This page describes the scale that hiking groups use to evaluate the difficulty of the hikes–the “R” scale.  The R values are only estimates but potential hikers should be aware that each hike has its degree of difficulty depending on factors including distance, climb and type of terrain.  The R value is subjective depending upon the experience of the hike leader.  The R value will also depend upon which group does the same hike.

R Scale

The R ratings are calculated from the table below by adding the “rating” number for the Miles (distance) and “rating” number for the feet of Climb.  The sum produces the “R” number (but R10 is the top of the scale).  For example, if a hike is 5 miles long and has a climb of 1000 feet, you add 2 (for 5 miles distance) + 4 (for 1000 foot climb) and get R6.

Rating  Miles  Climb
0           3        0
1           4      250
2           5      500
3           6      750
4           7     1000
5           8     1500
6           9     2000
7         10     2500
8         11
9         12
10       12+