Disclaimer

Important safety information and limitations of liability

⚠️ READ BEFORE HIKING

Hiking involves inherent risks. You assume all responsibility for your safety.

Summit Seeker provides trail information for educational and planning purposes only. This information does not replace proper planning, training, equipment, and judgment. Always check current conditions before hiking.

Last Updated: January 2026

1. General Information Disclaimer

The information provided on Summit Seeker ("the Website") is for general informational and educational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the Website.

Trail conditions, regulations, closures, and hazards change frequently due to weather, seasonal factors, natural events, and administrative decisions. Information on this Website may be outdated or incomplete.

2. Assumption of Risk

Hiking and outdoor recreation activities are inherently dangerous and involve risks including but not limited to:

  • Falls, injuries, or death from uneven terrain, steep slopes, cliffs, and unstable surfaces
  • Severe weather including lightning, hypothermia, heat exhaustion, and frostbite
  • Getting lost or disoriented on trails
  • Wildlife encounters including bears, moose, snakes, and insects
  • Avalanches, rockfall, flooding, and other natural hazards
  • Equipment failure or inadequate preparation
  • Medical emergencies in remote locations with limited cell service
  • Trail closures, private property conflicts, or permit violations

By using the information on this Website, you acknowledge and accept these risks. You are solely responsible for your safety, decisions, and actions while hiking.

3. Not Professional Advice

Summit Seeker does not provide professional hiking guidance, wilderness survival training, medical advice, or route-specific safety assessments. The content on this Website should not be considered a substitute for:

  • Professional wilderness guide services
  • Official park service or forest service information
  • Current weather forecasts and avalanche reports
  • Personal fitness assessments and medical clearance
  • Professional outdoor skills training

Always verify trail conditions with official sources (National Park Service, US Forest Service, state parks) before hiking. Contact local ranger stations for current conditions, closures, and permits.

4. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Summit Seeker, its owners, operators, contributors, and affiliates shall not be liable for any loss, injury, claim, liability, or damage of any kind resulting from:

  • Your use of or reliance on information provided on this Website
  • Errors, inaccuracies, or omissions in trail information, maps, or descriptions
  • Outdated information due to changing trail conditions or regulations
  • Injuries, accidents, or deaths occurring during hiking activities
  • Property damage or theft occurring on trails or at trailheads
  • Third-party content, links, or recommendations
  • Technical issues, website downtime, or data loss

YOU USE THIS WEBSITE AND ITS INFORMATION AT YOUR OWN RISK.

5. Third-Party Links and Affiliate Disclosure

Summit Seeker may contain links to external websites and affiliate partnerships with outdoor gear retailers (REI, Amazon, Backcountry, etc.). We are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of third-party websites. We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases through affiliate links, which helps support our free trail database.

Product recommendations are for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee product suitability, quality, or performance. Always research and test gear before relying on it in wilderness settings.

6. No Endorsement of Specific Trails

Inclusion of a trail on Summit Seeker does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or guarantee that the trail is safe, appropriate, or legal for your use. Trail difficulty ratings are subjective and based on general assessments—your personal fitness, experience, weather conditions, and time of year significantly affect trail difficulty.

Some trails may cross private property, require permits, have seasonal closures, or be illegal to access. It is your responsibility to verify access rights and regulations before hiking.

7. User-Generated Content

If we accept user comments, reviews, or trail reports in the future, such content represents the views of individual users, not Summit Seeker. We do not verify user-submitted information and are not responsible for its accuracy. Do not rely solely on user reviews for safety decisions.

8. Emergencies

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY. Do not contact Summit Seeker for emergency assistance. We are not an emergency response service. Emergency contacts listed on trail pages are provided for informational purposes—program them into your phone before hiking.

🚨 Emergency Preparedness Checklist:

  • Tell someone your hiking plans and expected return time
  • Carry a charged phone with offline maps downloaded
  • Bring the Ten Essentials (navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first aid, fire, repair kit, nutrition, hydration, emergency shelter)
  • Check weather forecasts and trail conditions before departing
  • Know your limits and turn back if conditions deteriorate

9. Changes to This Disclaimer

We reserve the right to modify this disclaimer at any time without notice. Continued use of the Website after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated disclaimer. Check this page periodically for updates.

By Using This Website

You acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this disclaimer and our Terms of Service.

Questions? Contact us