HikeMetrics
Global Hiking Index
HikeMetrics
Global Hiking Index
HikeMetrics // Comparison Engine
Route A

Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee

austria/Fernpass, Tyrol
VS
Route B

Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail)

jordan/dana-biosphere-petra

Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee vs Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail): Intensity Score Comparison

Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail) is unequivocally more demanding overall (+44 points). While Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee is a serious endeavor, Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail) pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

Model-based (not a field report) · Evaluates overall route demand, not danger.

Intensity Difference
+44 Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail)
Greater Commitment
Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail)wins 8 of 10 metrics
2
Route A
8
Route B
austria/Fernpass, Tyrol

Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee

LOW // ACCESS
Full Route Report

The Blindsee and Weißensee lie below the Fernpass road in Tyrol, Austria. The trail forms a short loop around Blindsee and includes an optional detour to Weißensee. The lakes are surrounded by limestone slopes and mixed forest, offering clear water and alpine scenery.

jordan/dana-biosphere-petra

Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail)

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

The Dana to Petra section of the Jordan Trail is a multi-day desert traverse connecting the Dana Biosphere Reserve to the archaeological site of Petra. The route transits through the Great Rift Valley, descending from the Dana ridge at 1,200 meters through the Wadi Dana gorge into the arid plains of Wadi Araba. The trek culminates in the 'Back Door' entry to Petra, a high-altitude Nabataean mountain path that provides immediate access to the Monastery (Ad Deir). The route is defined by its geological transition from limestone escarpments to sandstone canyons and the presence of Bronze Age copper mines in the Feynan region.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
17
WINNER61
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
16
WINNER70
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
23
WINNER32
DistanceLonger route
5.5 km
WINNER76 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
120 m
WINNER2,679 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,100 m
WINNER1,200 m
DurationShorter commitment
1 days WINNER
5 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
LOW // ACCESS WINNER
EXPERT // HAZARD
Crowd LevelLess crowded
3 / 5
WINNER2 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
2 / 5
WINNER5 / 5

HikeMetrics Hazard Scale — Explanation

1
LOW // ACCESS
2
STANDARD // RT
3
MODERATE // CHLG
4
EXPERT // HAZARD
5
EXTREME // LETHAL

The HikeMetrics Hazard Scale is a proprietary 5-point classification system that evaluates hiking routes across five dimensions: physical demand, technical complexity, altitude exposure, weather risk, and rescue accessibility.

Unlike generic star ratings, the Hazard Scale is calibrated against altitude profiles, elevation gain per day, and logistical isolation factors — making it the most precise route classification system available.

Full Scale Documentation
Route A // Hazard Verdict
Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee
LOW // ACCESS
slippery roots near water: The path around the Blindsee is narrow and features many wet tree roots.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail)
EXPERT // HAZARD
heat and sun exposure: The transit across the Wadi Araba floor involves sustained exposure to temperatures exceeding 40°C in unshaded desert conditions.
flash flood risk: Narrow canyon systems (Wadis) in the Rift Valley are subject to rapid flash flooding from localized rainfall in the eastern highlands.

Required Gear Comparison

Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee
Light hiking shoesSwimwear (the Blindsee is one of Tyrol's most rewarding swim spots)Polarized sunglassesCamera
Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail)
High-performance desert-specific breathable shellTechnical trekking boots with aggressive rock-clamping solesDesert-specific headwear (Shemagh) for moisture retention and UV protectionUV-rated eye protection (Category 3 or 4 recommended)Minimum 20,000mAh power capacity for 5-day offline GPS tracking

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy)
EXPERT // HAZARD
argentina
Perito Moreno Glacier Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Hochkeil — The Hidden Panorama
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Prossautal — A Glacial Box Valley in Hohe Tauern
LOW // ACCESS