CMC Event, Trip, and Class Classifications
(Note: The Denver Group has an optional program where hikers and skiers, themselves, are rated. Click here for the form they use - the form, itself, has the most current contact information for submissions and questions.)

Hike Classifications

• Class A: Up to 8 miles round trip or up to 1200 ft. elevation gain. (Prior hiking experience is usually not necessary.)
• Class B: Up to 12 miles round trip or up to 2500 ft. elevation gain. (Moderate to strenuous physical activity. Some prior experience is beneficial.)
• Class C: Up to 15 miles round trip or up to 3500 ft. elevation gain. (Strenuous to very strenuous physical activity. Prior experience and training is beneficial.)
• Class D: Over 15 miles round trip or over 3500 ft. elevation gain. (Very strenuous physical activity often including exposure or requiring use of technical skills. Knowledge based on prior experience and training is highly beneficial.)
• Class E: Exposure is involved (i.e., risk of falling) and may require advanced climbing skills
   

Within each of the above letter classifications, hikes may also be described subjectively as Easy, Moderate, and Difficult in comparison to other trips of the same classification. Thus, a Difficult B hike is harder than an Easy B hike, but easier than a Moderate C hike.

Backpacking Trip Classifications

Backpacking Trip Classifications are assigned a rating for the entire trip based on the most difficult day of the trip

• Easy Backpack: <5 miles/1000' (Easy Hike is <8 miles/1200')
• Moderate Backpack: 5-10 miles/1000'-2000' (Moderate Hike is 8-12 miles/1200'-2500')
• Difficult Backpack: >10 miles/2000' (Difficult Hike is >12 miles/2500'+)

Road Biker Classifications

Rides are classified as Easy, Moderate, or Difficult.  Mileage, elevation gain and pace are specified. Each ride will include a detailed ride description that clearly states expectations and exertion level.

• Easy: Mileage between 0 – 20 miles with 0 – 1500 feet of elevation gain.  Pace between 10 – 14 mph.  A social ride typically having multiple stops along mostly flat roads.  Speed averaging 10 mph. Great for new riders
• Moderate:  Mileage between 21 – 45 miles with 1501 – 4000 feet of elevation gain.  Pace between 15 – 19 mph with rolling terrain with fewer stops. Speeds averaging 10 – 12 mph. Great for recreational riders accustomed to riding 20 or more miles. A good
  workout.
• Difficult: Mileage greater than 45 miles with more than 4000 feet of elevation gain. Pace is 20+ mph.  Advanced Riders that are comfortable on rides of 40+ miles and have experience climbing and descending. A challenging ride.  

If the mileage of the ride places it in a certain classification, say Easy, but the Elevation Gain places it in a higher classification, say Moderate, the ride is classified at the higher level.  For additional information on road rides, please click here. 

Snowshoe Trip Classifications

Snowshoe trips use the following classifications:

• Easy: Up to 5 miles round trip and 600 ft. elevation gain.
• Moderate: Up to 8 miles round trip and 1200 ft. elevation gain.
• Difficult: Over 8 miles round trip or 1200 ft. elevation gain. 

Ski Tour  Classifications

• Easy I: 1 to 3 miles round trip on generally flat terrain. Suitable for beginners.
• ​Easy II: 3 to 6 miles round trip and up to 600 ft. elevation gain.
• Easy III: 6 to 8 miles round trip or 600 ft. to 800 ft. elevation gain.
• Moderate I: 800 ft. to 1100 ft. elevation gain.
• Moderate II: 1100 ft. to 1500 ft. elevation gain.
• Moderate III: 1500 ft. to 1800 ft. elevation gain.
• Advanced I: 1800 ft. to 2500 ft. elevation gain.
• Advanced II: Over 2500 ft. elevation gain.

Advanced ski tours are generally on more difficult terrain and participants have developed efficiency and acquired skills for their safe backcountry ski travels. To go on an Advanced ski trip, you must be able to break trail for a period of time and must have excellent nordic/downhill skiing ability. In addition to the CMC 10 essentials, you should carry a shovel and avalanche beacon and know how to use them, plus any extra items required by the trip leader.
 

Climbing Classifications

• Rock climb
  • Trad lead
  • Sport lead
  • Top rope

These difficulty levels are from 5.0 to 5.10, using the conventional Yosemite Decimal Rating system, which is used by the English-speaking climbing community the world over.

• Ice climb
  • Trad lead
  • Top rope
  
  Scramble
  • Class II
  • Class III
  • Class IV