SoCal offers a wide variety of trails suitable for all hiking levels!
We do our best to rate each of our hikes so that there is consistency in terms of fitness and skill requirements. We account for distance and elevation gain, altitude of the trail, and terrain considerations such as trail surface and condition, stream crossings, and scrambling. Our rating system does not include any technical routes requiring the use of ropes because we do not lead hikes on these kinds of trails.
Please note that the minimum skill level on each hike assumes that it is a guided hike. If you are hiking without a guide, you should learn route planning and navigation skills, first aid and other outdoor survival skills before attempting routes marked Level 2 or above. This is only our guideline; you must use your own judgement and understand your own skill level when venturing on your own.
RDY Day Hiking Levels
Level 1:
Accessible to everyone with reasonably good fitness level. No special equipment required and hiking poles optional. See Recommended Gear List.
Less than 6 miles with less than 1000 feet of elevation gain.
Level 1-2:
Some hiking experience a plus. Requires a good level of fitness for longer periods of effort. Hiking poles are strongly recommended, see Recommended Gear List.
6-10 miles with less than 3k feet of elevation gain. Rough trail with some obstacles or stream crossings. Suitable for beginners and intermediate hikers, the pace can be modified for the group.
Level 2:
Hiking experience strongly recommended on a variety of terrain. Requires a good level of stamina and cardiovascular fitness. Reasonably good hiking pace is needed for higher mileage. Requires hiking poles, hydration pack, and full hiking gear including emergency and contingency gear See Recommended Gear List.
10-15 miles with less than 4k feet of elevation gain. Rough trail, steep sections often requiring the use of hands and feet to ascend and descend. Some obstacles or stream crossings, light scrambling and more difficult trail navigation.
Not Suitable For Beginners
Level 2-3:
Strong hiking experience required with a strong hiking pace. Regular cardiovascular exercise and strength training regimen strongly recommended. Poles, packs and full hiking gear required including emergency and contingency gear see Recommended Gear List.
10-15 miles with more than 4k feet of elevation gain. Rough trail possibly disappearing especially on summit approaches, steep sections requiring hands and feet to ascend and descend, scrambling, talus and obstacles or stream crossings.
Level 3:
Strong hiking and outdoor skills required with a strong hiking pace. High level of fitness with regular strength and cardiovascular training required and hiking shorter routes with similar elevation features is strongly recommended to train. Poles, packs, full hiking gear, emergency gear, water planning, route planning and navigation skills required, see Recommended Gear List.
15-20 miles with more than 4k feet of elevation gain. Rough trail possibly disappearing especially on summit approaches, steep sections requiring hands and feet to ascend and descend, scrambling, talus and obstacles or stream crossings.