• Upcoming Hikes

    • Feb 25: Apex
    • Mar 3: Jones Pass
    • Mar 10: Boreas Pass
    • Mar 17: TBD

Schedule

Mountain Lake with FlowersA partial schedule of our next four hikes is listed in the side bar. The full Calendar is available in the members-only section of our website, which provides a description of each hike including the round trip distance, elevation gain, leader’s name, his/her contact information, meeting place and round trip auto mileage from the meeting place to the trailhead.
Only Happy Hikers Club members and guests of members who are approved by the hike leader can go on the hikes. Remember that you must sign up to go on a hike. Members should sign up with the respective leader from Sunday through Thursday before the scheduled hike. Some areas have restrictions on group size, so we may occasionally have to limit group size if too many people sign up.

Trail Rating

Rating trails is at best a difficult process, confused by subjective rating criteria. and impacted by individual fitness levels. However despite the failings of such a guide to help hikers determine if a hike is right for them, it at the very least, gives some guidance to enthusiasts. The key for club members and their guests is to read the hike description carefully, consider the length and altitude gain of the hike, and make their decision.

Club members and their guests are expected to carefully consider the trail rating established for the hike they are considering, and make an honest evaluation of their fitness before deciding to sign up for a hike. It is suggested that prospective hikers uncertain of their ability to hike in the mountains, take an easy hike with the club to see how they do and to help increase their fitness level. Those not familiar with hiking in the mountains should decide on the side of caution and take an easy hike to evaluate their fitness level before trying to tackle more strenuous hikes. Any questions regarding the hike being considered should be addressed with the hike leader. The hike leader makes the final decision as to whether to accept or reject club members or their guests’ request to participate in a club sponsored hike. Remember that our mutual goal is for you to enjoy your hike.

The hike leader sets the trail rating based upon four major criteria, to include: (1) distance of the hike; (2) starting elevation of the hike; (3) highest elevation reached on the hike; and, (4) trail hazards.

The trail ratings include: (1) Easy; (2) Moderate; and (3) Difficult. The trail ratings are defined as follows:

Easy: Hikes rated as easy are commonly of shorter distance (normally not over 4 miles), include little altitude gain (generally not to exceed 500’), and would include only minor trail hazards.

Moderate: Hikes rated as moderate are commonly middle ranged distances (5-6 miles), include modest elevation gains (generally between 501’ and 1000’), and could include minor/moderate trail hazards.

Difficult: Hikes rated as difficult are generally longer (6 miles or longer), include greater elevation gains (over 1000’) and could include minor/moderate trail hazards.