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

El Caminito del Rey — The King's Path

spain/Andalusia, Malaga
VS
Route B

Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling)

argentina/patagonia

El Caminito del Rey — The King's Path vs Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling): Intensity Score Comparison

Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling) is unequivocally more demanding overall (+34 points). While El Caminito del Rey — The King's Path is a serious endeavor, Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling) pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+34 Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling)
Greater Commitment
Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling)wins 8 of 10 metrics
2
Route A
8
Route B
spain/Andalusia, Malaga

El Caminito del Rey — The King's Path

LOW // ACCESS
Full Route Report

Once considered the most dangerous hike in the world, the Caminito del Rey (Little Path of the King) is now a spectacular, safe, and exhilarating walkway through the Gaitanes Gorge. The trail consists of steel-and-wood boardwalks suspended 100 meters high on the vertical limestone walls of the canyon. It was originally built in 1905 for hydroelectric workers and was completely restored in 2015 CE. The route offers scenic views of the Guadalhorce river, the high bridges spanning the gorge, and the fossils embedded in the ancient seabed rock.

argentina/patagonia

Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling)

MODERATE // CHLG
Full Route Report

This two-day Patagonia hike leads to Refugio Otto Meiling on the slopes of Cerro Tronador, one of the most prominent peaks in the Bariloche region. The route climbs through coihue and lenga forests before emerging onto a high rocky ridge that culminates at the refuge (1,905m). Positioned between the Castaño Overa and Alerce glaciers, the stay offers a unique opportunity to witness active glacial calving. The trail follows a well-defined path of forest floor and alpine rock, with a final sustained push to reach the rocky spine where the hut perches.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
18
WINNER52
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
19
WINNER53
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
23
WINNER50
DistanceLonger route
7.7 km
WINNER28 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
50 m
WINNER1,050 m
Highest PointHigher summit
300 m
WINNER1,905 m
DurationShorter commitment
1 days WINNER
2 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
LOW // ACCESS WINNER
MODERATE // CHLG
Crowd LevelLess crowded
5 / 5
WINNER3 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
2 / 5
WINNER3 / 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
El Caminito del Rey — The King's Path
LOW // ACCESS
extreme vertigo exposure: Even though the trail is perfectly safe, the psychological impact of being suspended on a cliff can be intense.
heat reflection canyon: The Gaitanes gorge is a south-facing limestone oven; temperatures can soar above 40°C in July/August.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling)
MODERATE // CHLG
crevasses: Venturing onto the glaciers without a guide or technical training is extremely hazardous due to hidden crevasses.
rapid_weather_changes: High alpine exposure means severe storms can blow in quickly from the Pacific, even in summer.

Required Gear Comparison

El Caminito del Rey — The King's Path
Flat shoes or light hiking shoes (no heels or flip-flops allowed)Water (no sources on the 2-3 hour trail)Sun protectionHelmet (provided often required at the entrance)
Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling)
Sturdy hiking boots with good gripWindproof and waterproof hardshellInsulating layers (fleece or down)Trekking poles for the long descentSun protection and high-altitude UV glasses

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Huemul Circuit
EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Laguna Torre (Cerro Torre)
MODERATE // CHLG
argentina
Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy)
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Coburger Hütte — Seebensee & Drachensee
MODERATE // CHLG
austria
Hochkeil — The Hidden Panorama
LOW // ACCESS