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

Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee

austria/Fernpass, Tyrol
VS
Route B

M'Goun Massif Traverse

morocco/central-high-atlas

Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee vs M'Goun Massif Traverse: Intensity Score Comparison

M'Goun Massif Traverse is unequivocally more demanding overall (+55 points). While Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee is a serious endeavor, M'Goun Massif Traverse pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+55 M'Goun Massif Traverse is harder
Higher Physical Load
M'Goun Massif Traverse
Higher Technical Seriousness
M'Goun Massif Traverse
Greater Commitment
M'Goun Massif Traverse
Overall HikeMetrics Score
M'Goun Massif Traversewins 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.

morocco/central-high-atlas

M'Goun Massif Traverse

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

Widely regarded as the 'true' mountain experience in Morocco, the M'Goun traverse is far more remote and wild than Toubkal. This multi-day adventure takes you through the stunning Ait Bougmez valley (known as the Happy Valley), across the vast Tarkeddite Plateau, to the ridge-line summit of Ighil M'Goun (4068m). The highlight for many is the descent through the spectacular M'Goun Gorges, where you'll walk through knee-deep water between towering canyon walls.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
17
WINNER72
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
16
WINNER76
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
23
WINNER51
DistanceLonger route
5.5 km
WINNER90 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
120 m
WINNER2,200 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,100 m
WINNER4,068 m
DurationShorter commitment
1 days WINNER
6 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
M'Goun Massif Traverse
EXPERT // HAZARD
flooding: Flash floods in the gorges can be serious during or after rain.
exposure: The summit ridge is very exposed to high winds and lightning.

Required Gear Comparison

Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee
Light hiking shoesSwimwear (the Blindsee is one of Tyrol's most rewarding swim spots)Polarized sunglassesCamera
M'Goun Massif Traverse
Old trekking shoes or robust sandals for river walkingWaterproof dry bag for electronicsLightweight tent (if not using gites)Wide-brimmed sun hat

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