prior to departure.

Level 2 Trips

3 Level 3 - Active

Trips rated as ACTIVE (3). You should feel comfortable spending the majority of each day on-trail or in motion. Hikes average 5-9 miles and up to 2,500′ in elevation gain/losses with average hiking times of 5-8 hours.

To maximize your enjoyment of the trip we recommend starting an exercise routine at least 3 months prior to departure. For all backpacking and hiking trips building endurance is crucial. Recommended training includes hiking, walking, stair climbing, heart pumping movement, and strength based exercises.

Level 3 Trips

4 Level 4 - Highly Active

Trips rated as HIGHLY ACTIVE (4). This trip is geared towards Next level adventurers, looking to push their physical and mental limits. Hikes average 6-11 miles, and up to 3,500′ elevation gain with average hiking times of 7-10 hours.

Sections of the trail will be rocky and exposed. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip we recommend starting an exercise routine at least 4-6 months prior to departure. Recommended training includes hiking, stair climbing, heart pumping movement, flexibility and strength based exercises.

Level 4 Trips

5 Level 5 - Highly Strenuous

Trips rated as HIGHLY STRENUOUS (5). This trip requires endurance, strength, and mental fortitude. Hikes average 7-13+ miles and up to 4,000′ elevation gain with average hiking times of 8-10+ hours.

Previous backpacking experience is highly recommended. Terrain is often steep, rocky, and sections of the trail will be exposed. You should easily be able to hike on rough terrain at 2 miles an hour. And should arrive confident and capable of your abilities for these conditions. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip we recommend starting an exercise routine at least 6 months prior to departure. Recommended training includes hiking, stair climbing, heart pumping movement, flexibility and strength and based exercises.

Level 5 Trips

Please consider your ability to meet the physical demands very seriously. It is for the safety of both you and our group. All Explorer Chicks will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Physical Demands as part of their waiver upon booking.

Explorer Chick reserves the right to remove a guest from a tour at their discretion if fitness levels or physical limitations pose a safety risk for the guest and/or the group.

Explorer Chick acknowledges that every multi-sport activity can be performed at various levels of physical demands, just like hiking. Our rating system is based on the duration, conditions, and physical abilities needed to perform each activity as it’s been designed on our trips.