502-475-7445
Boundary Waters Canoe Area

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Green Earth Outdoors Trip Rating System

Trip ratings are not intended to replace good personal judgment, proper conditioning and trip preparation. The trip rating suggestions are meant only as a general guideline to the level of experience recommended, the distance and terrain involved for each trip, or the appropriate age range. On the destination descriptions, a range of ratings indicates that this particular trip can be tailored to each client's age group, abilities and goals. This rating system assumes a reasonable weather forecast. Your guide may need to adjust plans during your trip for the safety of the group as conditions change. Call our office today at 502-475-7445 and we can suggest some rewarding adventures that fit your group's ability level.

Easy:

Great for families with younger children and those new to outdoor adventures with little or no experience. Minimum age: 6. Activities range from 2-5 hours per day and may cover up to 3-6 miles afoot or 8-10 miles afloat. Typically on flat or rolling terrain or flat water. Elevation changes less than 1000 feet per day at altitudes fewer than 6000 feet.

Moderate:

For outdoor beginners with little or no experience and families or groups with pre-teen children and those comfortable carrying their own pack. Minimum age: 9. Activities range from 4-6 hours per day and may cover distances up to 8 miles afoot or 10-12 miles afloat. Terrain may be on rolling or hilly with some reasonably steep ascents and descents and some rougher trails or flat water with mild winds or Class I or II rapids. Elevation changes up to 2,500 feet per day at altitudes between 6000 and 8000 feet.

Challenging:

For intermediate adventurers and families or groups with younger teenage children who want to start putting their outdoors skills to the test. For those comfortable carrying their own gear and some portion of group gear. Minimum age: 12. Activities range from 5-8 hours per day and may cover distances up to 10 miles afoot or 12-14 miles afloat. Terrain may be hilly or mountainous with some steep ascents and descents and some rougher trails or not trails or flat water with steady winds or Class II or III rapids. Elevation changes up to 3,000 feet per day at altitudes between 8000 and 10,000 feet. Good physical condition necessary.

Vigorous:

For fit adventurers with outdoor experience and skills who want to take it to the next level. Minimum age: 15. Activities are typically 6-9 hours daily with distances covering 10 to 12 miles most days. Terrain could be mountainous with some snow, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and uneven trails. Elevation changes up to 4,000 feet per day at altitude between 10,000 up to 14,000 ft. Experience and a doctor's release may be required.

Strenuous:

For very fit adventurers age 18 and over. Activity can be up to 10-12 hours per day and/or covering distances of 12 miles or more. Typically in mountainous or remote regions, likely with snow/ice with some daily elevation changes up to 5000 feet and at altitudes which could exceed 14,000 feet. May include steep terrain and/or areas of exposure. Prior conditioning and experience necessary. A release from your doctor will likely be required.