Rating Scales- Arizona Hikers Guide

These are the various rating scales that are linked to each hike.  These are all personal ratings and have been made up by me.  These are in no way official but only reflect my own personal opinions of the hike/trail.  Keep in mind that these ratings are coming from a twenty-something year old male who is active on a daily basis.

Difficulty Scale: 1-5

  1. Suitable for hikers of all ages.
  2. Still an easy hiking trail but may contain elevation changes or terrain not suitable for all ages.
  3. Moderate hiking.  May include route finding, elevation changes, river crossings, or other hiking skills.
  4. Difficult hiking.  Will include skills needed in #3 to a more advanced degree.
  5. Extreme.  Only advanced hikers/backpackers should attempt.  Will include skills from #4 as well as possible bouldering, repelling, and other dangerous activities.

Ratings Scale: 1-5

  1. Bust.  A hike with little to no scenery, overcrowded, and nothing to write home about.
  2. Ok.  A hike that just doesn’t have a lot going on, is overpopulated, or is not as scenic as advertised.
  3. Good.  A hike that is enjoyable, pleasant, and is worth doing again.
  4. Wow. This hike is memorable, enjoyable, and is worth writing in a journal about.
  5. OMG.  One of the coolest hikes in the state.  Once in a lifetime type of hike.

Solitude Scale: 1-5

  1. 20+ encounters with hikers.  Most popular and overcrowded hikes.
  2. 15-20 encounters.
  3. 10-15 encounters.
  4. 5-10 encounters.
  5. 0-5 encounters.