ORIENTATION HIKE:

All first time hikers, that is: first hikes ever or first time with Heritage Highlands Hikers, will be required to participate in an orientation hike prior to becoming a member, and/or signing up for any hike other than another orientation hike.  This will be an easy level D hike where the Hike Leader will discuss aspects of desert hiking, such as to include: trail conditions, suggested equipment, food and water, safety, trail etiquette, trail ratings, and other details related to hiking with the group.  Sneakers or walking shoes are permitted on these hikes, but it will be emphasized that hiking boots are required for all other hikes.  You are welcome to take more than one orientation hike prior to becoming a member and paying dues.

Those who have hiked with Heritage Highlands Hikers prior to October 2001 are not required to take an orientation hike but are welcome to.

HIKING FOOTWEAR:

In the interest of safety, those desiring to hike with the Heritage Highlands Hikers group, and their guest, shall from their first non-orientation hike forward, be required to wear, as standard footwear; hiking boots which provide traction for all terrain in various weather conditions.  To reduce the likelihood of twisting an ankle, it is recommended, but not required, that the boots cover and support the ankles.

HIKE DIFFICULTY RATINGS:

In the past, hikes were simply defined as easy or moderate.  With the hope of scheduling more hikes of varying degrees of difficulty, Heritage Highlands Hikers have developed a scale which should better describe what to expect over the course of a hike and takes into consideration the requirements of our community.

            Level               Miles round trip                                 Elevation Change *

               A                  10 miles or more                      or           2,000 ft or more

               B                     6-10 miles                              or           1,000 to 2,000 ft

               C                    3-5 miles                                and          less than 1,000 ft

               D                    less than 3 miles                      and          less than 500 ft

*Elevation change is defined as the difference in elevation from the trailhead to the highest point of the hike; i.e., you may climb 200 ft, then drop 100 ft and climb another 300 ft to the highest point.  The change is 400 ft, but you’ve climbed 500 ft.  A – or + sign is used when either the mileage or elevation is at a minimum or maximum for that level, i.e., a 5 mile hike with a 200 ft gain would be classified as a C-.

Note:   For first time ever hikers; a three-mile level D hike is roughly equivalent to five miles of level walking.

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