Isn't this quote from Gerry Roach's book?Eli Boardman wrote:How hard is class 3?
Do the Keyhole on Longs, then you will know.
On topic, In my limited experience with class three (Longs, ellingwood ridge on La Plata, Navajo Peak) there isn't anything technically difficult about the moves required, even a casual gym climber would think Long's keyhole moves are a breeze, but the altitude and exposure make this hiking/climbing grade more difficult than a class two walk up. Lower grades also offer an easier and faster descent if weather moves in, so I would say gauging weather becomes much more important on a class three route.