Activity Levels
Every Roam Freely trip is rated from 1 to 5, so you can choose the adventure that fits where you are right now. The rating reflects a mix of things: how many miles we hike in a day, how much climbing is involved, how rugged the terrain is, and whether we’re up at altitude. You’ll find each trip’s level listed right at the top of its page.
A few honest notes first. Every trip asks for basic good health, balance, and mobility. We always pace ourselves, take plenty of breaks, and on many trips we offer “choose your distance” options and easy alternatives so you can dial a day up or down. But please be kind to yourself: if a trip is rated 3, 4, or 5, come already exercising regularly — the more prepared you arrive, the more fun you’ll have.
Some trips are rated across two levels (like “3–4”) because they mix gentle days with a couple of bigger ones. When that’s the case, we’ll tell you exactly what to expect.
At a Glance
| Level | A day on the trail | Come prepared by | Example trips |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 — Gentle | Short, mostly flat walks (up to ~3 mi), lots of stops | A regular walking habit | Sprinkled into every trip |
| 2 — Easy to Moderate | Up to ~5 mi, gentle climbs (up to ~1,000 ft) | Light aerobic exercise, 20–40 min, 3–4×/week | Acadia · Zion, Bryce & Escalante |
| 3 — Moderate | ~5–8 mi, 1,000–2,000 ft, rocky terrain | Aerobic exercise, 30–45 min, 3–4×/week | Moab · Grand Canyon & Sedona |
| 4 — Challenging | Up to ~10–12 mi and/or 2,000–3,500+ ft, sometimes at altitude | Endurance + strength, 40–60 min, 4–5×/week, plus real hikes | Yosemite · Rocky Mountain |
| 5 — Strenuous | Long, steep, high-altitude days, sometimes back to back | A dedicated conditioning routine with long training hikes | (Coming as we add them) |
The Levels, in Detail
Level 1 — Gentle
A day looks like: short, mostly flat walks up to about 3 miles, with little elevation and a relaxed pace — plenty of time to stop for photos, viewpoints, and a deep breath. Great for: almost anyone in good general health, including women brand new to hiking. Come prepared by: simply keeping a regular walking habit. No full trip sits at a pure Level 1, but you’ll find lovely Level 1 days woven into every trip — easy arrival walks, coastal strolls, and lakeshore paths.
Level 2 — Easy to Moderate
A day looks like: hikes up to about 5 miles with gentle-to-moderate climbs (up to roughly 1,000 feet) and some uneven ground. Nothing steep or technical. Great for: regular walkers and newer adventurers building their confidence. Come prepared by: walking, biking, or other light aerobic exercise for 20–40 minutes, 3–4 times a week. Example trips:Acadia: Where Autumn Meets the Sea · Zion, Bryce & Escalante (mostly Level 2, with the option to add more).
Level 3 — Moderate
A day looks like: full, rewarding days on the trail — hikes of roughly 5–8 miles with 1,000–2,000 feet of climbing, often over rocky terrain, always with breaks along the way. Great for: hikers who are comfortable spending a full day on their feet. Come prepared by: aerobic exercise for 30–45 minutes at least 3–4 times a week, ideally with some hills or stairs mixed in. Example trips:Moab: Canyonlands & Arches · Grand Canyon & Sedona.
Level 4 — Challenging
A day looks like: long and/or steep days — hikes up to about 10–12 miles and/or 2,000–3,500+ feet of climbing, sometimes at high altitude, on rugged trails. We balance the big days with gentler ones and build in acclimatization when we’re up high. Great for: strong, regular hikers ready to push themselves and feel amazing at the top. Come prepared by: endurance and strength training for 40–60 minutes, 4–5 times a week — and getting out on some real hikes with elevation before you come. Example trips:Yosemite: Domes & Waterfalls · Rocky Mountain: Peaks & Tundra — plus the biggest days on Sequoia & Kings Canyon, North Cascades, Glacier, and Yellowstone & Tetons.
Level 5 — Strenuous
A day looks like: our most demanding — long, steep, high-altitude days, sometimes back to back, that ask a lot of both your legs and your lungs. Great for: experienced, well-conditioned hikers with specific training under their belt. Come prepared by: a dedicated conditioning routine that includes long training hikes. Our current 2027 season tops out at Level 4 — but we’ll clearly mark any Level 5 adventures as we add them.
Not Sure Which Level Is Right for You?
That’s exactly what we’re here for. Reach out and tell us about your hiking experience and how you’re feeling, and we’ll help you find the perfect fit. And remember — many of our trips let you choose how far to go on the big days, with easier alternatives always available.
There’s a Roam Freely adventure for wherever you are on your journey. Let’s find yours.
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