For folks who love ramblin’ through nature, hiking is about as good as it gets. But the thrill-seeking outdoor enthusiast knows not all hiking trails are created equal.
Choosing the right path can make or break your trekking experience. That’s where the handy dandy hiking difficulty rating scale comes in. Ranging from 1 (easiest) to 10 (most difficult), this numerical system gives hikers a general idea of what they’re getting into.
But what exactly do these numbers mean? And how can you use them to find trails that align with your hiking abilities? Get ready for hiking by exploring different difficulty levels.
A Breakdown of the Hiking Difficulty Scale
When browsing trail guides or maps, you’ll see most routes assigned a rating between 1 and 10. This gives hikers a general sense of how challenging the terrain will be.
But the specific definitions can vary slightly depending on the publisher. Here’s a quick rundown of what each Level typically signifies:
Level 1:
- Surface: Smooth pavement or boardwalk, at least 4-5 feet wide
- Obstacles: None, flat even ground
- Elevation change: None to minimal, under 50 ft per mile
- Example trails: Chicago Lakefront Trail, Silver Sands State Park Trail (CT)
Level 2:
- Surface: Groomed dirt, gravel, or stone dust trail, 3-5 feet wide
- Obstacles: Possible roots, rocks up to ankle height
- Elevation change: Gradual slopes no steeper than 10% grade
- Example trails: Cumberland Island National Seashore Trail (GA), Franconia Notch Recreation Path (NH)
Level 3:
- Surface: Raw natural surface from dirt to bedrock, 1-3 feet wide
- Obstacles: Expect trip hazards like roots, rocks, and holes up to 6 inches
- Elevation change: Moderate up to 15% grade, 300 ft per mile
- Example trails: Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway (NH), Yosemite Falls Trail (CA)
Level 4:
- Surface: Uneven ground with unstable footing likely
- Obstacles: Climbing over things waist-high, scrambling possible
- Elevation change: Long steep sections up to 20% grade, 1,000 ft per mile
- Example trails: Misery Ridge Trail (OR), Mount Tallac Trail (CA)
Level 5:
- Surface: Rough, uneven, exposed – may require using hands
- Obstacles: Scaling boulders, chimney climbing, brush
- Elevation gain: Up to 30% grade, 2,000 ft per mile
- Exposure: Moderate exposure to falling or environmental hazards
- Example trails: Grinnell Glacier Trail (MT), Mount Katahdin Knife Edge (ME)
Level 6:
- Surface: Scrambling required on highly uneven terrain
- Obstacles: Climbing up cliff bands, traversing loose rock
- Elevation gain: Over 30% grade, may require fixed ropes or chains
- Exposure: High risk of falling, rockfall, icefall, avalanche
- Example trails: Angels Landing Trail (UT), Mount Whitney Mountaineers Route (CA)
Level 7:
- Surface: Vertical climbing, snow, and ice likely
- Obstacles: Chimneying, exposure to sheer drop-offs
- Elevation gain: May require ascending vertical pitches on rock, snow, or ice
- Exposure: Very high consequences in the event of a slip or fall
- Example trails: Granite Canyon Icefall (WY), Half Dome Cables (CA)
Level 8:
- Surface: Sustained vertical climbing, extensive belaying, and anchor use
- Obstacles: Overhangs, chimneys, and ice bulges requiring technical skills
- Elevation gain: Will involve multiple steep pitches in succession
- Exposure: Extremely high – fall could be fatal
- Example routes: North Face of the Eiger (Switzerland), Liberty Ridge (WA)
Level 9:
- Terrain: Expect extensive glaciated areas, snowfields, and ice walls
- Obstacles: Crevasses, bergschrunds, seracs, cornices
- Route finding: Requires navigation skills for glaciers, avalanche risk
- Length: Often involves multi-day expeditions and high camp logistics
- Gear: Mountaineering equipment – ice axe, crampons, crevasse rescue
- Fitness: Extreme cardiovascular and muscular endurance needed
- Example routes: Denali West Buttress (Alaska), Everest North Col (Tibet)
Level 10:
- Terrain: Complex glaciated high peaks, rock walls with year-round ice
- Obstacles: Overhanging rock bands, ice bulges – high technical skills
- Length: Always multi-day, ability to establish high camps needed
- Fitness: Elite level strength and endurance required
- Gear: Full array of pro mountaineering gear for rock, snow, and ice
- Risks: Extremely high – frostbite, hypothermia, avalanche danger
- Tactics: Must be prepared for strategic retreat if conditions deteriorate
- Example routes: K2 Abruzzi Spur (Pakistan), South Face of Annapurna (Nepal)
Of course, ratings are still subjective. A “moderate” trail in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains might seem “difficult” to a flatlander from Kansas just getting their hiking legs.
It depends on your personal fitness level and experience outdoors. But the 1-10 scale remains a helpful starting point.
Choosing a Hike Based on Difficulty Level
Okay, so now you know the meaning behind those mysterious numbers. But how do you decide which Level is appropriate for your next adventure? Consider these factors:
Hiking Experience
You can start with Level 1 and 2 trails without walking outdoors. No shame in an easy greenway jaunt! Slowly work your way up over many trips. Even veteran hikers should limit Level 8+ hikes.
Listen to your body, and don’t let your ego take you somewhere beyond your skills.
Fitness Level
Be realistic about your physical shape. Could you handle long uphill slogs, or would a steep climb trigger your asthma? Training before a big hike helps, but know your limits. Aiming too high could ruin your outing.
Time Constraints
Knocking out a 10-mile Level 4 trail will take longer than a 2-mile Level 1 walk. Can you budget 6 hours for an all-day Level 7 summit bid? Or would you like a quicker Level 3 hike? Factor in distance, difficulty, and pace.
Weather Conditions
Dangerous weather above the tree line can quickly turn an intermediate hike deadly. Please be cautious when picking high-altitude Level 7+ routes if you expect any storms. Better to try another day than risk disaster.
Navigation Skills
On well-marked Level, 1-4 trails, route-finding is a cinch. But at higher difficulty levels, losing the path can prove disastrous. You can only try remote backcountry treks if you have strong navigation abilities. If you still need to, you can start basic.
Gear/Supplies
A Level 1 stroll may only require tennis shoes and water. But advanced hiking demands robust footwear, layers, first aid, navigation tools, and more. Needing proper gear for challenging trails can cause problems fast.
You can smartly narrow down your options by weighing these variables against the route’s rating. It’s beautiful for newbies to stick to Level 1-3 trails as they build skills and stamina.
Even the most accessible paths can provide outdoor rejuvenation! On the other hand, hardy souls yearning for a test of endurance will thrive on 5-7+ rated hikes. Get ready for burning quads and extensive views!
Pro Tip: Scan reviews for the extra beta if you need clarification on a trail’s difficulty. Fellow hikers will share firsthand intel on tricky sections. You can also contact land managers like the forest service for added insights.
Common Hiking Difficulty Scales
While most publishers use the 1-10 format, you may occasionally spot other hiking rating systems. Here are two of the most common:
Class 1-5 Scale
Popularized by guidebooks in the Alps, this European scale is comparable to the 1-10 system. The classes translate as follows:
- Class 1: Easy-marked path
- Class 2: Basic mountain path with some steep sections
- Class 3: Challenging mountain route with lots of scramble. Sure-footedness needed.
- Class 4: Technically demanding with exposure. Use safety equipment.
- Class 5: Extremely exposed and risky. For mountaineers only.
Green-Blue-Black Scale
Some trail systems use the green-blue-black format familiar to skiers:
- Green Circle: Beginner friendly with a minimal elevation change
- Blue Square: Intermediate-level trail with moderate slopes
- Black Diamond: Difficult hike with steep, uneven terrain. Advanced skills are required.
So if you spot one of these systems instead, it’s easy to cross-reference it with the commonly used 1-10 difficulty scale.
I’m pooped just thinking about all these trails! Let’s take a break before hitting the faqs.
Staying Safe on the Trails
While using the hiking difficulty ratings can help pick an appropriate trail, it’s also crucial that hikers take proper safety precautions. Here are some critical tips for staying safe out on the trails:
- Research your route thoroughly, and don’t attempt courses beyond your skill level
- Before hiking, it’s essential to check the weather forecast to avoid hiking in severe conditions.
- Tell someone your hiking plans and when you expect to return
- Pack essential gear like first aid, flashlight, whistle, water filter, and navigation tools
- Know how to use a map, compass, and GPS device to prevent getting lost
- Sticking to the designated paths and checking for trail intersections, markers, and piles of stones known as cairns is advisable.
- Turn back if the way seems too advanced, if the weather turns hazardous, or if you feel unwell
- Watch your step crossing streams, slopes, or rock fields to avoid falls
- Keep your energy up by eating snacks and drinking water regularly
- Handle wildlife encounters cautiously by backing away slowly
- Study basic first aid and bring a fully stocked first aid kit
- Consider getting a satellite communication device to call for help if injured
- If lost, stop moving, find shelter, and signal rescuers with a whistle, fire, or bright clothes
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking Difficulty
Before strapping on our packs, let’s review responses to some frequently asked questions about decoding the hiking difficulty scale:
What if a trial doesn’t have an official rating?
No sweat! Chat with rangers or check guidebooks/maps for clues. And most paths fall into Levels 2-4, so you can make an educated guess. If ever in doubt, assume moderate difficulty. You can always turn around if needed.
Do trail ratings account for elevation gain?
Unfortunately, no. The scale focuses on terrain rather than how much you climb. A 2-mile hike with a 2,000 ft. elevation gain could be far more challenging than a 10-mile, relatively flat one. Please check stats for total ascent and remember distance matters too.
How accurate are difficulty ratings?
Reasonably accurate but subjective. What’s “easy” for one hiker may be “hard” for another. Rating systems help set expectations but don’t take them as gospel. Read multiple reviews to get the whole picture.
Should I only hike trails rated for my ability?
Sticking to your comfort zone is brilliant, especially when starting. But don’t be afraid to stretch your limits, either! Trying a trial one level above yours helps improve your skills. Please just be careful and turn back if you need to.
Do trail ratings ever change?
Yes, especially after storms or other damage. For example, a Level 4 trail with extensive erosion may hike more like a Level 6. Rangers try to update ratings when appropriate, but nature can be unpredictable. Expect surprises.
What’s the main difference between Level 1 trails and Level 10 mountaineering routes?
It comes down to exposure, gear needs, fitness/skills required, and environmental risks. As the rating rises, the more advanced preparation hikers need to stay safe and complete the trail.
All right, folks, that’s a wrap! Let’s see what we learned today:
In Conclusion
When hiking, picking a route suited to your abilities is vital. Understanding the 1-10 hiking difficulty rating scale gives outdoor enthusiasts a simple yet effective tool for gauging trails.
Start easy as you build your skills, but be bold and challenge yourself on more demanding terrain over time. When choosing a hike, consider total distance, elevation gain, weather, gear needs, and fitness.
But most importantly, embrace and relish the journey, no matter what level route you choose! The whole point is soaking up nature’s splendor.
