Hike Difficulty Ratings

Under Construction

Pace:
1 - Leisurely (nature walk, window shopping pace)
2 - Moderate (steady, comfortable pace)
3 - Vigorous (brisk, firm pace)
4 - Fast
5 - Very Fast

Terrain:
A - Solid pavement/sidewalk
B - Soft ground/sand/carriage trails
C - Hiking trails/gentle rolling hills
D - Steep hills, scrambles possible
E - Rough terrain/exposure and/or thick brush possible
F - Extremely difficult terrain/possible sustained exposure
Note: Hikes in the Hudson Highlands (Breakneck), Ice Caves Mountain, White Mountains, Adirondacks, and parts of the Catskills are much steeper and more demanding than hikes in our other hiking range. Choose your hike accordingly.

Mileage:
# - Estimated mileage, plus or minus 1 mile.

Committee:
(H) - Hiking Committee
(H+) - Hiking Committee - Overnight or multi-day
(S) - Singles & Sociables Committee
      - Outings marked only (S) do not require any special skills.
      - Outings requiring skills basically use system defined by Activity Committee responsible for that activity; sometimes modified for our needs.
(W) - Walks & Outings Committee
      - Outings marked only (W) do not require any special skills.
(Y) - Young Members Committee
(Y+) - Young Members Committee - Overnight or multi-day

Sierra Club Backpack Difficulty Ratings:
Light (L) = Up to 35 miles, including layover days

Moderate (M) = Up to 55 miles, often with cross-country travel

Strenuous (S) = Up to 70 miles, with extensive elevation changes

Sierra Club Angeles Chapter Skill Level Rating Codes - (angeleschapter.org/outings/ )

C	Concessionaire: For events conducted by a non-Sierra Club entity (i.e. Concessionaire)
O	Ordinary: Applies to a variety of uncomplicated outings (i.e., city walks, bike rides, trail hikes, backpacking.) May involve simple off trail hiking not requiring navigation skills. Climbing level: "Class 1" terrain.
I	Intermediate: Includes outings that involve cross-country travel where navigation is necessary. Rougher ground than "O" outings may be traversed, and the use of hands for balance may be necessary. Includes outings that have snow travel or skiing on easy terrain. Climbing level: "Class 2" terrain.
M	Moderate: Includes Moderate level climbing: "Class 3" terrain. On rock, the hands are used for climbing. Some participants may want a safety belay. On snow, safety dictates the use of ice axes and the ability to self-arrest.
E	Extreme: More exposed than an M outing. Climbing on "Class 4" terrain. Rock climbs will use a rope for all in the party. On snow, steeper terrain than M outings is permissible, and safety dictates the use of crampons.
T	Technical outings requiring specialized skills as identified in the sponsoring groups safety policy.

Other Rating Links:
Rating system adapted from Travels Along the Edge: 40 Ultimate Adventures for the Modern Nomad, by David Noland, at fodors.iexplore.com/.
Includes Physical, Mental and Technical ratings from 1-5. 5 is for altitudes above 20,000 feet and an oxygen-enhanced final summit.

Rock Climbing Class (1-5)
Rock Climbing Grade (I - VII)

last updated 24 May 2005