Physical Challenge scale  

Physical Challenge is meant to gauge how much physical exertion you can expect on your trip or class. The designation does not provide any insight into recommended experience level, inherent risks on the trip, necessary course work for credit, or emotional challenges you may face, such as a fear of heights.

Our scale is from one to five, with:

  • one — representing our lowest level of physical exertion while on a course, such as short hikes less than a mile without a backpack or lifting up to 30 pounds
  • five — representing the highest level of physical exertion for our courses, such as a steep eight-mile hike out of the Grand Canyon in one day, or paddling a kayak for up to seven hours

This scale is meant to provide guidance as you select your course, and while we encourage you to challenge yourself, we recommend that you speak with an Outdoor Adventures representative directly if you have any uncertainty about your ability to safely complete the course.

Outdoor Adventures will provide reasonable accommodations to participants who have an interest in developing themselves through one of our offerings. Please do not assume you cannot handle a trip without speaking with us.