Hike Difficulty Scale
Find the perfect trail for your skill level
How We Rate Our Trails
At Wander and Hike, we use a comprehensive 5-point scale to help you understand the difficulty of our hikes. Each level considers terrain, elevation gain, fitness requirements, experience, estimated distance, and estimated hours. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, we have hikes suited for you.
Easy
Suitable for beginners. Short hikes on well-maintained paths with minimal elevation gain. Perfect for a relaxed outing with family or friends.
- Terrain: Well-maintained, clear paths
- Elevation: Minimal gain (less than 500 ft)
- Experience: No prior hiking experience needed
Recommended For:
Families with children, seniors, beginners, and those looking for a casual nature walk.
Moderate
Requires some basic fitness. Trails may have slight elevation gain and uneven terrain. Suitable for casual hikers looking to explore a bit more.
- Terrain: Some uneven surfaces, clear trails
- Elevation: Moderate gain (500-1000 ft)
- Experience: Basic hiking familiarity helpful
Recommended For:
Active individuals, regular walkers, and those with some hiking experience.
Challenging
Ideal for hikers with good fitness levels. Trails may be steep, rocky, and involve significant elevation gain. Expect 4-6 hours of hiking.
- Terrain: Rocky, steep sections, varied surfaces
- Elevation: Notable gain (1000-2000 ft)
- Experience: Regular hiking experience recommended
Recommended For:
Fit individuals, regular hikers, and those comfortable with longer trails.
Strenuous
Designed for experienced hikers. Steep, rugged terrain with high elevation gain and longer distances. Proper preparation is essential.
- Terrain: Difficult footing, exposed sections
- Elevation: Significant gain (2000-3500 ft)
- Experience: Advanced hiking experience required
Recommended For:
Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and proper gear.
Extreme
For expert hikers only. Requires advanced fitness and mountaineering skills. High altitude, technical climbs, and long days on the trail.
- Terrain: Technical sections, possible scrambling
- Elevation: Extreme gain (3500+ ft)
- Experience: Advanced hiking/mountaineering skills
Recommended For:
Expert hikers, mountaineers, and those with extensive backcountry experience.
Find Your Perfect Hike
Make sure to assess your fitness level before choosing a hike. For help, check out our Hike Fitness Calculator and Essential Gear Guide.
Safety First
Always check weather conditions before heading out, bring proper gear and supplies, and let someone know your hiking plans. Your safety is our priority!