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

Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)

argentina/mendoza

Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval) vs Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing): Intensity Score Comparison

Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) is unequivocally more demanding overall (+62 points). While Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval) is a serious endeavor, Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+62 Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Greater Commitment
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)wins 8 of 10 metrics
2
Route A
8
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.

argentina/mendoza

Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)

EXTREME // LETHAL
Full Route Report

Following the historic path used by the Army of the Andes in 1817, this 6-day trans-Andean expedition traverses the central cordillera from Mendoza, Argentina, to the Cajón del Maipo in Chile. The route crosses two significant high-altitude barriers—Portillo Argentino (4,330m) and Paso Piuquenes (4,030m). Hikers move through a high desert landscape of volcanic rock, vast glacial valleys, and the powerful Tunuyán River. The terrain consists primarily of rocky mountain paths, loose scree on the steeper pass approaches, and high-altitude plateaus where exposure to wind and sun is constant.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
15
WINNER77
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
21
WINNER79
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
5
WINNER55
DistanceLonger route
8 km
WINNER110 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
150 m
WINNER3,200 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,070 m
WINNER4,330 m
DurationShorter commitment
1 days WINNER
6 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
LOW // ACCESS WINNER
EXTREME // LETHAL
Crowd LevelLess crowded
5 / 5
WINNER1 / 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
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
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
EXTREME // LETHAL
acclimatization_and_ams: Prolonged exposure above 4,000m poses a risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
river_crossings: The Tunuyán River involves significant water volume and current strength, particularly in the afternoon.

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)
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Sturdy mountain boots with high ankle supportThermal system rated for temperatures down to -15°CHigh-performance wind and sun protectionTrekking poles for loose scree descentsPassport and necessary travel documents for border transit

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Huemul Circuit
EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)
EXTREME // LETHAL
austria
Berliner Höhenweg — The Zillertal High-Route
EXTREME // LETHAL
austria
Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Hochkeil — The Hidden Panorama
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm
LOW // ACCESS
Compare Le Bout du Monde (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval) vs Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) | Intensity & Difficulty