Distances: Can walk/ hike/ paddle 3 miles in a 2-4 hour time period on the surface and elevation types listed below
Surfaces: Flat, even "on trail" or calm water paddling
Water Exposure: None unless it's raining
Altitude: Course location may be at elevations up to 7,000 ft
Elevation Change: Little to none
Equipment Used: Hiking shoes, hydration and day / fanny pack
Active
New to outdoor adventure but participates in a regular exercise program 2-3 times per week which includes cardiovascular and active movement training. Very few committing areas where paddling, rappelling or climbing may be required.
Class Time: 4-6 hours per day (possible camping)
Distances: Hike/ paddle up to 5 miles in a 4-6 hour time period on the surface and elevation types listed below
Surfaces: Steep, even "on trail" hiking. Some beginner climbing or rappelling on steep rock faces and or water falls or calm water or class I currents if paddling
Water Exposure: Shallow wading or stream crossing
Altitude: up to 8,000 ft
Elevation Change: up to 2,000 ft per day
Equipment Used: Kayaks, hiking shoes, hydration, small pack, harnesses, ropes and helmets
Moderate
Some outdoor experience and regular fitness program 3-4 times per week which includes cardiovascular and active movement training. Several committing areas where paddling, rappelling or climbing will be required.
Class Time: 6-8 hours per day
Distances: Hike/ paddle up to 8 miles in a 6-8 hour time period on the surfaces and elevations listed below some camping living in the back country
Surfaces: Steep uneven "on and off trail" hiking with some scrambling using hands for pulling and balance. Some beginner to intermediate climbing or rappelling on steep rock faces and or water falls. Some waves or class II currents if paddling
Water Exposure: Waist deep wading and or multiple shallow stream crossings with a pack on
Elevation Change: up to 3,000 ft/day
Altitude: up to 10,000 ft
Equipment Used: Kayaks, hiking / climbing shoes, hydration, small pack, harnesses, ropes and helmets, fall protection gear and advanced layers, simple rope systems for climbing and rappelling
Vigorous
Some outdoor experience and regular fitness program 4-5 times per week which includes cardiovascular and active movement training. Very committing program with no options for early egress but certain obstacle evasion points along the course.
Class Time: 8-10 hours per day
Distances: Hike/ paddle up to 12 miles most days and live in the back country
Surfaces: Very steep uneven "on and off trail" hiking with a lot of scrambling using hands for pulling and balance. Intermediate to advanced climbing or rappelling on steep rock faces and or water falls. Abundance of waves or strong Class III currents if paddling
Water Exposure: Must be able to swim under supervision in Class I current with a backpack
Elevation Change: up to 4,000 ft/day
Altitude: up to 14,000 ft.
A doctor's release may be required
Equipment Used: Hiking and climbing shoes, hydration, small pack, harnesses, ropes and helmets, fall protection gear and advanced layers, PFD, advanced rope systems for climbing and rappelling
Strenuous
Very experienced with outdoor adventure and regular fitness program 5-6 times per week which includes cardiovascular and active movement training. Very committing program with no options for early egress or obstacle evasion at any point.
Class Time: 10-14 hours per day
Distances: Hike/ paddle 12+ miles per day on the surfaces and elevations listed below and be able to live in the back country
Surfaces: Very steep uneven "on and off trail" hiking with a lot of scrambling using hands for pulling and balance. Intermediate to advanced climbing or rappelling on steep rock faces and or water falls. Abundance of waves or strong Class IV currents if paddling
Elevation Change: up to 4,000 ft/day
Water Exposure: Constant, deep pools, fast current swimming up to class II possibly unsupervised for brief moments.
Altitude: may exceed 14,000 ft
A doctor's release may be required
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This is a great course for those thinking about tackling the mountaineers route at Mt. Whitney or any of the other semi-technical introductory mountain routes in the Western United States. We spend two days in Sequoia National park learning basic rope travel, ice axes and crampon use including self-arrest techniques, the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), how to safely use axes and crampons, safe travel techniques through snow and scree, and basic mountain navigation.
Note on Itinerary:
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and trail conditions.
Qualifications:
Participants must be prepared to hike several miles each day with elevation gain/loss of several thousand feet while wearing a backpack over uneven terrain. Students must complete pre-course homework by learning a list of required knots and hitches. It is recommended that students do not have work the day after the course ends.
Weather:
Temperatures can range from 50 - 80° F during the day to 40 - 60° F at night depending on course location and time of year. Upon registration, a seasonal and location specific gear recommendation list will be sent electronically. Course participants should arrive prepared for all possibilities by following the gear recommendations. This is a base version of our to-bring list. Items may be added depending on the course level and location.
