Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling)
Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail)
Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling) vs Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail): Intensity Score Comparison
Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail) is unequivocally more demanding overall (+9 points). While Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling) 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.
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.
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
HikeMetrics Hazard Scale — Explanation
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