Martin Classification System Explained

Below is a breakdown of the Martin Classification of Difficulty rating system for U.S. State Highpoints

Class 1 – Drive-ups and highpoints with vertical gains of no more than 130 feet and less than 0.6 miles round trip from car.

Class 2 – Highpoints with vertical gains of 150-400 feet and from 0.4 to 2.0 miles round trip from car.

Class 3  – Highpoints with vertical gains of 450-750 feet and from 2.2 to 3.6 miles round trip from car.

Class 4 – Highpoints with vertical gains of 600-1,500 feet and from 5.8 to 8.6 miles round trip from car.

Class 5 – Highpoints with vertical gains of 2,950-4,200 feet and from 8.4 to 14.8 miles round trip from car.

Class 6 – Highpoints with vertical gains of 3,250-5,000 feet, from 6.2 to 9.0 miles round trip from car, and with summits over 12,633 feet.

Class 7 – Highpoints with vertical gains of 5,350-6,750 feet, from 21.4 to 28.8 miles round trip from car, with summits over 13,528 feet, and likely requiring more than one day to summit and return.

Class 8 – Highpoints with vertical gains of 5,300 feet, from 6.8 to 8.0 miles round trip from car, with summits over 11,239 feet, and requiring handholds and/or the use of ropes.

Class 9 – Highpoints with vertical gains of 7,000-9,100 feet, from 16.0 to 40.4 miles round trip from car, with summits over 12,799 feet, and requiring technical skill on rock and glacier where ropes are required.

Class 10 – Highpoint with a vertical gain of 24,500 feet, 46.0 miles round trip from base camp, summit elevation of 20,320 feet, and requiring technical skills for glacier travel where ropes are required.

Source: http://www4.wittenberg.edu/academics/hfs/tmartin/highpointing/hparticle.html