GoHike: Beginner Hiking Course

It is important to read the course overview and requirements before you register so that you understand the commitment and requirements of the course. Participants must be a Mountaineers member with current waiver on file to register for the GoHike course.   

registration: 

Registration will open for new participants and returning course participants all at one time. Please email info@mountaineers.org with registration questions.

Cost: The course fee is $125.00  Scholarships are available.   

Cancellations are subject to the following refund schedule.   (The  $10 club cancellation fee is taken into account in the numbers below).

• Before Apr 1 - $75
• Apr 1-30 - $50
• May 1-31 - $25
• After May 31 - no refund

Course Overview

GoHike is designed to prepare  beginners or individuals looking for easy to moderate level of hiking and urban walking trips. We offer a small group trip environment in which participants can build connections and friendships over time by participating on trips with many of the same people on each trip. This course helps build confidence and prepare participants with safety first in mind, and always within an accepting, compassionate and fun learning environment. You will let go of fears of not having the right gear, feeling out of shape or not fitting in. This course is where you DO fit in, and our leaders meet you where you are to help you achieve your goals.

We begin  with basics:  preparation, knowledge, safety, conditioning and  fitness tips, to make hitting the trail less daunting. The main goal of GoHike is  getting outdoors and on the trail with others who are starting out, or who want to saunter at a comfortable, social pace. We will introduce you to the essentials of hiking and urban walking, encourage you to set personalized conditioning and trip goals month by month during the course, and most of all, connect you with a community of fellow beginning participants. All backgrounds, shapes and sizes will find a welcoming home with GoHike! 

 Whether you are brand new to the trail or have been away for a while, this course will meet you where you are, help you find your trail to success, and have fun doing it!

Who is GoHike For?  

• Beginners - completely new to hiking/urban walking, and/or new hikers/walkers with minimal experience.
  
• Participants who haven’t been out for a while and want to ease back into activity.
  
• Participants looking for easy to moderate trips with a gradual and progressive goal-orientated approach.
• People who are already comfortable on the trail but want to find a community of people who are looking for easy to moderate hikes or urban walks within a social environment.
  
• Individuals of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds.

GoHike: goals, Expectations and style

Goals:

• Encourage and inspire our participants to reach their personal goals.
• Provide education and information on gear, safety, clothing, nutrition, hydration, etiquette and trip planning.
• Foster community and belonging among our participants, our leaders and the lands we recreate on.
• Lead and learn in a collaborative spirit.
• Foster compassion, understanding and curiosity with one another and in nature.
• Have fun, be safe and enjoy one another's company.

Expectations:

• Participants are able to complete a 2-mile, fairly flat hike/walk in under 1.5 hours, including rest stops. Participants must be prepared to meet this baseline on the pacing trips offered in March, in order to be ready for the course.
• It is the expectation in this course for students to be prepared to increase mileage, and elevation gain gradually from April - September, with your September trips being your most challenging of the series.
• Participants are expected to be prepared and ready for each trip they sign up for. Being unprepared impacts the leaders and entire group. Your readiness is essential for the success of each trip.
• Participants are committed to learn, grow, and actively participate within the mission and values of this course. 
• Participants are committed to building and maintaining their conditioning and endurance over the course. This means going on walks/runs near your home and/or training at home or in a fitness facility in between course trips, and/or participating in trips outside of the course to continue to build your  endurance and stamina over time. 
• Committed to building community in a social learning environment where we take care of one another with kindness, respect, and compassion
• Committed to a growth mind-set. 
• Committed to thoroughly read all course communications via email, course page and Facebook page (optional).
• Commitment to borrow or buy the minimum gear for your safety and comfort in advance of going on the offered trips.  It doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy gear, and we’ll help you figure out what you need and find the best deals. We will introduce gear recommendations at each level appropriate to the needs of the season.
• Committed to having fun while learning how to be outdoors safely! 

style:

• Course leaders are knowledgeable, friendly, experienced and love to share their love of nature.
• We strive to have two leaders on each course trip to maintain a low leader/participant ratio to better meet our participants needs and promote safety.
• Through actions and words, leaders are inclusive and supportive.
• We lead trips in a casual to moderate pace, allowing for flexibility. 
• We emphasize leave no trace principles and act as environmental stewards.
• Leaders are detail-oriented, patient and encouraging.
• Leaders are fun and strive to build community.

MINIMUM baseline pace requirement:

To be prepared for the course, participants must be able to complete at a minimum, one 2-mile fairly flat hike or walk in under 1.5 hours, including rest stops, by March 7. Participants must be prepared to meet this baseline on the pacing trips offered in March, in order to be ready for the course.

Where do we Go On OUR TRIPS?

Early hikes and urban walks in the series could involve a half day or long summer evenings including traveling to the trail. As the season progresses the trips require being able to get away 6 to 10 hours including travel time. Trips may be held during the week, in the early evening and weekends. Participants are responsible for arranging transportation to a trailhead; carpools may be arranged by participants. Individuals should be prepared to contribute to the cost of trip expenses to carpool drivers.