Policies and community guidelines

Community guidelines

• Treat every participant with kindness, respect, and consideration.
• Harassment, bullying, discrimination, and exclusion are not tolerated.
• GGH is not politically affiliated; leave political and divisive discussions outside our events.
• Respect personal boundaries, abilities, and comfort levels.
• Follow event guidance, safety instructions, and Leave No Trace principles.
• GGH may remove anyone who violates these standards, without a refund when applicable.

Attendance & no-shows

If you cannot attend, cancel your RSVP or notify us as soon as possible so a waitlisted woman can join. Three no-call/no-shows may result in a temporary or permanent loss of registration access. Emergencies happen — please reach out.

Cancellations

Local hikes are free. Cancel as soon as possible if your plans change. Policies for paid events appear on the event page. Trip deposits and final payments are non-refundable unless the trip terms say otherwise; waitlist transfers may be offered but are not guaranteed.

Weather & safety calls

Events may be modified, postponed, or canceled because of weather, trail conditions, or safety concerns. We notify registered participants as quickly as possible. Any refund or credit follows the terms of that specific paid event.

Before the hike

• Every hike is posted with distance, elevation gain, terrain notes and meeting spot at least a week ahead.
• Your lead posts a go/no-go weather call in the chapter Telegram group the evening before.
• Registration requires a signed waiver on file for the current waiver version — no exceptions.
• Tell someone outside the group where you're going and when you expect to be back.

What you carry

• Water: 2L for beginner hikes, 3L for intermediate.
• Layers: a wind or rain shell even on clear days, plus one insulating layer.
• Footwear with real tread. No open-toe shoes, no brand-new boots on a long day.
• Headlamp, snacks, sun protection, and any personal medication (inhaler, EpiPen, insulin).
• Traction devices in winter months — your lead will tell you when they're required.

On trail

• We hike as one group with a lead at the front and a sweep at the back. Nobody hikes behind the sweep.
• We regroup at every junction and at the top of long climbs.
• You can turn around at any time — tell the sweep, and we'll pair you with someone.
• Phones stay charged and in airplane mode when signal is spotty to save battery.

If something goes wrong

• Leads are certified in Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder and carry a group first aid kit.
• Leads carry a satellite messenger on all intermediate hikes for areas without cell coverage.
• In an emergency the lead stays with the injured hiker and the sweep manages the group.
• GGH leads are trained volunteers, not medical professionals — backcountry response times can be long.

Questions or concerns

Email admin@girlsgonehiking-usa.com. These policies and guidelines apply to every chapter, event, trip, and GGH online space.