FAQs and Volunteer Info
Difficulty Ratings
We have two difficulty ratings on every project: one for the difficulty of the hike and another for the difficulty of the trail work. Please consider each of these ratings and your fitness level when deciding which project is right for you!
Hike Difficulty Rating
The hike rating was determined with the distance, elevation gain, and pack weight all taken into consideration. The project descriptions often have a linked GAIA map, where you can see the elevation profile of the hike. 3/5 is the average, or what is considered a “typical hike” on an ITA project.
1/5- Easy
Typically the hike is less than three miles with little to no elevation gain (less than 500 feet). Generally suitable for beginner hikers.
2/5- Moderate
Typically less than four miles, with some elevation gain (less than 1,000 feet). Generally suitable for beginner hikers with a bit of a challenge.
3/5- Moderately Strenuous
Typically less than six miles, but with noted elevation gain (less than 2,000 feet). Generally suitable for beginner to moderately experienced hikers looking for a bit of a challenge and who are well-prepared (e.g., have worked out or hiked with a pack to prepare for the trip).
4/5- Strenuous
Typically less than eight miles, with challenging elevation gain (less than 3,000 feet). Generally suitable for experienced and well-prepared hikers (e.g., those who have practiced this type of hike with a pack of similar weight).
5/5- Very Strenuous
Typically eight or more miles long with extreme elevation gain. Generally suitable only for experienced hikers with conditioning.
Project Difficulty Rating
This rating is based on the type of project work, and where the work is relative to camp or the trailhead- please see the Hike Difficulty Rating in addition to this scale, and consider both together when evaluating a trip. On most projects, there are a variety for trail duties and volunteers can try new tasks based on comfort and ability level. Everyone is encouraged to work at a safe pace. 3/5 is the average, or what is considered a “typical ITA project”
1/5- Easy
Little to no digging or swinging of tools. Work could involve bending or kneeling for planting or brushing with loppers or hand saws.
2/5- Moderate
Infrequent digging or swinging tools. Bending or kneeling for light saw work or brushing. Carrying tools and day packs short distances.
3/5- Moderately Strenuous
Repeated digging or sawing, the potential for some heavy lifting. Carrying tools and packs up to five miles each day.
4/5- Strenuous
Consistent and repetitive digging, swinging, and/or saw work. A high potential for heavy lifting. May be hiking longer distances (more than six miles) with gear and tools.
5/5- Very Strenuous
Hard, continuous, digging, swinging tools, and heavy saw work. Consistent heavy lifting. Carrying heavy packs and tools, traveling long distances potentially over difficult terrain.
More Volunteer Opportunities
Not only do we need folks to join us as part of our trail crews, but also volunteers to help with administrative and IT tasks, fundraising, recruitment, tool maintenance, logistics, cooking for trail crews, promoting ITA at events, and many other things. Fill out our volunteer form to let us know how you’d like to help!