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Fitness Levels for Photography Tours
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Considering a Backcountry Journeys photography tour, yet finding yourself hesitant because you are unsure about the physical requirements? Being confident that the physical requirements of an itinerary match your abilities and desires is critical to your overall satisfaction, and we want you to be happy with your choice.
Please read carefully through the below descriptions to make sure that the ‘Level’ of that trip you’re looking at is indeed right for you! And, as always, if you are still unsure give us a call or email.
Please read carefully through the below descriptions to make sure that the ‘Level’ of that trip you’re looking at is indeed right for you! And, as always, if you are still unsure give us a call or email.
LEVEL 1
Suitable for those in fair condition. Activities include mostly road-based photography sessions and /or light walks to get to shot locations. Guests should be able to walk short distances (0.25 – 0.5 miles at a time) and be able to get in and out of vans and other vehicles such as small boats and/or aircraft. We may cover up to 3 miles each day on maintained dirt trails and paved or boardwalk pathways.
LEVEL 2
Suitable for most ages with basic fitness. Activities include walking along maintained dirt trails and pathways with camera gear and/or a day pack. Walking mileage can be (but not always) up to six miles over the course of the day, but elevation gain is typically not more than a few hundred feet.
LEVEL 3
Moderate hiking level. Activities include walking and hiking along trails that may have more significant elevation gain and natural obstacles. Trails used on Level 3 itineraries may be uneven, rocky and slippery. Mileage can be between four and seven miles over the day (but not always), and elevation gain can be up to 1500 feet. Guest needs to be comfortable with the indicated hiking mileage, terrain, and elevation, while being able to carry their camera/day pack with essential items.
LEVEL 4
Difficult level for those with good fitness. Activities include hiking on more challenging trails that are steep, uneven and with elevation gain sometimes up to 2500 feet. Mileage will vary but can range from five to nine miles. Guest needs to be comfortable with the indicated hiking mileage, terrain, and elevation, while being able to carry their camera/day pack with essential items.
LEVEL 5
Our most challenging activity level, for those with excellent fitness. Activities include steep hiking on rough, rugged trails and often in trail-less wilderness areas. Guest needs to be comfortable with the indicated hiking mileage, terrain, and elevation, while being able to carry their camera/day pack with essential items.
Types of Photography Tours
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Where you’ll sleep is important. Whether you are up for camping in the woods, or are more of a comfy lodge type person, it matters to know what you’ll be in store for when booking a trip with Backcountry Journeys! Many of our outstanding photography trip locations utilize comfy lodges or hotels, while other locations necessitate camping in the wilderness, which is certainly part of the fun if you are up for it! And not all camping is the same. Some trips our camping will include some amenities such as showers, toilets and running water, while others are a bit more wilderness-based where we’ll be completely on our own in the true wilderness. What is right for you is wholly up to you. Take a look at the descriptions below to “Know Before You Go.”
LODGE-BASED TOURS
Guests will spend every night in cozy accommodations with modern amenities. Meals provided are at local restaurants and might include bagged breakfasts for early mornings on the road. All transportation is provided in Backcountry Journeys vehicles and/or by local tour operators.
CAMPING TOURS
Guests will spend most nights sleeping in tents with a sleeping pad and sleeping bag. Meals provided will often be cooked by guides. Some modern amenities like showers, toilets, and running water may be available, but outhouse style toilets are often used. Guests will have to pack their gear in and out of our campsite and walk to all our photography locations on maintained dirt trails.
WILDERNESS TOURS
Guests will spend most nights sleeping in tents with a sleeping pad and sleeping bag. Meals provided will be cooked by guides. No modern amenities will be available, toilets are outhouse style, and water is either treated on site or packed in. Guests will have to pack their gear in and out of our campsite, up to 2 miles each way. Hikes will be over unmaintained and unmarked land. We may encounter wet mud, beaches, and tall grasses and brush.
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SHIP-BASED TOURS
Guests will spend most nights sleeping in a cruise boat or ship. Meals and lodging will be provided on-board.
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations include Yosemite, Alaska, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Hawaii, Utah as well as Botswana & Costa Rica."
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2023
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations include Yosemite, Alaska, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Hawaii, Utah as well as Botswana & Costa Rica."
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2023
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.