Access and Remoteness
Rating The Access And Remoteness Of Adventures
One of the contributing factors to the difficulty of a multi-day adventure is the remoteness of the location. Access to amenities and resources change the risk profile and the planning required to have a successful adventure.
All Guide Notes contain detailed notes about access and remoteness. Throughout the Daily Notes section of Guide Notes, there are descriptions about the availability of resources like water sources, food, gas, outdoor equipment, and emergency services. We also provide information about road conditions, vehicle requirements, and cell phone reception.
In the Quick Notes section at the beginning of Guides Notes, there is a brief explanation of the difficulty rating and access considerations. The access graphic also provides a snapshot of vehicle access, cell phone reception, and amenity access rated as easy, limited, or difficult.
Example Access Graphic
Vehicle Access
Remember to check local road conditions and closures in advance. Some roads may also have height or width restrictions that are not included in the ratings below. Additional off-highway vehicles (OHV) trail ratings may be available in some areas.
Easy. There is a paved road or maintained dirt road that is appropriate for two wheel drive (2WD) passenger vehicles.
Limited. The road is unpaved and may require a high-clearance vehicle. Four wheel drive (4WD) high-clearance vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, or ATVs are often recommended. We define a high-clearance vehicle as having at least 15-inch tire rims and at least eight inches of clearance from the lowest point of the frame, body, suspension, or differential to the ground. All wheel drive (AWD) vehicles may not meet this standard.
Difficult. A 4WD high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended or required. Vehicle recovery equipment is recommended.
Cell Phone Reception
To disconnect or remain connected on your adventure is your choice. Cell phone reception is not guaranteed for any location, and ratings are subject to change without notice. Alternative communication devices like satellite phones and GPS tracking devices may be appropriate for your adventure.
Technology and the communication infrastructure are constantly changing. Environmental conditions may also impact actual phone reception. We rely on feedback from the Adventure Nerds community to update Guide Notes with current information.
Easy. Phone reception is available almost everywhere on any carrier.
Limited. There is sporadic reception; or reception that is only accessible in some areas or through some carriers, or it requires less than 30 minutes of intentional activity to access cell phone reception (like a short walk to a high point or driving down a road).
Difficult. There is no phone reception within approximately 30 minutes of intentional activity.
Amenity Access
Knowing your access to emergency services is a critical component of risk management. It is also helpful to know where you can resupply food or gas. The amenity ratings are based on the distance to reach all three amenities (grocery store, gas station, and emergency services) from the most remote campsite.
Easy. Less than 10 miles
Limited. 10 miles to 50 miles
Difficult. Greater than 50 miles