Canyon Country Adventure Ratings
Skill Level: This rating indicates the level of expertise or proficiency required to fully engage with and enjoy the activity.
Climbing: We use the Yosemite Decimal System, which rates climbs from Class 1 to Class 5, where class 5 is when ropes are typically utilized.
Low: Class 4 to low 5th class
Moderate: 5.5 to 5.9
High: 5.10 and above
Canyoneering: Canyoneering ratings are based on a numerical system similar to the Yosemite Decimal System, but they range from class 1 to 4, which provides an initial indication of the technical difficulty and required gear for the descent.
Low: Indicates that the canyon is suitable for almost anyone with good hiking and some basic ability to downclimb or upclimb small obstacles. Limited to no rappelling is expected. These canyons are rated class 1-2.
Moderate: involves more hiking, stemming, downclimbing, rappelling, and/or swimming. These canyons are rated class 2-3.
High: This rating means that the participant should be in good physical shape, have basic canyoneering skills or knowledge, and be comfortable with rappelling, high stemming, and/or downclimbing. These canyons usually come with a rating of class 3 and 4.
Modifier A, B, C:
A: Normally dry or with very little water.
B: Wading or swimming is expected.
C: Flowing water, lots of swimming and rappelling through waterfalls.
Hiking:
Low: Short and easy terrain suitable for all ages.
Moderate: At least a couple miles of walking on flat or slightly steep terrain.
High: Longer distances or hikes with scrambling up rock features. High ratings are for experienced hikers who are not afraid of heights or scrambling. This rating can sometimes be associated with small sections of class 4 scrambling in which ropes may be used to assist you.
Fun Factor: This rating measures how enjoyable and entertaining the activity is. However, it's important to note that fun can be highly subjective and vary greatly from person to person. What one person finds fun and exhilarating, another might find boring. A low rating can still be extremely fun and exhilarating for someone that has limited experience in that specific activity.
Learning Value: This rating assesses how much new knowledge or skills you can expect to gain from the experience. A Low rating indicates that the activity may not be particularly educational, while a Moderate rating means that it offers some learning opportunities, and a High rating means that it's highly educational and informative. For example, a rock climb with a high rating means that there will be a mixture of different types of climbing or crack sizes, along with the opportunity to learn about anchor and equalization techniques.
Emotional Impact: This rating evaluates how much the activity affects your emotions, such as stress levels, excitement, or fulfillment. A Low rating indicates that the experience may not have a significant emotional impact, while a Moderate rating means that it may have a moderate emotional impact, and a High rating means that it can be emotionally intense with stoke, fear, or it can simply be transformative. This rating can also vary from person to person, so use with caution.
Traffic: This rating considers the amount of traffic or congestion associated with the activity, such as crowded rock climbs, canyons, or trails. A Low rating means that the activity involves minimal traffic, while a Moderate rating indicates that it may be affected by moderate traffic, and a High rating means that it's heavily affected by traffic and may require earlier start times
Time Requirement: This rating estimates the amount of time you'll need to commit to the activity. A Low rating means that the experience can be completed in a few hours, while a Moderate rating indicates that it requires at least half a day, a High rating means that it requires a full-day commitment.