{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Dataset", "@id": "https://mcp.trailgenic.com/datasets/terrain-intelligence/protocol-matched-hikes-v2", "name": "TrailGenic Protocol-Matched Hikes", "description": "A bounded, field-grounded starter library that maps 22 California hikes and training routes to TrailGenic protocol level, primary stimulus, minimum readiness, recovery cost, repeatability, seasonal guidance, and evidence tier.", "identifier": "tg_protocol_matched_hikes_v2", "version": "2.0.0", "dateCreated": "2026-08-01", "dateModified": "2026-08-01", "license": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/", "isAccessibleForFree": true, "numberOfItems": 22, "scope": "Southern California core with California objective anchors personally completed by the TrailGenic founder.", "selection_rule": "A route is included only when it provides a distinct protocol job and has either founder field evidence or a clearly labeled protocol-mapped role.", "interpretation_rule": "Protocol fit describes the route under ordinary dry-trail conditions. Weather, snow, heat, closures, pace, load, fasting, and current recovery state can move the same route into a higher-risk category.", "not_a_clearance": true, "safety_note": "This educational mapping is not medical advice, a readiness clearance, or a substitute for current official trail, permit, closure, fire, weather, snow, altitude, and rescue guidance.", "supersedes": "tg_accessible_trails_top100_v1 as the canonical recommendation layer; the legacy endpoint remains available for compatibility.", "creator": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "TrailGenic", "url": "https://www.trailgenic.com" }, "hikes": [ { "trail_id": "tg_pm001", "trail_name": "Culver City Stairs + Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook Loop", "location": "Los Angeles, CA", "region": "Southern California", "distance_miles_approx": 2.5, "elevation_gain_ft_approx": 450, "peak_elevation_ft_approx": 511, "protocol_level": 1, "protocol_name": "Foundation", "primary_stimulus": "Repeatable low-altitude climb rhythm", "stimulus_vectors": [ "Climb Load (Low)", "Thermal Exposure" ], "minimum_readiness": "Comfortable continuous walking for 30–60 minutes with normal next-day recovery.", "recovery_cost": "Low", "repeatability": "Very High", "evidence_tier": "Founder field-validated", "season_guidance": "Year-round with heat, air-quality, and crowd adjustments.", "why_selected": "A controlled local hill-repeat environment for building consistency before mountain progression." }, { "trail_id": "tg_pm002", "trail_name": "Griffith Park — Mount Hollywood Loop", "location": "Los Angeles, CA", "region": "Southern California", "distance_miles_approx": 5.1, "elevation_gain_ft_approx": 1050, "peak_elevation_ft_approx": 1625, "protocol_level": 1, "protocol_name": "Foundation", "primary_stimulus": "Upper-Foundation hill duration", "stimulus_vectors": [ "Climb Load (Low)", "Duration Load (Low–Moderate)", "Thermal Exposure" ], "minimum_readiness": "An established walking base and tolerance for rolling hills.", "recovery_cost": "Low", "repeatability": "High", "evidence_tier": "Protocol-mapped candidate", "season_guidance": "Year-round; avoid peak heat and verify fire or access restrictions.", "why_selected": "Adds sustained but controllable elevation without requiring an alpine environment." }, { "trail_id": "tg_pm003", "trail_name": "Torrey Pines Reserve Loop", "location": "San Diego, CA", "region": "Southern California", "distance_miles_approx": 3, "elevation_gain_ft_approx": 350, "peak_elevation_ft_approx": 340, "protocol_level": 1, "protocol_name": "Foundation", "primary_stimulus": "Low-load terrain exposure", "stimulus_vectors": [ "Duration Load (Low)", "Coastal Thermal Exposure" ], "minimum_readiness": "Comfortable continuous walking for 30–60 minutes.", "recovery_cost": "Low", "repeatability": "High", "evidence_tier": "Protocol-mapped candidate", "season_guidance": "Generally year-round; verify reserve hours, parking, and closures.", "why_selected": "A low-consequence bridge from flat walking into real trail surface and short climbs." }, { "trail_id": "tg_pm004", "trail_name": "Temescal Canyon Loop", "location": "Los Angeles, CA", "region": "Southern California", "distance_miles_approx": 4, "elevation_gain_ft_approx": 900, "peak_elevation_ft_approx": 1750, "protocol_level": 2, "protocol_name": "Activation", "primary_stimulus": "Controlled climb activation", "stimulus_vectors": [ "Climb Load (Moderate)", "Thermal Exposure" ], "minimum_readiness": "A repeatable Foundation base with no unresolved recovery debt.", "recovery_cost": "Low–Moderate", "repeatability": "High", "evidence_tier": "Protocol-mapped candidate", "season_guidance": "Cooler hours or seasons; verify heat, fire, and access conditions.", "why_selected": "Introduces a clear climbing signal while keeping total duration manageable." }, { "trail_id": "tg_pm005", "trail_name": "Crystal Cove — Moro Canyon Loop", "location": "Newport Coast, CA", "region": "Southern California", "distance_miles_approx": 5, "elevation_gain_ft_approx": 900, "peak_elevation_ft_approx": 1000, "protocol_level": 2, "protocol_name": "Activation", "primary_stimulus": "Rolling-duration activation", "stimulus_vectors": [ "Climb Load (Moderate)", "Thermal Exposure" ], "minimum_readiness": "A repeatable Foundation base and comfort on exposed rolling terrain.", "recovery_cost": "Low–Moderate", "repeatability": "High", "evidence_tier": "Protocol-mapped candidate", "season_guidance": "Cooler hours or seasons; verify park access and heat conditions.", "why_selected": "Provides controllable rolling load and exposure without meaningful altitude." }, { "trail_id": "tg_pm006", "trail_name": "Cowles Mountain", "location": "San Diego, CA", "region": "Southern California", "distance_miles_approx": 3, "elevation_gain_ft_approx": 900, "peak_elevation_ft_approx": 1591, "protocol_level": 2, "protocol_name": "Activation", "primary_stimulus": "Short sustained climb", "stimulus_vectors": [ "Climb Load (Moderate)", "Thermal Exposure" ], "minimum_readiness": "A repeatable Foundation base and tolerance for sustained uphill walking.", "recovery_cost": "Low–Moderate", "repeatability": "High", "evidence_tier": "Protocol-mapped candidate", "season_guidance": "Prefer cool hours; verify heat and trail access.", "why_selected": "A compact climb that makes pacing and cardiovascular response easy to observe." }, { "trail_id": "tg_pm007", "trail_name": "Sandstone Peak Loop", "location": "Santa Monica Mountains, CA", "region": "Southern California", "distance_miles_approx": 6, "elevation_gain_ft_approx": 1800, "peak_elevation_ft_approx": 3111, "protocol_level": 2, "protocol_name": "Activation", "primary_stimulus": "Moderate climb plus adherence value", "stimulus_vectors": [ "Climb Load (Moderate)", "Thermal Exposure", "Terrain Variation" ], "minimum_readiness": "Successful Foundation repetition and clean recovery from shorter hill routes.", "recovery_cost": "Moderate", "repeatability": "High", "evidence_tier": "Founder field-validated", "season_guidance": "Best in cooler conditions; verify heat, wind, fire, and park access.", "why_selected": "A scenic, repeatable route that increases climb and terrain demand without altitude." }, { "trail_id": "tg_pm008", "trail_name": "Echo Mountain via Sam Merrill Trail", "location": "Altadena, CA", "region": "Southern California", "distance_miles_approx": 5.4, "elevation_gain_ft_approx": 1400, "peak_elevation_ft_approx": 3207, "protocol_level": 3, "protocol_name": "Adaptation", "primary_stimulus": "Sustained climb adaptation", "stimulus_vectors": [ "Climb Load (High)", "Duration Load (Moderate)", "Thermal Exposure" ], "minimum_readiness": "Repeatable Activation routes with stable pacing and next-day recovery.", "recovery_cost": "Moderate", "repeatability": "High", "evidence_tier": "Protocol-mapped candidate", "season_guidance": "Prefer cool conditions; verify heat, fire, and Altadena access status.", "why_selected": "A clean sustained ascent suitable for comparing pacing and recovery across repeats." }, { "trail_id": "tg_pm009", "trail_name": "Strawberry Peak via Colby Canyon", "location": "Angeles National Forest, CA", "region": "Southern California", "distance_miles_approx": 7.2, "elevation_gain_ft_approx": 2100, "peak_elevation_ft_approx": 6164, "protocol_level": 3, "protocol_name": "Adaptation", "primary_stimulus": "Climb and technical-surface adaptation", "stimulus_vectors": [ "Climb Load (High)", "Technical/Surface Load" ], "minimum_readiness": "Repeatable Activation performance plus comfort on steeper, less forgiving terrain.", "recovery_cost": "Moderate", "repeatability": "Moderate", "evidence_tier": "Founder field-validated", "season_guidance": "Dry, stable conditions; snow, ice, wind, or heat materially change the classification.", "why_selected": "Adds meaningful terrain complexity before the higher-altitude Consolidation band." }, { "trail_id": "tg_pm010", "trail_name": "Sitton Peak", "location": "Cleveland National Forest, CA", "region": "Southern California", "distance_miles_approx": 9.3, "elevation_gain_ft_approx": 2100, "peak_elevation_ft_approx": 3273, "protocol_level": 3, "protocol_name": "Adaptation", "primary_stimulus": "Longer low-altitude climb adaptation", "stimulus_vectors": [ "Climb Load (High)", "Duration Load (Moderate)", "Thermal Exposure" ], "minimum_readiness": "Repeatable Activation performance with stable recovery after two-plus hours.", "recovery_cost": "Moderate", "repeatability": "High", "evidence_tier": "Protocol-mapped candidate", "season_guidance": "Cool seasons or early starts; verify heat, fire, and forest access.", "why_selected": "Extends duration and climb load without adding high-altitude complexity." }, { "trail_id": "tg_pm011", "trail_name": "Potato Chip Rock via Poway", "location": "San Diego County, CA", "region": "Southern California", "distance_miles_approx": 7.5, "elevation_gain_ft_approx": 2000, "peak_elevation_ft_approx": 2894, "protocol_level": 3, "protocol_name": "Adaptation", "primary_stimulus": "Repeatable sustained climb under exposure", "stimulus_vectors": [ "Climb Load (High)", "Thermal Exposure" ], "minimum_readiness": "Repeatable Activation performance and adequate heat-management discipline.", "recovery_cost": "Moderate", "repeatability": "High", "evidence_tier": "Founder field-validated", "season_guidance": "Prefer cool seasons or early starts; heat can sharply increase recovery cost.", "why_selected": "A consistent mid-distance benchmark for climb economy and thermal discipline." }, { "trail_id": "tg_pm012", "trail_name": "Mount Baden-Powell via Vincent Gap", "location": "Angeles National Forest, CA", "region": "Southern California", "distance_miles_approx": 8, "elevation_gain_ft_approx": 2800, "peak_elevation_ft_approx": 9407, "protocol_level": 4, "protocol_name": "Consolidation", "primary_stimulus": "Sustained altitude-band consolidation", "stimulus_vectors": [ "Altitude Load", "Climb Load (High)", "Thermal Exposure" ], "minimum_readiness": "Multiple successful Adaptation routes with stable pacing and recovery.", "recovery_cost": "High", "repeatability": "High in dry conditions", "evidence_tier": "Founder field-validated", "season_guidance": "Dry-season profile only; snow, ice, wind, road access, and fire status can transform the route.", "why_selected": "Introduces sustained exposure near 9,400 feet in a compact, repeatable climb." }, { "trail_id": "tg_pm013", "trail_name": "Mount Islip via Crystal Lake", "location": "Angeles National Forest, CA", "region": "Southern California", "distance_miles_approx": 7.2, "elevation_gain_ft_approx": 2700, "peak_elevation_ft_approx": 8250, "protocol_level": 4, "protocol_name": "Consolidation", "primary_stimulus": "Moderate-altitude consolidation", "stimulus_vectors": [ "Altitude Load", "Climb Load (High)" ], "minimum_readiness": "Multiple successful Adaptation routes and reliable next-day recovery.", "recovery_cost": "High", "repeatability": "High in dry conditions", "evidence_tier": "Founder field-validated", "season_guidance": "Dry-season profile only; verify road, snow, ice, weather, and fire status.", "why_selected": "A useful bridge between lower-elevation Adaptation routes and the 9,000–10,000-foot band." }, { "trail_id": "tg_pm014", "trail_name": "Telegraph Peak via Manker Flat", "location": "San Gabriel Mountains, CA", "region": "Southern California", "distance_miles_approx": 11, "elevation_gain_ft_approx": 3500, "peak_elevation_ft_approx": 8985, "protocol_level": 4, "protocol_name": "Consolidation", "primary_stimulus": "Longer altitude and terrain consolidation", "stimulus_vectors": [ "Altitude Load", "Climb Load (High)", "Duration Load (High)" ], "minimum_readiness": "Stable Adaptation performance across longer climbs and proven recovery discipline.", "recovery_cost": "High", "repeatability": "Moderate–High in dry conditions", "evidence_tier": "Founder field-validated", "season_guidance": "Dry-season profile only; snow, wind, road access, and heat materially alter risk.", "why_selected": "Compounds altitude, duration, and terrain without yet reaching full Protocol 5 load." }, { "trail_id": "tg_pm015", "trail_name": "Tahquitz Peak via Devil's Slide Trail", "location": "Idyllwild, CA", "region": "Southern California", "distance_miles_approx": 8, "elevation_gain_ft_approx": 2400, "peak_elevation_ft_approx": 8846, "protocol_level": 4, "protocol_name": "Consolidation", "primary_stimulus": "Altitude plus technical-surface consolidation", "stimulus_vectors": [ "Altitude Load", "Climb Load (High)", "Technical/Surface Load" ], "minimum_readiness": "Stable Adaptation performance and confident footing on mountain terrain.", "recovery_cost": "High", "repeatability": "High in dry conditions", "evidence_tier": "Founder field-validated", "season_guidance": "Dry-season profile only; verify permit, snow, ice, weather, and forest access.", "why_selected": "Combines a manageable duration with real high-country terrain and altitude." }, { "trail_id": "tg_pm016", "trail_name": "Mount Wilson via Sturtevant Trail", "location": "Angeles National Forest, CA", "region": "Southern California", "distance_miles_approx": 14.8, "elevation_gain_ft_approx": 4500, "peak_elevation_ft_approx": 5710, "protocol_level": 4, "protocol_name": "Consolidation", "primary_stimulus": "Long-duration mechanical consolidation", "stimulus_vectors": [ "Duration Load (High)", "Mechanical Complexity", "Climb Load (High)" ], "minimum_readiness": "Stable Adaptation performance across four-plus hours and proven recovery closure.", "recovery_cost": "High", "repeatability": "Moderate", "evidence_tier": "Founder field-validated", "season_guidance": "Cool, dry conditions; verify Chantry-area access, heat, fire, water, and trail closures.", "why_selected": "Creates a long mechanical and duration load without relying on very high altitude." }, { "trail_id": "tg_pm017", "trail_name": "Mount Baldy via Ski Hut Trail", "location": "San Gabriel Mountains, CA", "region": "Southern California", "distance_miles_approx": 8.4, "elevation_gain_ft_approx": 3900, "peak_elevation_ft_approx": 10064, "protocol_level": 5, "protocol_name": "TrailGenic", "primary_stimulus": "Full-stack local alpine integration", "stimulus_vectors": [ "Altitude Load", "Climb Load (Very High)", "Technical/Surface Load", "Thermal Exposure" ], "minimum_readiness": "Repeated Consolidation success, disciplined pacing, alpine-condition competence, and clean recovery readiness.", "recovery_cost": "Very High", "repeatability": "High only in appropriate dry conditions", "evidence_tier": "Founder longitudinally field-validated", "season_guidance": "Dry summer–fall profile only; snow, ice, wind, heat, or storms create a different and potentially technical objective.", "why_selected": "TrailGenic's primary local repeat-route benchmark for altitude, climb, terrain, and recovery interpretation." }, { "trail_id": "tg_pm018", "trail_name": "San Jacinto Peak via Marion Mountain", "location": "Idyllwild, CA", "region": "Southern California", "distance_miles_approx": 11.4, "elevation_gain_ft_approx": 4600, "peak_elevation_ft_approx": 10834, "protocol_level": 5, "protocol_name": "TrailGenic", "primary_stimulus": "Sustained high-altitude climb integration", "stimulus_vectors": [ "Altitude Load", "Climb Load (Very High)", "Duration Load (High)", "Thermal Exposure" ], "minimum_readiness": "Repeated Consolidation success plus demonstrated tolerance above 9,000 feet.", "recovery_cost": "Very High", "repeatability": "Moderate–High in appropriate dry conditions", "evidence_tier": "Founder field-validated", "season_guidance": "Dry-season profile only; verify permit, snow, weather, heat, water, and forest access.", "why_selected": "A steep, sustained ascent that exposes altitude tolerance and recovery cost clearly." }, { "trail_id": "tg_pm019", "trail_name": "San Gorgonio Peak via Vivian Creek", "location": "San Bernardino Mountains, CA", "region": "Southern California", "distance_miles_approx": 17.3, "elevation_gain_ft_approx": 5500, "peak_elevation_ft_approx": 11503, "protocol_level": 5, "protocol_name": "TrailGenic", "primary_stimulus": "Extreme local duration, climb, and altitude integration", "stimulus_vectors": [ "Altitude Load", "Duration Load (Very High)", "Climb Load (Very High)" ], "minimum_readiness": "Repeated Protocol 5-capable training, strong altitude history, and verified recovery readiness.", "recovery_cost": "Very High", "repeatability": "Moderate in appropriate dry conditions", "evidence_tier": "Founder longitudinally field-validated", "season_guidance": "Dry-season profile only; permit, weather, snow, heat, water, and access checks are mandatory.", "why_selected": "Southern California's clearest full-day integration test across climb, duration, altitude, and recovery." }, { "trail_id": "tg_pm020", "trail_name": "Mount Whitney Trail", "location": "Sierra Nevada, CA", "region": "California Objective Anchor", "distance_miles_approx": 21.2, "elevation_gain_ft_approx": 6663, "peak_elevation_ft_approx": 14505, "protocol_level": 5, "protocol_name": "TrailGenic", "primary_stimulus": "Extreme altitude and duration objective", "stimulus_vectors": [ "Altitude Load", "Duration Load (Very High)", "Climb Load (Very High)", "Thermal Exposure" ], "minimum_readiness": "Extensive Protocol 5 history, altitude preparation, permit, turnaround rules, and conservative condition assessment.", "recovery_cost": "Extreme", "repeatability": "Low", "evidence_tier": "Founder field-validated", "season_guidance": "Permit and conditions govern; snow, storms, smoke, heat, and altitude can invalidate the ordinary route profile.", "why_selected": "A culmination objective, not a progression shortcut or routine recommendation." }, { "trail_id": "tg_pm021", "trail_name": "Mount Langley via Cottonwood Lakes and New Army Pass", "location": "Sierra Nevada, CA", "region": "California Objective Anchor", "distance_miles_approx": 22.4, "elevation_gain_ft_approx": 4927, "peak_elevation_ft_approx": 14026, "protocol_level": 5, "protocol_name": "TrailGenic", "primary_stimulus": "Long-duration high-altitude integration", "stimulus_vectors": [ "Altitude Load", "Duration Load (Very High)", "Climb Load (Very High)", "Thermal Exposure" ], "minimum_readiness": "Extensive Protocol 5 history, altitude preparation, navigation discipline, and conservative condition assessment.", "recovery_cost": "Extreme", "repeatability": "Low", "evidence_tier": "Founder field-validated", "season_guidance": "Conditions and access govern; snow, storms, smoke, heat, and altitude can invalidate the ordinary route profile.", "why_selected": "A long Sierra integration objective that tests duration and altitude more than local repeatability." }, { "trail_id": "tg_pm022", "trail_name": "Half Dome via Mist Trail and John Muir Trail", "location": "Yosemite National Park, CA", "region": "California Objective Anchor", "distance_miles_approx": 17.1, "elevation_gain_ft_approx": 4800, "peak_elevation_ft_approx": 8846, "protocol_level": 5, "protocol_name": "TrailGenic", "primary_stimulus": "Extreme duration plus technical consequence", "stimulus_vectors": [ "Duration Load (Very High)", "Climb Load (Very High)", "Technical/Surface Load", "Exposure" ], "minimum_readiness": "Extensive Protocol 5 history, permit, cable-specific risk acceptance, dry conditions, and conservative turnaround discipline.", "recovery_cost": "Extreme", "repeatability": "Low", "evidence_tier": "Founder field-validated", "season_guidance": "Cables, permit, weather, smoke, water, and park conditions govern; wet or stormy conditions materially change the objective.", "why_selected": "A culmination objective where technical consequence and duration matter more than peak altitude." } ] }