For each of our published bikepacking routes and segments thereof, we include descriptions of the difficulty and challenges experienced along the way. We break these apart into physical difficulty, technical difficulty, and other challenging elements of the route. The BPR Route Rating Scale is defined as follows:

	Physical difficulty 1-2 - Relatively level riding 3-4 - Regular rolling terrain with sustained climbing 5-6 - Rugged terrain with frequent climbs, some of which may be steep and unrelenting 7-8 - Very rugged terrain with abundant climbing, some of which is very steep and unrideable 9-10 - Numerous very steep, climbs requiring bike-pushing and/or carrying
	Technical difficulty 1-2 - Smooth riding surface with few obstacles (e.g., graded dirt roads, rail trails); suitable for novice mountain bikers 3-4 - Track has occasional obstacles and steep sections (e.g., maintained forest roads, mellow singletrack); suitable for beginner mountain bikers 5-6 - Continuous sections of track may be rocky, loose, and steep; (e.g., 4x4 roads or singletrack in rugged/rocky terrain) suitable for intermediate mountain bikers 7-8 - Narrow trail with regular obstacles, sustained steep grades; suitable for intermediate to advanced mountain bikers 9-10 - Very challenging riding with frequent large obstacles, exposure, very steep grades; suitable for advanced mountain bikers Bikepacking Challenges For our routes and route segments, route guides identify any elements of travel that are important to consider when planning a trip. Such challenges might include scarce water, high elevation, extensive hike-a-bike, impassible mud when wet, remoteness, summer heat, minimally maintained trails, or limited resupply options.