It's pretty simple, the grading system is known as the Yosemite decimal system, primarily used in the U.S. (Europe uses a slightly different system). The decimal system is a means of rating a climb's difficulty. Here's a quick reference...
| Yosemite Decimal System | ||
|---|---|---|
| Decimal Rank | Type of Climb | |
| 1.0 | flat, level surface | |
| 2.0 | flat, inclined surface | |
| 3.0 | rough, rocky terrain that may require scrambling | |
| 4.0 | thougher scrambling requireing the use of hands to maintain balance and forward progression | |
| 5.0 | rock climbing, nearing vertical inclination. Use of hands is a must. This category is broken down further 5. 1-5.13 with the difficulty increasing incrementally. | |
Created By: Bill Sorenson