Know your capabilities before you sign up to go hiking. Leaders are encouraged to screen prospective hikers to make sure that each participant can finish the hike. Screening is important, because someone who can’t finish a hike puts himself in danger and ruins the enjoyment for all.

In the screening a leader might ask “What is the most challenging hike you have done in the past year?” Answer this question for yourself, using the guideline below. Then sign up for hikes that you know you can finish.

Arizona Trailblazer hikes are rated using the ABCD system.

If you aren’t sure of your abilities, start with an easy "C" hike. Then don’t overdo it when you advance to the next level of difficulty. Avoid skipping levels.

If you have any type of medical condition or severe allergies the hike leader needs to be aware of, for your own safety and the safety of those around you, please make the hike leader aware of your condition. This is voluntary on your part, but in the event of an accident or injury on the trail, this information could prove invaluable and possibly life-saving in your first-aid treatment.

We recommend that you carry your doctors’ business cards, a list of your emergency phone numbers, a list of your prescription medications, and a two days’ supply of them.