The Tucson
Hiking
Meetup Group
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hiking levels?
By: Chel, Co-organizer
For use only with this group
- BEGINNER: 4 miles maximum or up to
500 ft elevation gain.
Examples: Maeveen Behan, Desperado
Loop (Sweetwater), the 7 pm Sabino
Stroll, etc.
- INTERMEDIATE: Maximum 8 miles or
up to 1500 ft elevation gain.
Examples: 6pm Sabino Stroll, 7 Falls, etc.
- ADVANCED: Maximum 16 miles or
up to 3000 ft elevation gain.
Examples: Picacho Peak, Pusch Peak, etc.
- EXTREME: Beyond Advanced, no limit.
Examples: Mt. Kimball, Ventana Canyon,
Sutherland Trail
What hike should I start with?
1) See “How do you know your speed and
ability?” (see right).
2) You can use an app to track your hike
on our 7pm Stroll (Beginner level). This
Is the hike I started with to help
determine my ability. If it is too easy
for you, try out our 6pm Stroll
(Intermediate level, up to 4 mph).
3) Shop around as you hike with orgainers
with our group. When you find one that
is a good fit for your style of hiking,
continue hiking with them, but
still try out new organizers.
What are the hiking speeds?
How do you know
your speed and ability?
Hiking speeds often change, depending on the elevation gain, trail conditions, and level of the hiker. Below are the levels with typical elevation gain for our
area and change with
increased elevation.
Beginner: Maximum 2 mph
Intermediate: Maximum 3 mph
Advanced/Extreme: Can be 4 mph
1) Hike your favorite hiking trail and hike like
you normally do.
2) Use an phone app like Gaia GPS, All Trails,
etc. to record your elevation, time, and
speed.
3) Use that information to help you
determine the best hikes for you!
4) No Smart phone or technology challenged?
Borrow someone’s phone and have them
help you test out using the app before
hiking. Or, hike with a friend and have
them track both of you!
How do you know what
the speed, elevation, and
distance are for a hike?
1) Read the details on the hiking Meetup
post. That is the most important thing to
do BEFORE signing up for a hike.
2) If you have questions, post them in the
comment section of the hike. The
organizer should respond. If not, others
will.
3) Still have questions, ask BEFORE the
hike starts.
What if a hike is too difficult?
What if I am too slow for the hike?
You read the details about the hike and knew your ability by using a hiking app like All Trails, but realize during the hike that you either underestimated your ability and/or not hiking like you normally do.
First, you need to communicate that with the organizer. There’s no judgment. We all have off days. Safety is our number one priority! If you need to end a hike early, let them know! Some trails are easy to turn around and go back on your own, while others have shortcuts. But, it will depend on the trail. If you do finish a hike early, message the organizer to confirm that you got home safely!
How can I improve my hiking?
Hike regularly, making a routine of it can help you to practice and get better!
If the 7pm or beginner hikes are too difficult for you, practice by walking around your neighborhood! Track your progress on an app!
Advanced/Extreme hiker wanting more advanced hikes?
Hike with one of our organizers on an intermediate or more advanced hike and let them know before you start your hike!