Given a rating of Challenge Level 4 (out of a maximum of 10), we consider GSA to be an intermediate hiking trip that any moderately fit, motivated student can successfully complete with some prior preparation. Compared to similar hiking trips, we believe that GSA is slightly more challenging than Colorado's Rocky Mountains, but easier than Northwest Explorer. We consider GSA to be comparable in challenge level to our Maine's Downeast Explorer trip. Please note that all of Apogee's Challenge Levels are not scientific and are subjectively calculated by the Apogee staff.