Quote Originally Posted by Mags View Post
Hiking off trail in general will give you an experience that is more difficult. You don't have to peakbag to get a harder experience.

At least in Colorado, I usually avoid the high points (14ers) as they are too crowded and even "off trail" experiences have social trails. Of course, the trail less 13ers are another ball of wax. They are usually more difficult than the majority of the 14ers. And definitely less crowded.

Hiking for difficulty is not why I hike. I hike because I enjoy it. By coincidence, some of the hardest hikes are also sometimes the most enjoyable. And sometimes these hikes do not end at a peak, but a remote valley or a trail-less ridge

YMMV
Ditto the crowds in RMNP. The not-frequently-traveled trails on the northwest side I enjoyed more. I didn't pose the question for fear of a "hard" hike (cuz they are all FUN!), or to avoid them, or seek them. I enjoy the hike, the experience just because (and the views and peace). I just wanted some context because I've got no clue about the trail or mountains on the east coast other than K.