Liability Waiver & Assumption of Risk

1. Voluntary participation

I understand that participation in any GayOutdoors ("GO") event, trip, or activity is entirely voluntary. I am choosing to take part of my own free will, and I may decline or withdraw from any activity at any time if I feel unsafe or beyond my ability.

2. Assumption of risk

I understand that outdoor activities — including but not limited to hiking, backpacking, climbing, biking, paddling, swimming, camping, and winter sports — involve inherent and other risks that can lead to property damage, injury, illness, or death. These risks include, without limitation:

• Changing and severe weather, terrain, water, and trail conditions;
• Slips, trips, falls, collisions, drowning, hypothermia, heat illness, and wildlife or plant hazards;
• My own physical condition, fitness, and health, and the adequacy of my clothing and equipment;
• The actions or inaction of other participants, trip leaders, and third parties;
• The remoteness of some locations and the corresponding delay in emergency response or evacuation.

Knowing these risks, I freely and voluntarily assume all risk of loss, injury, illness, or death arising out of my participation, whether caused by ordinary negligence or otherwise.

3. Trips are member-led, not guided

GayOutdoors trips are led by volunteer members who are not professional or certified guides. Trip leaders share their plans and knowledge as a courtesy but are not responsible for my safety. I am responsible for evaluating whether a trip's difficulty rating, distance, pace, and conditions are appropriate for me, and for arriving prepared with suitable fitness, clothing, food, water, and equipment.

4. Release of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release, waive, and discharge GayOutdoors, its organizers, officers, chapter coordinators, trip leaders, volunteers, and members (the "Released Parties") from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of my participation in any GO activity, including claims based on the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties. I agree not to sue the Released Parties for any such loss, injury, illness, or death.

5. Responsibility for myself and my guests

I am responsible for my own decisions and conduct on every trip. If I bring anyone with me, they must register with GayOutdoors as a member so that trip leaders have an accurate head count and contact information; I accept responsibility for informing them of these risks and this waiver.

6. Medical & emergency care

I confirm that I am in adequate physical condition to participate in the activities I choose. I authorize trip leaders to secure emergency medical care on my behalf if I am unable to do so, and I accept responsibility for the cost of any such care and evacuation.

7. Acknowledgment

By signing up for a GayOutdoors trip, I acknowledge that I have read and understood this Liability Waiver & Assumption of Risk, that I understand it affects my legal rights, and that I agree to it freely. If any part of this waiver is found unenforceable, the remainder stays in effect.

Questions about safety or whether a trip is right for you? See our difficulty ratings or message the trip leader before you RSVP.

Version 2026-01. This is the wording in force; the version you accepted is recorded with each event you sign up for.