Hiking Trail Ratings

There are 3 commonly used rating systems in the US:

• EMD (Easy / Moderate / Difficult)
• YDS ( Yosemite Decimal System )
• NPS ( National Park Service System)

Here’s a closer look at each system:

EMD – Easy, Moderate, Difficult System:

This simple classification system is the most widely used in the US. It gives hikers a basic idea of what to expect.

Easy: 

• Trails are generally flat or have gentle slopes
• Slight elevation gain – usually less than 500 feet
• Round trip distance – generally less than 3 miles
• Great for beginners, families with young children, and older adults

Moderate:

• Some elevation gain – 500 – 1500 feet
• Length of trail: 3 miles to 8 miles round trip
• Rougher terrain: rocky patches, roots, minor stream crossings
• Hikers should have a decent fitness level and some hiking experience

Difficult:

• Trails are challenging and for experienced hikers only
• Significant elevation gains – more than 1500 feet
• Long distances – usually over 8 miles
• Steep inclines requiring the use of hands to navigate obstacles – and often requiring technical equipment

The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS)

YDS is used to rate the difficulty of walks, hikes, and climbs – primarily in the United States.

The YDS is divided into five classes:

Class 1:

• Walking on a well-marked trail with very little likelihood of injury.
• No hands are needed to assist with balance
• Hiking boots are sufficient

Class 2:

• Simple cross-country hiking with some elevation gain
• May require use of hands for balance
• Path may not always be clear
• May be some loose rocks that require careful footing

Class 3:

• Scrambling or climbing with increased exposure to falling
• Hands are needed for climbing
• Technical equipment is not usually necessary

Class 4:

• Climbing on steep terrain with exposure to a life-threatening fall
• Ropes and other safety equipment is often used at this level

Class 5:

• Technical rock climbing involving the use of ropes and safety harnesses

Class 5 Subdivisions: ( as the numbers increase so does the level of difficulty )

• 5.0 – 5.4:  Basic climbing skills required – suitable for beginners with some training
• 5.5 – 5.8:  Intermediate climbing – requires more specific climbing techniques and experience
• 5.9:  Advanced level technical climbing – challenging terrain
• 5.10 – 5.12:  Highly technical climbs in this category are broken down further into A / B / C  ratings – each indicating more advanced training required
• 5.13 – 5.15:  Highest level of difficulty – requiring elite skills and experience. These climbs often involve overhangs, slabs, and highly technical moves.

Each step up in the YDS indicates a notable increase in difficulty – requiring more skill, better physical conditioning, and specialized equipment. The system allows climbers and hikers to assess the difficulty of a trail and determine if it matches their skill level and experience.

The National Park Service system:  

A trail rating system designed to help visitors understand the difficulty levels of trails within National Parks.

Easy:

• Flat and well-maintained with minimal obstacles
• Less than 3 miles in length – elevation gain less than 500 feet
• Designed to be accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels often with wheelchair and / or stroller access

Moderate:

• Moderate trails with sections of uneven terrain that might require careful foot placement or scrambling
• 3 + miles in length     Elevation gain 500 feet to 1500 feet
• Rocky patches, roots, and stream crossings
• Suited for people with a reasonable level of fitness

Strenuous:

• Challenging trails for experienced hikers in good physical condition
• Significant elevation gains over 1000 feet / Trail length 5 + miles
• Steep inclines / rocky sections / changing weather conditions

The National Park Service encourages visitors to:

• Consider trail ratings in conjunction with their personal fitness level
• Prepare adequately for condition specific to the park they’re visiting:
  • Altitude
  • Temperature extremes
  • Wildlife encounters
• Check in with park rangers prior to embarking on your hike for inside information that the general public is not privy to