What Does the Difficulty Rating In The Hike Descriptions Mean?

From Coloradohikingtrails

The Difficulty Rating listed in each hike's description was developed by Dick Holley, and is detailed in the book Rocky Mountain National Park Dayhiker's Guide by Jerome Malitz. The formula is:

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

Which provides a rating of:

• 0-5 = Easy

• 6-10 = Moderate

• 10 and greater is difficult or strenuous

These ratings should be used as an indication of the difficulty, but are not a hard and fast rule, as every hike has its variables beyond elevation gain and distance. Starting elevation, weather, hiker(s) experience/fitness, unique trail conditions, etc. can all impact the hiking experience. And particularly for out-and-back hikes, you don't need to go to the end! A 10 mile out-and back trek can become a family-friendly outing by going two or three miles before turning around.

If a hike is subjectively easier or harder than this formula might indicate, we've tried to note that in the trail description.