Ratings for Scramblers
The material below, dated 12/1/25 (except as noted), is an update to material previously updated 1/16/25.
Scrambler Ratings for: SPS Peaks (11/1/25) | Non-SPS High Sierra Peaks
Benchmark Routes for Scrambler Rating Categories | Definitions
Ratings for Mountain Scramblers
Updated 12/1/2025 - The Lists of Mountain Scrambler Ratings have been updated with new ratings for 65 non-technical routes up Sierra Nevada peaks, including coverage of an additional 30 mountains. In addition, the ratings for 21 routes have been revised, with 14 of the revisions pertaining to routes on SPS peaks. All new and revised ratings are shown in red text. The two tables covering the official SPS Peaks List and non-SPS High Sierra summits now provide Mountain Scrambler Ratings for 1038 non-technical routes up 642 mountains in the Sierra Nevada, representing an increase in coverage of about 6.5% and 5%, respectively, relative to the last updating at the beginning of 2025. The table for the SPS peaks provides Scrambler Ratings for the easiest route up each of the 247 mountains on the official SPS peaks List. Scrambler Ratings coverage includes at least one route up each of the one hundred mountains on the Vagmarken Club Sierra Crest List and each of the fifty six mountains on the Tahoe-Ogul Peaks List that have non-technical routes and are located in the Sierra Nevada. All but six of the 395 non-SPS High Sierra summits with Scrambler Ratings qualify for the Andy Smatko Explorer Emblem by meeting one of the three following requirements: (1) a listed “summit” in the GNIS (Geographic Names Information System) of the USGS, (2) a named peak or spire in R.J. Secor’s “The High Sierra: Peaks, Passes and Trails” or (3) a high point approved by the SPS Emblem Committee as a “special case” Sierra summit that qualifies for the Smatko Explorer Emblem, reflecting such criteria as the high point’s degree of prominence, its distance from the nearest Smatko or SPS peak, the required minimum elevation gain and hiking distance, and the climbing difficulty of the easiest route of ascent. All peaks qualifying for the Smatko Explorer Emblem must be located in the Sierra Nevada range and have a minimum elevation of 7000 feet.
The Mountain Scrambler Rating framework and two lists of ratings were first posted on the SPS webpage in November 2019. Based on an article in the April-June 2019 issue of The Sierra Echo, the summary Scrambler Ratings Definitions provided below explain the underlying criteria for the new framework for rating the difficulty of non-technical mountain scrambles and the relationship of the Mountain Scrambler ratings to the longstanding Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) ratings. The new ratings framework has benefited from some refinements over the past five years, reflecting comments and suggestions from SPS members and other climbers of Sierra peaks.
SPS members and other Sierra peak baggers are encouraged to offer additions and changes to the two lists of Scrambler Ratings for non-technical routes up mountains in the High Sierra. Please contact philsbates54@gmail.com or Dylan Kilby at dylanrkilby@gmail.com with comments, suggestions, questions, additions and changes to the tables.
The first table now provides Mountain Scrambler Ratings and related Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) rating for 465 non-technical routes up SPS peaks, including the easiest route up each of the 247 mountains on the official SPS Peaks List Scrambler Ratings for SPS Peaks List
The second table for non-SPS High Sierra peaks now offers Mountain Scrambler Ratings and related YDS ratings for 395 peaks and 573 different non-technical routes, representing increased coverage of about 8% and 10%, respectively. Scrambler Ratings for Non-SPS High Sierra Peaks
To facilitate locating individual and nearby peaks, the organization of the table for Non-SPS High Sierra Peaks numbers the peaks within each region based on their geographic location within each region, starting in the southeast and moving to the northwest in a progression that parallels the geographic ordering of mountains within each region on the official SPS peaks List. The first numbered peak in each region on the Non-SPS High Peaks table begins with the number that follows the highest numbered peak for the same region on the official SPS Peaks List.
Benchmark Routes Identified for Each Rating Category
As part of the latest update, an experienced group of SPS climbers identified benchmark climbing routes for each category of the Scrambler Ratings. As suggested by Alex Wankowicz of the local climbing community, the benchmark routes are intended to represent the key characteristics and expected difficulty associated with each category. We hope that this provides a convenient reference point for each Scrambler Rating and promotes broader use of this relatively new grading system for non-technical climbs.
Following the approach taken during the early development of the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) for technical rock climbing, the objective of establishing benchmark routes is to improve the standardization of the Scrambler Ratings grading system for non-technical climbing routes in the Sierra Nevada. Since the grading of climbing routes is subjective, benchmarks aim to provide a community-accepted reference point for forming consensus ratings for other lesser-known routes of the same level of climbing difficulty. In simpler terms: a benchmark route is a well-known climb of a specific grade that serves as a baseline for what that level of difficulty feels like and provides a comparative basis for what to expect on other routes that have the same rating.
We selected routes that are popular, well-established, and on well-known Sierra Nevada peaks that are representative of the Scrambler Ratings. These predominantly include Emblem and Mountaineers peaks given they are more commonly ascended and already intended to represent SPS. We have excluded more remote peaks and mountains that are often considered to be extreme examples of their grade, such as the standard routes up Homers Nose (S-1.2) and Devil’s Crag #1 (S-4.2).
By using a well-known level of difficulty, a benchmark route helps climbers, especially those with less experience, understand the standard of difficulty underlying a particular rating category. For similar reasons, the benchmark helps climbers calibrate their personal sense of a grade. Climbing a benchmark route for a particular grade confirms that a climber has developed the skills and strength required for that level of climbing difficulty, serving as a personal reference point for tracking an individual’s climbing capabilities and progress.
Benchmarks will not eliminate differences of opinion on the climbing difficulty of routes. Perceptions of the climbing difficulty of a particular route often differ among climbers, owing to differences in experience and ability of the climbers, as well as variations (sometimes by mistake) in the actual routes climbed. However, the hope is that benchmark routes will serve to improve the consistency of Mountain Scrambler Ratings, reduce the need for adjustment of new and existing ratings, and enhance the usefulness of the grading system for Sierra climbers.
Please check out the list of two benchmark routes for each Scrambler Rating category Benchmark Routes for Scrambler Rating Categories
Abbreviated Definitions for Mountain Scrambler Ratings
To distinguish the difficulty of non-technical mountain climbs more clearly, the Mountain Scrambler Ratings framework divides each of the four, non-technical YDS rating categories into three parts and expands the scope of the ratings. While the YDS ratings only address the difficulty of the hardest section of the route, Mountain Scrambler Ratings also consider the length of the most challenging segments and other factors, such as rock stability, that distinguish the severity of mountain hikes and scrambles. In expanding the scope of analysis, Scrambler Ratings address the extent and challenges of any off-trail travel, the length and difficulty of any scrambling, the steepness, nature and stability of the terrain and the degree of exposure to hazards. The Scrambler Ratings only address the extent and stability of the most difficult class of rock encountered on a route; the ratings do not address the extent and stability of terrain of lower degrees of difficulty on the route. As in the case of YDS ratings, Scrambler Ratings do not assess seasonal and daily variations in the risks posed by the angle, quality and extent of any snow that may cover part of the route, or similar variations in the risks posed by water crossings.
As part of the latest updating, the rating definitions for the S-2.1, S-3.1 and S-4.1 categories were clarified to reduce misunderstanding. There is now an additional clause specifying that each category includes routes with shorter, unstable segments of the category’s most difficult rock climbing.
The abbreviated definitions outlined below describe the key characteristics of each Scrambler Rating category. All Scrambler Ratings are preceded by an “S” notation for “Scrambler” to distinguish them from the closely related but not identical YDS ratings.
Background information and detailed Mountain Scrambler definitions are available. Definitions for Mountain Scrambler Ratings
YDS CLASS 1 - Hiking on trails and easy cross-country travel with little risk.
S-1.0 Hands-in-pockets walking on well-maintained trails.
S-1.1 Hikes predominately on a mix of maintained and/or use trails, with at most small amounts of off-trail travel.
S-1.2 Intermediate to long distances of cross-country travel over stable terrain of low to moderate grade.
YDS Class 2 - Simple scrambling and rough cross-country travel on scree, talus and boulders, with minimal exposure and low to moderate risk.
S-2.0 Modest distances of rough cross-country travel on low angle scree and talus, with only short segments of easy scrambling on moderate angle, stable terrain.
S-2.1 Short to intermediate distances of rough cross-country travel on low angle scree, talus and boulders, with extensive, easy scrambling on moderate angle terrain that is predominately stable, or shorter segments of medium difficulty scrambling on unstable terrain.
S-2.2 Intermediate to longer distances of rough cross-country travel with lengthy stretches of easy to medium difficulty scrambling on moderate to fairly steep angle scree, talus and boulders that are sometimes unstable, thus posing some risk of injury.
YDS Class 3 - Moderate scrambling on steep, rocky terrain that requires handholds for upward movement and safety. Beginners may want a belay due to increased exposure and risk of serious injury.
S-3.0 Brief, medium difficulty to hard scrambling on fairly steep to steep angle, stable rock, with medium to high exposure and risk of serious injury.
S-3.1 Short to intermediate length, hard scrambling on fairly steep to steep angle and predominantly stable rock, or shorter segments of steep angle, unstable rock, with high exposure and risk of serious injury.
S-3.2 Extensive, hard scrambling on fairly steep to steep angle and sometimes unstable rock, with high to severe exposure and risk of serious injury.
YDS Class 4 - Difficult and exposed scrambling on very steep terrain where a rope is often advisable for safety, given the substantial risk of serious injury or death in the event of a fall.
S-4.0 Brief, very hard scrambling on extremely steep, stable rock, with high to severe exposure and risk of serious injury.
S-4.1 Short to intermediate length, very hard scrambling on extremely steep and predominantly stable rock, or shorter length, very hard scrambling on unstable rock, with severe exposure and risk of serious injury.
S-4.2 Extensive, very hard scrambling on extremely steep and sometimes unstable rock, with severe exposure and risk of serious injury.
END OF 12/1/25 UPDATE OF SCRAMBLER INFORMATION
URLs for linked files (December 2025 version):
https://www.sierraclub.org/sites/default/files/2025-12/sps-25-12-scrambler-ratings-spspkslist.pdf
https://www.sierraclub.org/sites/default/files/2025-12/sps-25-12-scrambler-ratings-nonspspks.pdf
https://www.sierraclub.org/sites/default/files/2025-12/sps-25-12-benchmark-routestbl.pdf
https://www.sierraclub.org/sites/default/files/2025-12/sps-25-12-def-scrambling-ratings.pdf
The material below, posted 1/16/25, is an update to material previously updated 2/11/24.
Go to TOP OF THIS PAGE for latest version dated 12/1/25.
Scrambler Ratings for: SPS Peaks | Non-SPS High Sierra Peaks | Definitions
Ratings for Mountain Scramblers
Updated 1/12/2025 - The Lists of Mountain Scrambler Ratings have been updated with new ratings for 134 non-technical routes up Sierra Nevada peaks, including coverage of an additional 63 mountains. In addition, the ratings for twelve routes have been revised, with eight of the revisions pertaining to routes on SPS peaks. All new and revised ratings are shown in red text. The two tables covering the official SPS Peaks List and non-SPS High Sierra summits now provide Mountain Scrambler Ratings for 973 non-technical routes up 612 mountains in the Sierra Nevada, representing an increase in coverage of 16% and 11%, respectively, relative to the last updating at the beginning of 2024. The table for the SPS peaks provides Scrambler Ratings for the easiest route up each of the 247 mountains on the official SPS peaks List. Scrambler Ratings coverage includes at least one route up each of the one hundred mountains on the Vagmarken Club Sierra Crest List and each of the fifty six mountains on the Tahoe Ogul Peaks List that have non-technical routes and are located in the Sierra Nevada. All but six of the 365 non-SPS High Sierra summits with Scrambler Ratings qualify for the Andy Smatko Explorer Emblem by meeting one of the three following requirements: (1) a listed “summit” in the GNIS (Geographic Names Information System) of the USGS, (2) a named peak or spire in R.J. Secor’s “The High Sierra: Peaks, Passes and Trails” or (3) a high point approved by the SPS Emblem Committee as a “special case” Sierra summit that qualifies for the Smatko Explorer Emblem, reflecting such criteria as the high point’s degree of prominence, its distance from the nearest Smatko or SPS peak, the required minimum elevation gain and hiking distance, and the climbing difficulty of the easiest route of ascent. All peaks qualifying for the Smatko Explorer Emblem must be located in the Sierra Nevada range and have a minimum elevation of 7000 feet.
The Mountain Scrambler Rating framework and two lists of ratings were first posted on the SPS webpage in November 2019. Based on an article in the April-June 2019 issue of The Sierra Echo, the summary Scrambler Ratings Definitions provided below explain the underlying criteria for the new framework for rating the difficulty of non-technical mountain scrambles and the relationship of the Mountain Scrambler ratings to the longstanding Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) ratings. The new ratings framework has benefited from some refinements over the past five years, reflecting comments and suggestions from SPS members and other climbers of Sierra peaks.
SPS members and other Sierra peak baggers are encouraged to offer additions and changes to the two lists of Scrambler Ratings for non-technical routes up mountains in the High Sierra. Please contact Phil at philsbates54@gmail.com with comments, suggestions, questions, additions and changes to the tables.
The first table now provides Mountain Scrambler Ratings and related Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) rating for 454 non-technical routes up SPS peaks, including the easiest route up each of the 247 mountains on the official SPS Peaks List (Scrambler Ratings for SPS Peaks List):
https://www.sierraclub.org/sites/default/files/2025-01/sps25-scrambler-ratings-sps-peaks-2025-01.pdf
The second table for non-SPS High Sierra peaks now offers Mountain Scrambler Ratings and related YDS ratings for 365 peaks and 519 different non-technical routes, representing increased coverage of 20% and 25%, respectively. (Scrambler Ratings for Non-SPS High Sierra Peaks):
https://www.sierraclub.org/sites/default/files/2025-01/sps25-scrambler-ratings-non-sps-peaks-2025-01.pdf
To facilitate locating individual and nearby peaks, the organization of the table for Non-SPS High Sierra Peaks numbers the peaks within each region based on their geographic location within each region, starting in the southeast and moving to the northwest in a progression that parallels the geographic ordering of mountains within each region on the official SPS peaks List. The first numbered peak in each region on the Non-SPS High Peaks table begins with the number that follows the highest numbered peak for the same region on the official SPS Peaks List.
Abbreviate Definitions for Mountain Scrambler Ratings
To distinguish the difficulty of non-technical mountain climbs more clearly, the Mountain Scrambler Ratings framework divides each of the four, non-technical YDS rating categories into three parts and expands the scope of the ratings. While the YDS ratings only address the difficulty of the hardest section of the route, Mountain Scrambler Ratings also consider the length of the most challenging segments and other factors, such as rock stability, that distinguish the severity of mountain hikes and scrambles. In expanding the scope of analysis, Scrambler Ratings address the extent and challenges of any off-trail travel, the length and difficulty of any scrambling, the steepness, nature and stability of the terrain and the degree of exposure to hazards. The Scrambler Ratings only address the extent and stability of the most difficult class of rock encountered on a route; the ratings do not address the extent and stability of terrain of lower degrees of difficulty on the route. As in the case of YDS ratings, Scrambler Ratings do not assess seasonal and daily variations in the risks posed by the angle, quality and extent of any snow that may cover part of the route, or similar variations in the risks posed by water crossings.
The abbreviated definitions outlined below describe the key characteristics of each Scrambler Rating category. All Scrambler Ratings are preceded by an “S” notation for “Scrambler” to distinguish them from the closely related but not identical YDS ratings.
Background information and detailed Mountain Scrambler definitions are available. (Definitions for Mountain Scrambler Ratings):
https://www.sierraclub.org/sites/default/files/2024-02/sps-scrambling-ratings-defs-rev2024-02.pdf
YDS CLASS 1 - Hiking on trails and easy cross-country travel with little risk.
S-1.0 Hands-in-pockets walking on well-maintained trails.
S-1.1 Hikes predominately on a mix of maintained and/or use trails, with at most small amounts of off-trail travel.
S-1.2 Intermediate to long distances of cross-country travel over stable terrain of low to moderate grade.
YDS Class 2 - Simple scrambling and rough cross-country travel on scree, talus and boulders, with minimal exposure and low to moderate risk.
S-2.0 Modest distances of rough cross-country travel on low angle scree and talus, with only short segments of easy scrambling on moderate angle, stable terrain.
S-2.1 Short to intermediate distances of rough cross-country travel on low angle scree, talus and boulders, with extensive, easy scrambling on moderate angle terrain that is predominately stable.
S-2.2 Intermediate to longer distances of rough cross-country travel with lengthily stretches of easy to medium difficulty scrambling on moderate to fairly steep angle scree, talus and boulders that are sometime unstable, thus posing some risk of injury.
YDS Class 3 - Moderate scrambling on steep, rocky terrain that requires handholds for upward movement and safety. Beginners may want a belay due to increased exposure and risk of serious injury.
S-3.0 Brief, medium difficulty to hard scrambling on fairly steep to steep angle, stable rock, with medium to high exposure and risk of serious injury.
S-3.1 Short to intermediate length, hard scrambling on fairly steep to steep angle and predominately stable rock, with high exposure and risk of serious injury.
S-3.2 Extensive, hard scrambling on fairly steep to steep angle and sometimes unstable rock, with high to severe exposure and risk of serious injury.
YDS Class 4 - Difficult and exposed scrambling on very steep terrain where a rope is often advisable for safety, given the substantial risk of serious injury or death in the event of a fall.
S-4.0 Brief, very hard scrambling on extremely steep, stable rock, with high to severe exposure and risk of serious injury.
S-4.1 Short to intermediate length, very hard scrambling on extremely steep and predominately stable rock, with severe exposure and risk of serious injury.
S-4.2 Extensive, very hard scrambling on extremely steep and sometimes unstable rock, with severe exposure and risk of serious injury.