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

Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval)

france/Alps (Haute-Savoie)
VS
Route B

Pedra do Telégrafo

brazil/rio-de-janeiro-guaratiba

Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval) vs Pedra do Telégrafo: Intensity Score Comparison

Both routes share a similar overall intensity (15 vs 14). Depending on personal strengths, the challenge relies more on Pedra do Telégrafo's technicality versus the physical output of the other.

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

Intensity Difference
+1 Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Pedra do Telégrafo
Greater Commitment
Pedra do Telégrafo
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval)wins 5 of 7 metrics
5
Route A
2
Route B
france/Alps (Haute-Savoie)

Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval)

LOW // ACCESS
Full Route Report

Translated literally as 'The End of the World', this spectacular 8km loop is located in the immense limestone amphitheater of the Cirque du Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. Surrounded by towering 2,000-meter cliffs, this is a predominantly flat, welcoming walk that traces the Giffre river to its source. It is perfect for those seeking high-alpine drama without the grueling climbs usually required to find it. Note: Compiled from public sources — not a field report.

brazil/rio-de-janeiro-guaratiba

Pedra do Telégrafo

STANDARD // RT
Full Route Report

Pedra do Telégrafo (354m) is a prominent viewpoint within the Pedra Branca State Park in Rio de Janeiro's western sector. The site is globally recognized for a specific rock formation that, through forced perspective, creates the appearance of an extreme drop over the Atlantic. The ascent traverses a secondary Atlantic Forest corridor, providing a 360-degree vista of the 'Praias Selvagens' and the Restinga de Marambaia sandbar.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
15 WINNER
14
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
21 WINNER
16
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
5
WINNER9
DistanceLonger route
8 km WINNER
3.5 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
150 m
WINNER250 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,070 m WINNER
354 m
Duration
1 days
1 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
LOW // ACCESS WINNER
STANDARD // RT
Crowd Level
5 / 5
5 / 5
Remoteness
2 / 5
2 / 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
Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval)
LOW // ACCESS
spring avalanches and rockfall: The trail pushes deep into the base of 2,000m cliffs. In spring, massive chunks of ice and loosened rock frequently crash down into the valley.
sudden river surges: The Giffre river and its tributaries can swell rapidly on hot afternoons when the glacial melt above accelerates.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Pedra do Telégrafo
STANDARD // RT
Extreme queues and solar exposure: Wait times for the illusion photo can exceed 2-3 hours on peak weekends and public holidays, often in direct sunlight.
heat exhaustion: The summit is exposed with no shade while waiting in line.

Required Gear Comparison

Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval)
Lightweight, waterproof hiking shoes (the valley floor is often sodden with water spray and small streams crossing the path)Waterproof jacket (hikers will likely get sprayed by the waterfalls if the wind picks up)Camera with a wide-angle lens (the scale of the cirque is nearly impossible to capture)Binoculars (to spot chamois and ibex clinging to the impossible cliffs high above)
Pedra do Telégrafo
Comfortable walking shoes (The trail is well-trodden and not technical)Small backpack with 2L waterCamera/Smartphone (the whole point of the hike)A bit of cash (local photographers often offer to take the 'perfect' professional shot for a small fee)Sun protection

Compare with Other Routes

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Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee
LOW // ACCESS
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Dachstein Krippenstein — The 5 Fingers & Alpine Shark
STANDARD // RT
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The Gaisalmsteig — Achensee’s Fjordside Path
STANDARD // RT
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Grossglockner — The Gamsgrubenweg Trail
STANDARD // RT
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Hochkeil — The Hidden Panorama
LOW // ACCESS
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Krimml Waterfalls — The Vertical Mist
STANDARD // RT