Difficulty

Judging Difficulty

For the hikes listed on this site I've applied a rating system using the symbols, , which are of course borrowed from downhill skiing. To determine which difficulty rating a hike should be given, I've used a formula I found in the excellent book Rocky Mountain National Park Dayhiker's Guide by Jerome Malitz. The formula, developed by Dick Holley, is:

Rating = (0.002 x elevation gain [in feet]) + round trip distance [in miles]

So a rating is:

0-5 is easy;

6-10 is moderate; and

10 and greater is strenous/difficult.

Of course this isn't a hard and fast rule, as every hike has its variables beyond elevation gain and distance (i.e., starting elevation, weather, hiker(s) experience/fitness, unique trail conditions, etc.). If a hike is easier or harder than this formula might indicate, I've tried to note that in my reports.

A cyber-friend, Steve Fry has taken this formula, and developed a JavaScript calculator for the formula and a variation for advanced hikers. So, if you know the elevation gain and distance, go over to Steve Fry's Hiking in Colorado and use his Hike Calculator!

Books I've read suggest allowing 1 hour for each 1,000 feet of elevation gain, and another hour for every two miles of distance. I've always found myself hiking faster than this, though.

Also, see the discussion on the Hiking/Trail Classes and the Yosemite Decimal System for rating hiking trails.