Skill Level
Know your Skill Level, and the Mountains too.
This means when you start hiking, gradually increase in length and elevation gain until you can summit the tallest of peaks. If you bite off more than you can chew, your hiking experiences will be less than ideal, and that could drive you away from the sport entirely. All hikes are rated by a standard Trail Class System which defines the difficulty of each trail. Start with Class 1 or 2 and work your way up. See below for details on the levels of the Trail Class System.
Class 1
A class 1 hike is a straightforward trail with minimal elevation gain.
Class 2
A class 2 hike goes uphill but does not require you to use your hands at all. This type of hike is good for beginners if it is on the short side and not too steep.
Class 3
Class 3 hikes require you to use your hands to pull yourself up the mountain and usually incorporates some aspects of a class 2 hike.
Class 4
Class 4 hikes will always demand you to rope yourself, and your partners, into the mountain to insure you don’t fall off. You will have to use your hands the entire time.
Class 5
Class 5 is vertical rock/cliff climbing that requires immense upper body strength and endurance. You will also need to rope in to the mountain like a class 4.