How we keep trips safe

Our leaders

Every trip is led by volunteers who love the outdoors and care about the people they hike with.

• First aid. We strive to have at least one leader with current Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification on every trip, when available.
• Small groups. We keep groups small enough to look out for one another. Every trip has at least 2 leaders, and no more than 5 participants per leader. Overnight, backcountry and harder trips keep groups smaller.
• Volunteers, not clinicians. Our leaders are there to lead safe outdoor trips. They are not doctors, therapists or counselors (see Your well-being below).

Trip difficulty ratings

Each trip listing includes a rating so you can pick what fits you.

Be honest with yourself about what feels right. There is no shame in starting easy, and we'd much rather you enjoy a shorter hike than struggle through a longer one.

Weather and conditions

Mountain weather in Utah, and on our trips to Wyoming and Colorado, can change fast. Leaders check the forecast, avalanche and fire conditions, and trail reports before each trip, and keep watching once you're out.

• We may change, shorten, postpone or cancel a trip because of weather, lightning, heat, smoke, high water, snow or other conditions. We'll tell you as early as we can.
• In summer, we plan to be off exposed ridges and summits before afternoon thunderstorms build.
• The leader's call on conditions is final. It's always about bringing everyone home.

The right to turn back

Anyone can turn back, for any reason, with no questions asked. If you need to stop, slow down or head out, tell a leader and we'll make a plan so nobody is left alone. Leaders may also turn a group or an individual around if they believe it's the safer choice.

Emergency plans and communication

• Every trip has a written trip plan (route, timing, participants, nearest medical care, evacuation options) that's left with a check-in contact who isn't on the trip.
• Leaders carry a first aid kit, and we strive to carry an emergency communication device, such as a satellite messenger, where cell service is unreliable.
• We collect your emergency contact and a short health questionnaire before your first trip and keep them up to date. Leaders bring this information on trips so they can help you in an emergency.
• The health questionnaire is all we need. We don't require a doctor's sign-off, and sharing a condition doesn't automatically rule you out. We'll work with you to find trips that fit.
• Remote areas mean help can take hours to arrive. That's part of why we plan carefully and ask you to share health information honestly.

Leave No Trace

We follow the seven Leave No Trace principles: plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors. We follow all land-manager rules, including fire restrictions and permit requirements.

Alcohol, drugs and firearms

We want every trip to be a clear-headed, safe space for everyone.

• Alcohol and recreational drugs. No alcohol, cannabis (even if lawfully obtained) or other recreational drugs on any trip, including at camp overnight. Please don't arrive impaired.
• Prescription medications are fine. Please bring what you need and tell a leader privately if a medication could affect your balance, alertness, or how you handle heat or altitude.
• Firearms. Please don't carry firearms on Peaks to Peace trips. If you drive to the trailhead, any firearm must stay secured in your own vehicle as allowed by law. We ask this to keep the group setting relaxed and to meet the requirements of our guide partners and insurance.
• Other tools. Normal outdoor tools like pocketknives and multi-tools are fine.

What to bring

Each trip listing will include a specific gear list. For most day hikes, plan on:

• Sturdy, broken-in footwear and moisture-wicking layers (no cotton), plus a warm layer and a rain shell
• 2–3 liters of water and enough food and snacks for the day
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• A small backpack, a headlamp, and a whistle
• Your personal medications (including an inhaler or epinephrine if prescribed) and any personal first aid items
• A photo ID, and a phone with a full battery

For overnight trips, we'll send a full camping list. Peaks to Peace lends gear when it's available, though we can't guarantee it, so just ask.

Climbing

Climbing is offered for those able and interested and is always done with a professional guide service.

• Climbing days are led by a professional guide service that carries its own permits and insurance.
• Guides provide and inspect the technical equipment, including ropes, harnesses, helmets, belay devices and anchors.
• Helmets are required for everyone at the crag, climbing or belaying.
• The guide service may ask you to sign its own waiver, and the guide's safety instructions are final.

Your well-being

Many of us know firsthand that coming home can be hard. Time outside and good company can help, and it's important to be clear about what we are and what we aren't.

• Our trips are not therapy, counseling or medical treatment, and they don't replace care from a doctor, therapist, the VA or a Vet Center. The resilience skills we share are practical, peer-level tools, not clinical care.
• If something comes up on a trip, you can step aside, take a break or talk to a leader privately at any time.