What is Scrambling Hiking | Rocky Hill Hikes

Last updated on April 14th, 2021 at 05:23 pm

Going out on a hike can inspire a spirit of adventure and a thirst for more. Avid hikers find themselves exploring as many trails as they can access. The activity is fulfilling physically and mentally. As we progress in our fitness and abilities, though, we can find ourselves wanting to take on more challenging terrain. The practice of scrambling is popular among outdoor enthusiasts who are not ready to go all-out rock climbing but want to do more than just hiking. In this post, we provide the basics about scrambling and why folks love it so much.

How is Scrambling Different Than Climbing

Scrambling falls somewhere in between walking and rock climbing. Also, sometimes called alpine scrambling or rock scrambling, it is typically done over hilly or rocky terrain that requires the use of the hands for balance and advancement.

A Major Difference: Hand Holds

One difference between actual climbing and scrambling is the use of handholds on rocky routes- scramblers use handholds generally for balance, and climbers use them to actually hold and pull their body weight.

Another Difference: Gear Requirements

Most of the time ropes and other climbing gear is not used for scrambling, though gear can and should be brought along for safety at more challenging scrambling locations. While the degree of difficulty varies depending on the ability of the person, scrambling has been categorized into varying grades of difficulty, we will describe briefly later on.

In general, it is important to recognize that while scrambling is not all out climbing, it can still be a very dangerous activity particularly because you are not using all the tools and safety mechanisms that a climber would use.

How to Scramble Safely

Safety is paramount for new and inexperienced scramblers as well as more experienced scramblers that are taking on challenging routes. Here are some basic safety tips for scrambling at all levels:

Understand your Abilities Relative to The Route

If you are taking on something that is well beyond your abilities, your risk for serious injury is significantly heightened no matter how careful you are. Do your homework and understand what lies ahead. If it looks like you are going to be well out of your element, consider a different route.

Pay Attention to The Weather

Scrambling in dry weather is critically important for those who are new to it. Furthermore, scrambling route grades, which we will describe later on, are based on dry conditions. If the weather is wet, the difficulty of most scrambling routes becomes much greater. This is because scrambling is almost like climbing, but for the most part, you are free of most climbing gear.

You don’t usually have safety gear like a rope to hold your weight in the event of a slip, which is much more likely on a very exposed, wet part of a scrambling route (even an easy one). So before you go out on a jaunt, make sure you know what the weather is going to be like.

Take Your Time

Especially if you’re new to this. Contrary to the name, scrambling should not be done frantically or in a rush. Mistakes can happen and you do not have the safety fall-backs in place to protect you from injury.

Scramble in numbers

It’s always safer and typically more enjoyable to go hiking with at least one other person. This is the same for scrambling, especially when you are new to it and less confident. Early on, try to go scrambling with someone more experienced than you. Adding another mind, able body, and set of eyes will help to spot and prevent serious mistakes. Also, if something were to go wrong you would have immediate assistance.

Focus on Balance

Maintain three points of contact at all times- two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot. When ascending, you’ll want to use your hands instead of trekking poles because they won’t give you enough stability.

Be sure to keep your weight over your feet as these will be your most secure contact points. When on steeper terrain, keep the weight at your feet and lean toward the rock. Maintain a low center of gravity. Make sure that you are placing your feet on the driest surface possible and try to place as much surface area of your shoe grips on the rock as possible.

Test Everything Before Committing

This goes for all handholds and footholds. Never commit your full body weight to the next move without ensuring that the surface is stable enough to handle you.

Pack Your Gear Appropriately

Make sure heavy items are placed in the bottom of your pack to keep a lower center of gravity. Ensure that there aren’t heavy items swinging loosely outside of your pack so that you avoid being thrown off balance. Also, bring a pair of gloves if you know that you will be using your hands a lot along the route on rough and potentially painful surfaces.

Keep Track of Where You Are

Many scrambling routes are taken in unmarked locations. If you are in unfamiliar territory, take time to look around and remember your surroundings. Bring a map for reference.

When Going Downhill Focus to Maintain Control and Balance

Descending is more challenging than ascending, so be mindful of each and every move you make. When facing outward, be sure to lean slightly backward toward the rock to avoid tumbling forward. You could also take out one trekking pole to add another point of contact for balance. On very steep or challenging descent points, turn and face the rock so that you can have three to four contact points. Turning to face the rock can also prevent your pack from nudging the surface and throwing you off balance.

Some organizations provide courses on scrambling in various environments, such as these courses provided by The Mountaineers.

Scrambling Grades: Helpful for Beginners and Advanced Scramblers Alike

You’ve likely heard the phrase, “What gets measured gets managed.” This philosophy has been applied to scrambling since the activity has gained popularity within the broader context of hiking and climbing. There are slightly different, but altogether similar, grading systems for scrambling depending on where you are in the world.

In the US, scrambling falls primarily within grade 3 of the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). In the UK, there are a couple of grading systems that generally say the same thing in different ways. We have an entire post that covers the Scrambling Grades in both the US and the UK, and we strongly suggest visiting that post.

For the sake of simplicity, below we give a brief overview of the main scrambling grades of the UK grading system:

Grade 1

For easy scrambles with very few hazards. Beginner-friendly.

Grade 2

For slightly longer and more difficult scrambles. May require light rope use for safety. Some areas may require a short climb over an obstacle.

Grade 3

Difficult routes for experienced scramblers. Steeper grades and exposed sections with few handholds where a fall could cause serious injury. Rope use advised for short climbing sections.

Grade 4

Most challenging scrambling that requires very experienced individuals with climbing skills. Rope and other climbing gear likely necessary.

Advanced Scrambling

Advanced scrambling is for individuals who feel more than comfortable on UK Grade 1 or 2 routes (as outlined above). These scramblers want to take their efforts to the next level.

Advanced scramblers have climbing skills that can take them on challenging terrain that may actually require climbing gear and more vertical climbing efforts. Other than the satisfaction of overcoming the physical challenges of more difficult and dangerous locations, people who take on more advanced scrambling routes will reap the reward of seeing some of the most beautiful terrains in the world from a perspective that others cannot.

Some organizations in the UK have a number of courses intended to help scramblers reach an advanced level. If you find yourself in the UK or just want to learn about what these courses have to offer, check out options like Beyond the Edge, Summit Mountain Skills, and Jagged Globe.

While above mentions some UK scrambling help, below we cover some of the most epic scrambles in North America.

North American Scrambling

While other parts of the world may have a developed culture of scrambling, the U.S. is not far behind. Scrambling has a strong following, and with the broad terrain in the US there are a number of awesome locations well suited for the activity.

North American Scrambling Locations

Many locations are both beautiful and dangerous, certain to provide a challenge. Your blood will be pumping when taking on these scrambles. Here are some suggested locations:

Lady Mountain, Zion National Park, Utah– The elevation gain is 2700 feet and requires climbing gear. You’ll be certain to experience the challenge and awe of one of the best parts of Zion National Park.

Rock Rooms on Elk Mountain, Wichita Mountains Wilderness, Oklahoma– With 1000 feet of elevation gain in about a mile, you will actually enter into the Wichita Mountains and navigate through caves of boulders and rocks. While this isn’t an advanced scramble, be sure to bring safety gear such as a helmet and headlamp.

The Labyrinth and Lemon Squeeze, Mohonk Preserve, New York– Considered one of the best scrambles in New York, a challenging 9-mile route takes you to the top of Skylight Mountain to become king of the Hudson Valley for a day.

This blog post features a handful of other suggested American scrambling locations, relisted here:

Mountaineer’s Route on Mount Whitney, California
East Arête on Mount Russell, California
Crestone Traverse between Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak, Colorado
Ellingwood Ridge on La Plata Peak, Colorado
Wham Ridge on Vestal Peak, Colorado
Knife Edge Ridge on Mount Katahdin, Maine
North Guardian Angel in Zion National Park, Utah
Southwest Ridge of Borah Peak, Idaho
East Face of Teewinot Mountain, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Cabezon Peak, New Mexico

The Mountaineers website provides some great options for scrambling and other outdoor adventures as well. The Wilderness Society also provides 20 great American locations for general rock climbing, which can include scrambles.

World Famous Scrambling Locations

The world has so many options for scramblers. Here are some UK locations to consider for some epic scrambling:

Peak District National Park– As the first national park in England, most of the area that encompasses the park is above 1,000 ft and provides breathtaking views of the northern part of the country.
Lake District National Park– As the second oldest national park in England, the Lake District is the most visited park in the UK because of its incredible lake and mountain scenery.
Wales– Wales provides the UK’s second highest peaks in Snowdonia National Park, where you can take guided scrambles with experienced instructors that know just the right routes for your skill set.
Scotland– With some of the tallest mountains in the UK, Scotland provides great adventures with routes along mountains like the Aonach Eagach Ridge or the Black Cuillin of the Isle of Skye. Mountaineering Scotland provides some helpful information about scrambling in Scotland.

In addition to the options linked above, UK Scrambles features some other notable scrambling routes in the UK. Steven Fallon Mountain Adventures also provides several scrambling locations on its website.

Scrambling is a Natural Progression

Scrambling is a great progression for the avid hiker. We love the ability to steer off the traditional hiking trail and take on some rocks where our hands are engaged but not in a vertical climb. Remember, scrambling is for outdoor adventurers with a bit more experience on challenging terrain, especially those who have trained their bodies to adapt to a variety of hurdles that present themselves along the way.

Staying Safe on Scrambles

Whole body fitness and mental focus are critical, and it will always be helpful if you develop some actual climbing skills, particularly using safety tools such as ropes. Understanding how mapped scrambling routes are graded will help you to choose your adventure appropriately. Knowing a routes grade will allow you to compare it with your strengths and weaknesses. Having this info will allow you to select a good route, and appropriate route selection is a key to scrambling safety.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of locations around the world to do some scrambling, and that is the point! Scrambling enables you to see, feel, smell, hear, experience parts of the world that not many have because they stay in their line of regular hiking (which is just fine as well).

Scramble with Friends, Learn, and Get Scrambling

If you are uncertain as to whether or not you will enjoy scrambling, give it a try with someone who has a bit more experience. Even better, take a scrambling course like the ones we have referenced.

While not officially climbing, it could be a good idea to take a basic climbing course. This will help you get used to using your hands all while under the safety net of an instructor. If you find that you are not enjoying yourself, you can always be prepared to scale back and take a more manageable hiking path. For this reason it is highly recommended that beginners select lower grade routes, as more serious scrambling grades are difficult to abort once begun.

You may find that scrambling gives you a good taste for what real climbing is all about, which would open up a whole new world for you.

Start small, find a simple route to take, and try out some scrambling. Then let us know how it goes!

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