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Outings Grades
Each outing (hike, carcamp, backpack, etc.) lists a three-character grade between the heading and description, for example "H6C".
The first letter ("H") indicates the overall rating for the trip. Be sure to read the description carefully for special notes like bouldering, cactus, or slippery slopes that can make a trip more difficult for you than others.
- E - Easy: Anyone in reasonable condition can do this trip.
- M - Moderate: You must be in good shape, but previous hiking experience is not required.
- H - Hard: You should have comfortably done a few moderate trips before attempting this. Look carefully at the mileage and elevation gain.
- S - Strenuous: Talk about this trip with the leader. A fast pace or other challenges may be involved.
- V - Very strenuous: A rare trip with extraordinary circumstances (and extraordinary people).
The number is the mileage.
For multiple-day trips (backpacks) it is the mileage of the longest day carrying full backpacks. Dayhikes from basecamp should be graded separately in the description.
The last letter shows the elevation gain. For multiple-day trips it is the greatest elevation gain in one day with full backpacks.
A - Under 500 feet.
B - 500 to 1000 feet.
C - 1000 to 2000 feet.
D - 2000 to 3000 feet.
E - More than 3000 feet.
Gauge your readiness for an outing by considering all aspects of the grade. Some people can go long distances without elevation gain; others might travel too slowly for an "H6B" (which suggests a quick pace or other challenge because most 6-mile B-elevation hikes are easy or moderate).
When you sign up for a more difficult trip be prepared to describe your recent hiking history to leaders who haven't hiked with you. As much as possible leaders need to ensure for group safety that everyone can handle the activity: start together and finish together!
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