Choosing the Right Experience
Valkyrie experiences are designed to meet you where you are and challenge you to grow. Each pathway reflects a different level of experience, commitment, and time on trail, from foundational hikes to multi-day backcountry journeys. Trail ratings vary within each pathway based on terrain and conditions, but the pathway itself reflects the overall structure and demands of the experience.
Choose a pathway where you feel prepared to sustain steady effort for the full duration. If you are between levels, we recommend starting with a more foundational experience and building from there.
If you are unsure which level is right for you, we are happy to help you choose an experience that feels challenging, empowering, and safe, so you leave the trail stronger and more confident than when you started.
Pathfinder Experiences
Trail Ratings: typically Moderate
Typical Duration: 2–4 hours
Terrain and Conditions:
Natural, uneven trails with roots, rocks, and varied footing. Includes moderate elevation changes and occasional steeper sections requiring attention to movement and footing.
What This Means for You:
Designed for those ready to move beyond flat or groomed paths and build confidence on real hiking trails. Expect uneven terrain, moderate elevation, and active movement for 2–4 hours. A steady pace is required, with breaks built in.
Who This Is Not For:
Those looking for flat, non-technical walking paths or casual strolls on paved or groomed surfaces.
What to Expect:
Sustained time on trail with consistent movement, guided pacing, and increasing exposure to elevation and uneven terrain in a supportive group environment.
Pace:
Steady, moderate pace with regular breaks
Enough movement to build endurance while allowing recovery
Group stays together with consistent support
Prerequisites:
Introductory hiking experience on groomed and natural, non-groomed trails
Comfortable walking up to 4 hours
Comfortable navigating uneven natural terrain, including roots and rocks
Can manage short, moderate elevation changes
Basic level of physical fitness
Sturdy, broken in hiking footwear is required. Waterproof hiking footwear with solid ankle support are highly recommended
Hiker Experiences
Trail Ratings: may range from Moderate to Challenging depending on terrain and route.
Typical Duration: 4–6 hours
Terrain and Conditions:
Rugged, natural terrain with frequent uneven footing, sustained climbs, and extended time on trail. Conditions may include steeper ascents and more physically demanding sections.
What This Means for You:
Designed for those comfortable on hiking trails and ready for more sustained physical demand. Expect longer distances, frequent uneven footing, and sustained climbs with fewer extended breaks. These experiences require consistent effort over several hours.
Who This Is Not For:
Those new to hiking or not yet comfortable with extended time, elevation, and rugged terrain.
What to Expect:
A physically engaging experience with sustained effort, longer periods between breaks, and consistent navigation of uneven and more demanding terrain.
Pace:
Consistent, forward-moving pace with planned breaks
Less frequent stops, with focus on maintaining momentum
Participants should be comfortable sustaining effort for several hours
Prerequisites:
Prior hiking experience at a level similar to Valkyrie Pathfinder Experiences, including comfort hiking on natural, non-groomed trails with uneven footing
Comfortable hiking for 4 to 6 hours a day
Confident navigating roots, rocks, mud, and exposed surfaces
Comfortable managing sustained elevation gain and descent
Comfortable hiking in variable weather conditions
Prepared for fewer rest stops and a more continuous hiking pace
Able to maintain a steady hiking pace over extended distances
A good level of physical fitness appropriate for moderate to strenuous hiking is required.
Sturdy, broken-in hiking footwear is required. Waterproof hiking boots with solid ankle support are strongly recommended
Backpacker Experience
Trail Ratings: may range from Moderate to Demanding depending on terrain and route.
Typical Duration: Full day or multi-day
Terrain and Conditions:
Remote and varied terrain with extended distances, elevation, and time on trail. May include rugged, technical sections and backcountry conditions.
What This Means for You:
Designed for hikers ready to carry their own gear and spend 1–3 days in the backcountry. These trips are guided and structured, with support throughout. You’ll hike with a loaded pack, manage basic camp routines, and build confidence in overnight wilderness travel.
Who This Is Not For:
Not suitable for individuals without prior hiking experience or those not prepared for extended durations in backcountry conditions. These experiences require comfort carrying a loaded pack, sleeping outdoors, and independently managing personal gear and systems in a remote setting.
What to Expect:
These experiences involve extended time on trail and increased physical demand, requiring preparation, steady pacing, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. Routes may include gradual to moderate elevation gain, short steep sections, and sustained travel over uneven terrain. Evenings and mornings are spent at established or permitted backcountry campsites, where participants are responsible for setting up, managing, and packing out their own equipment.
Pace:
Sustained pace over extended periods with a loaded pack
Breaks are intentional and based on terrain and distance goals
Movement is structured to balance energy conservation and progress across the day
Prerequisites
Completed several day hikes at a level similar to Valkyrie Hiker Experiences, and are ready to try an overnight trip
Comfortable carrying a loaded backpack for multiple hours
Comfortable navigating uneven natural terrain, including roots and rocks
Can hike on uneven terrain while managing fatigue across multiple days
Comfortable sleeping outdoors in a tent or similar shelter
Participants should have a strong level of physical fitness and preparation
Participants must carry all personal overnight gear for the duration of the trip
Properly fitted backpack and reliable overnight gear required
Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots are required. Waterproof hiking boots with solid ankle support are strongly recommended
Thru-Hiker Experiences
Trail Ratings: Demanding
Typical Duration: Multiple hours across consecutive days
Terrain and Conditions:
Extended, remote routes with significant distance, elevation, and technical demands while carrying a loaded pack. Conditions may include sustained exposure, varied terrain, and multi-day endurance.
What This Means for You:
Designed for advanced participants seeking extended, high-commitment backcountry experiences. These multi-day journeys involve consecutive days on trail, sustained effort, and more remote conditions. Participants are expected to manage their pack efficiently, adapt to changing terrain and conditions, and maintain consistent group movement. Best suited to experienced hikers comfortable spending several nights in the backcountry with a high level of self-reliance and physical endurance.
Who This Is Not For:
Those without significant hiking experience or the ability to manage multi-day physical and logistical demands.
What to Expect:
Participants should expect long days on trail, sustained elevation changes, rugged and uneven terrain, and extended time between access points. Evenings and mornings are spent at designated backcountry cabins, where participants manage meals and recovery.
Pace:
Efficient, continuous pace over long distances and multiple days
Breaks are shorter and strategically timed
Requires ability to maintain steady output, manage fatigue, and keep up with group movement
Prerequisites:
Prior experience completing multi-day backpacking trips comparable to Valkyrie Backpacker Experiences
Comfortable hiking with a loaded pack for multiple hours across consecutive days
Comfortable navigating uneven, rugged terrain with sustained and significant elevation changes
Comfortable sleeping outdoors in a tent or shelter
Participants should have a strong baseline fitness and endurance
Participants must carry all personal overnight gear for the duration of the trip
Properly fitted backpack and reliable overnight gear required
Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots are required. Waterproof hiking boots with solid ankle support are strongly recommended