We design all of our classes to
highlight the beauty and drama of Grand Canyon. The physical demands of our classes are as varied
as the topics we explore. Grand Canyon offers
visitors a world-class wilderness experience and,
for those who venture below the rim, some of the
most challenging backpacking in North America.
Our goal is to help you select the class that
will maximize your enjoyment and safety while ensuring that your skills and abilities
match those of your fellow participants. To this end it is critical that you
honestly assess your ability to accomplish the
tasks required.
Confidential Health Questionnaire
All GCFI participants are required to complete our confidential Health Questionnaire as a mandatory step in the registration process. Information we harvest with this document includes health and fitness information, insurance and emergency contact details, as well as details of your recent outdoor recreational activities. We will use this information to approve you for your desired class, or make alternative recommendations.
The Health Questionnaire is embedded within the secure online registration process. Participants registering over the phone will receive a Health Questionnaire via regular mail. If you have any doubts about your physical ability to participate in a given class, we invite you to complete and submit the Health Questionnaire for “pre-approval.”
Download
Health Questionnaire (pdf format) 
Securing your doctor’s clearance before undertaking any intense physical outing is always an excellent idea, and may be required depending upon your responses on the Health Questionnaire.
Hiking Difficulty Scale
Negotiating the trails and terrain
of Grand Canyon is a challenge for even the most
experienced backcountry enthusiasts. Your ability
to choose the route that is well within your physical
and emotional abilities could make or break your
vacation. Each GCFI class has been given a numeric
rating in terms of the physical challenge. Please
be conservative in the estimation of your abilities — not
one of the over 9,000 backpackers we have hosted
has wished they had chosen a more difficult hike!
Level 1 - Walks on level terrain.
Level 2 - Short day hikes into
the canyon or long walks along the rim.
Level 3 - Slower-paced backpacks
to established campgrounds on developed trails.
Level 4 - Aggressive backpacks
on rough, often unmaintained trails.
Level 5 - Lengthy backpacks in
remote regions over rough, steep terrain on unmaintained
trails.
Level 6 to 10 - Lengthy backpacks
negotiating off-trail terrain requiring frequent
rock climbing and precautionary belays.
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