Each trip has a difficulty rating and we do our best to describe the format as much as possible so that you can choose the trip that is the best fit for you. Below we’ve included a detailed list of all of our activities' levels of difficulty.
- Laguna Mountains Basecamp
Camping: relaxed (depending upon the weather) (bathroom facilities available)
Hiking: relaxed to easy (May be moderately challenging for those who have not hiked before and the weather can make this more challenging)
*no previous experience is necessary for any activity
- Channel Islands Adventure
Mostly easy to moderate difficulty. Hiking and kayaking may be moderate to difficult at times. (Weather may make it more challenging at times)
- Sierra Nevada Backpack
Backpacking: moderate difficulty. Backpacking may be strenous at times and the unpredictibility of the weather can make this trip more challenging. This trip is designed as an introductory experience for students with little to no previous backpacking experience.
Difficulty Rating
Relaxed: Short distances at a slow pace; Generally flat terrain, well defined trails; No prior activity experience is necessary; Perfect start for beginners; Not too physically challenging.
In hiking terms, this is usually a day hike (or car camping trip) with less than 4 miles, with minimal elevation change and flat terrain. Sneakers or running shoes are appropriate footwear.
Easy: Short distances at a slow pace; Relatively flat terrain, well defined trails, may involve some hills; No prior activity experience is necessary; Perfect start for beginners; Not too physically challenging.
In hiking terms, this is usually a day hike (or car camping trip) with less than 7 miles, with more noticeable elevation change (about 600 ft gain/loss), and a slightly rock terrain. Light hiking shoes or sneakers are appropriate footwear.
Moderate: Varying distances at a steady pace; Varying terrain, generally established trails; Some prior experience in the activity is helpful, but not required; Designed for those in good physical condition; At times, may be physically challenging.
In hiking terms, this is usually a day hike (or camping trip) with less than 10 miles, with a significant elevation change (>1,000 ft), and a slightly rocky terrain. Hiking boots or light hiking shoes are appropriate.
Advanced: Fast-paced over a short distance or steady-paced over a long distance; Varying terrain, may include off-trail sections, rough spots, unexpected obstacles; Prior experience in the activity is required; Designed for those in good physical condition; Physically challenging.
In hiking terms, this is usually a day hike with more than 10 miles, with a constant, sometimes steep elevation change and rocky terrain. It will include some off trail sections. Hiking boots are required.
Strenuous: Faster-paced over a short distance or steady-paced over a long distance; Difficult terrain, will include off-trail sections, rough spots and unexpected obstacles; Prior experience in the activity is required; Only for those in excellent physical condition; Most physically challenging trips offered by Outdoor Adventures.
In hiking terms, this is usually a day hike (or backpacking trip) with more than 12 miles, with a steep elevation change and very rocky terrain at elevation. Hiking boots are required.
