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

Cirque de Gavarnie

france/Pyrenees National Park
VS
Route B

Three Capes Track

australia/tasman-peninsula-tasmania

Cirque de Gavarnie vs Three Capes Track: Intensity Score Comparison

Three Capes Track is unequivocally more demanding overall (+25 points). While Cirque de Gavarnie is a serious endeavor, Three Capes Track pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+25 Three Capes Track is harder
Higher Physical Load
Three Capes Track
Higher Technical Seriousness
Three Capes Track
Greater Commitment
Three Capes Track
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Three Capes Trackwins 7 of 9 metrics
2
Route A
7
Route B
france/Pyrenees National Park

Cirque de Gavarnie

STANDARD // RT
Full Route Report

The Cirque de Gavarnie is a monumental glacial amphitheater located in the Parc National des Pyrénées, widely regarded as one of the most significant natural landmarks in the Hautes-Pyrénées. This 10.5km out-and-back trail leads from the village of Gavarnie to the base of the massive 1,500m limestone walls. The cirque is crowned by the 'Grande Cascade de Gavarnie,' which at 422 meters is the highest waterfall in mainland France. The route is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Pyrénées – Mont Perdu' and offers an accessible high-alpine experience. Note: Compiled from public sources — not a field report.

australia/tasman-peninsula-tasmania

Three Capes Track

STANDARD // RT
Full Route Report

The Three Capes Track is a 48km point-to-point trekking route within Tasman National Park, Tasmania. Starting at the Port Arthur Historic Site with a marine transfer across the bay to Denmans Cove, the route traverses the high sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula. The track is highly engineered, featuring wide gravel paths and boardwalks that provide safe access to vertical dolerite columns reaching 300 meters above the Southern Ocean. Management is handled by the Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service, with a regulated north-to-south flow. The route transitions through diverse environments including coastal heathland, dry sclerophyll forest, and temperate rainforest.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
21
WINNER46
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
27
WINNER63
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
9
WINNER14
DistanceLonger route
10.5 km
WINNER48 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
210 m
WINNER1,400 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,567 m WINNER
457 m
DurationShorter commitment
1 days WINNER
4 days
Hazard Level
STANDARD // RT
STANDARD // RT
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
Cirque de Gavarnie
STANDARD // RT
rockfall at waterfall base: The final scramble from the Hôtellerie up to the very base of the waterfall is over loose, unstable scree. The massive towering cliffs constantly shed small (and sometimes large) rocks, especially in spring during the thaw.
spring avalanches: In May and June, massive chunks of snow and ice break off the high glacier ledges, crashing down into the cirque basin.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Three Capes Track
STANDARD // RT
maritime wind exposure: The Tasman Peninsula is directly exposed to Southern Ocean frontal systems, which can deliver high-velocity gusts and sudden thermal shifts.
topographical exposure: Portions of the track follow cliff lines reaching 300 meters. While the path is wide, these sections remain unfenced in several areas.

Required Gear Comparison

Cirque de Gavarnie
Lightweight hiking boots or approach shoes (the valley path is easy, but the final approach to the falls is steep, loose scree)Premium waterproof jacket (the 'spray zone' surrounding the waterfall is massive and freezing)Topographical map IGN 1748 OT (Gavarnie / Luz-St-Sauveur)A packed lunch (the view from the flat 'Plateau de la Courade' before the Hôtellerie is the perfect picnic spot)
Three Capes Track
Supportive hiking footwear (optimized for gravel and stone stairs)Technical waterproof and windproof shellSynthetic or wool thermal base layersLightweight sleeping bag (mattresses are provided)Self-sufficient food supply for 4 daysSun protection and insect repellent

Compare with Other Routes

austria
Dachstein Krippenstein — The 5 Fingers & Alpine Shark
STANDARD // RT
austria
The Gaisalmsteig — Achensee’s Fjordside Path
STANDARD // RT
austria
Grossglockner — The Gamsgrubenweg Trail
STANDARD // RT
austria
Krimml Waterfalls — The Vertical Mist
STANDARD // RT
austria
Ravensburger Hütte — The Rote Wand Panorama
STANDARD // RT
brazil
Morro Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers Hill)
STANDARD // RT