MyTrailPals — Host & Attendee FAQ
Discover Local Outdoor Experiences. Explore Together. MyTrailPals connects people through local outdoor experiences hosted by people who love getting outside. Whether you want to lead an experience or join one, here are answers to common questions.
🏕️ Host FAQ▼
What is a MyTrailPals Host?
A Host is someone who creates and leads an outdoor experience for others—such as a hike, walk, camping experience, nature activity, wellness outing, or another outdoor adventure.
You don't have to be a professional guide. You simply need to have the experience, knowledge, and ability to safely lead the experience you are offering.
Who can become a Host?
Anyone who wants to create meaningful outdoor experiences can apply to become a Host.
MyTrailPals may ask Hosts to complete verification before they can offer certain experiences, particularly paid experiences.
Do I need to be a professional outdoor guide?
No. MyTrailPals is designed to make it possible for outdoor enthusiasts to share experiences with their community.
However, Hosts are responsible for offering experiences that match their skills and experience and for following applicable laws, regulations, permits, property rules, and safety requirements.
Can I host a paid experience?
Yes. Verified Hosts can publish paid experiences.
If verification is required for your experience, you must complete the verification process and receive approval before publishing it as a paid experience.
Why does MyTrailPals verify Hosts?
Verification helps create a more trusted community and gives attendees greater confidence about who they are joining outdoors.
Verification does not mean that MyTrailPals guarantees the safety, qualifications, or suitability of a Host or experience.
How do I create an experience?
Create your experience in the MyTrailPals app and provide details such as:
- Experience title and description
- Date and time
- Meeting location
- Difficulty and expected activity level
- What attendees should bring
- Group size
- Price, if applicable
- Other important instructions or requirements
The more information you provide, the easier it is for attendees to decide whether the experience is right for them.
Can I host a free experience?
Yes. Hosts can create free experiences and build their community through MyTrailPals.
How do I communicate with attendees?
MyTrailPals provides tools for Hosts and attendees to communicate about the experience, including questions, coordination, and group communication where available.
Can I organize carpools?
Yes. MyTrailPals can be used to help attendees coordinate transportation and carpools.
Hosts should not assume responsibility for transportation arranged independently between attendees unless explicitly agreed otherwise.
Can I cancel my experience?
Yes. Hosts may need to cancel an experience because of weather, unsafe conditions, insufficient participation, personal circumstances, or other reasons.
If you cancel a paid experience, attendees should be informed as soon as possible and any applicable refund will be handled according to MyTrailPals' cancellation and refund policy.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first.
Hosts should monitor conditions and make a reasonable decision about whether an experience should proceed. Hosts should communicate changes or cancellations to attendees as early as possible.
Can I host anywhere?
Not necessarily.
Some parks, trails, campgrounds, private properties, and other outdoor spaces may require permits or may prohibit commercial or organized activities.
Hosts are responsible for confirming that they have permission to conduct their experience at the selected location.
What happens if someone gets hurt?
Outdoor activities involve inherent risks.
Hosts should plan responsibly, communicate known risks and requirements, and take reasonable precautions. Attendees are responsible for deciding whether an experience is appropriate for their own abilities and circumstances.
MyTrailPals does not replace professional guides, emergency services, or appropriate insurance coverage.
How do I get paid?
For paid experiences, attendee payments are processed through MyTrailPals' payment system. Host earnings are subject to applicable MyTrailPals fees, payment-processing fees, refunds, and other adjustments.
When do I receive my earnings?
Host earnings are made available according to the applicable payment-processing and MyTrailPals payout schedule.
Can MyTrailPals help me promote my experience?
MyTrailPals may promote selected experiences through its platform, social channels, community, or other marketing channels.
Hosts are also encouraged to share their experiences with their own communities.
🌿 Attendee FAQ▼
What is MyTrailPals?
MyTrailPals helps you discover local outdoor experiences and meet people who enjoy getting outside.
You can join experiences hosted by local outdoor enthusiasts and discover activities beyond simply finding a trail.
What kinds of experiences can I join?
Experiences can include:
- Hiking
- Walking
- Camping
- Nature and outdoor activities
- Wellness experiences
- Beginner-friendly outings
- Community meetups
- Other outdoor adventures
Each experience is different, so review the description and requirements before booking.
Do I need to be an experienced hiker?
Not necessarily.
Many experiences may be beginner-friendly, while others may require more experience or fitness.
Always check the Host's description for difficulty, distance, elevation, pace, terrain, and other requirements before joining.
How do I know if an experience is right for me?
Review the experience details carefully, including:
- Distance
- Duration
- Difficulty
- Elevation
- Terrain
- Pace
- Weather considerations
- Required equipment
- Age or other participation requirements
If you're unsure, contact the Host before booking.
Do I need to pay to join?
Some experiences are free and others are paid.
The price, if any, will be shown on the experience listing before you book.
What is included in the experience price?
The Host should clearly describe what is included.
Unless specifically stated, your experience fee generally does not include personal transportation, food, equipment, parking, permits, or other personal expenses.
Can I ask the Host questions before joining?
Yes.
If you have questions about the route, difficulty, meeting point, what to bring, transportation, or whether the experience is suitable for you, contact the Host before joining.
How do I find the meeting location?
The experience listing will provide meeting and location information.
For some experiences, the Host may provide additional instructions closer to the event.
Can I join a carpool?
Some experiences may offer carpool coordination.
Carpooling is generally arranged between attendees and is separate from the outdoor experience itself. Confirm details directly with the person offering or requesting the ride.
What should I bring?
This depends on the experience.
The Host should provide recommendations in the experience description. Common items may include:
- Water
- Appropriate footwear
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Snacks
- Sun protection
- Personal medications
- Any activity-specific gear
When in doubt, ask the Host.
What if I can't attend after booking?
Check the cancellation policy for the specific experience.
Cancellation and refund terms may vary depending on the experience and Host.
What if the Host cancels?
If a paid experience is canceled by the Host, any applicable refund will be handled according to MyTrailPals' refund policy.
The Host should communicate the cancellation and any important updates as soon as possible.
What happens if the weather changes?
Outdoor conditions can change quickly.
Hosts may modify, postpone, or cancel an experience when conditions create safety concerns. Keep an eye on communications from your Host before heading out.
Is MyTrailPals responsible for my safety?
MyTrailPals provides the platform that connects Hosts and attendees. It does not guarantee that an experience, Host, location, trail, or activity will be safe or appropriate for every participant.
Outdoor activities involve inherent risks.
You are responsible for deciding whether you are physically and otherwise prepared to participate in an experience.
What if I have a medical condition, injury, or other limitation?
Review the experience requirements and talk with the Host if you have questions about whether the activity is appropriate for you.
You are responsible for determining whether you should participate and for bringing anything you personally need.
Can I leave an experience early?
Yes, but let the Host know whenever possible, particularly if you are leaving a group activity.
For safety reasons, don't simply disappear from a group without notifying the Host.
Can I bring a friend?
Check the experience's participant requirements.
If your friend wants to participate, they should generally register through MyTrailPals so the Host has an accurate participant count and can communicate important information to everyone.
How can I report a problem?
If you experience inappropriate behavior, safety concerns, misleading information, or another serious issue, contact MyTrailPals.
We want MyTrailPals to be a welcoming, respectful, and trustworthy outdoor community.
🤝 Community & Trust▼
What makes MyTrailPals different?
MyTrailPals isn't just about finding a trail.
It's about finding people, experiences, and communities that make getting outdoors more meaningful.
Hosts bring their knowledge, interests, and personality. Attendees get opportunities to discover new activities, meet people, and explore together.
Do I have to know anyone before joining an experience?
No.
That's part of the idea behind MyTrailPals. You can join an experience and meet people who share your interest in being outdoors.
What should I do if someone behaves inappropriately?
Treat other community members with respect.
Harassment, discrimination, threatening behavior, or other inappropriate conduct is not acceptable. Report serious concerns to MyTrailPals so they can be reviewed.
Is MyTrailPals a guided-tour company?
No.
MyTrailPals is a platform connecting Hosts and attendees around outdoor experiences. Some Hosts may have professional outdoor qualifications, while others may simply be experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
Always review the Host's experience and qualifications when they are relevant to the activity.
🛡️ Safety Reminder
Outdoor activities come with inherent risks, including weather, terrain, falls, wildlife, transportation, and other hazards. Hosts: Plan responsibly, understand the location and activity, communicate expectations clearly, and follow applicable rules and permit requirements. Attendees: Choose experiences appropriate for your abilities, prepare properly, follow the Host's instructions, and make your own informed decision about participating. When conditions become unsafe, it's always okay to turn back.
Still Have Questions?
If you can't find the answer here, contact the MyTrailPals team at (info@mytrailpals.com) or reach out to the Host directly through the experience. Discover Local Outdoor Experiences. Explore Together.