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

Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail)

jordan/dana-biosphere-petra
VS
Route B

Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges

austria/Gastein Valley, Salzburg

Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail) vs Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges: Intensity Score Comparison

Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail) is unequivocally more demanding overall (+27 points). While Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges 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.

Intensity Difference
+27 Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail)
Greater Commitment
Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail)wins 6 of 8 metrics
6
Route A
2
Route B
jordan/dana-biosphere-petra

Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail)

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

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.

austria/Gastein Valley, Salzburg

Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

Standing sentinel over the Belle Époque spa town of Bad Gastein, the Graukogel is a mountain of contrasts. It is famous for its ancient 'Zirbenwald' (stone pine forest), with trees over 300 years old. While the 'Zirbenweg' near the cable car station is a gentle sensory walk, the true Graukogel experience involves the strenuous, steep ascent to the summit (2,492m) and the traverse to the Palfnersee lake. The terrain transitions from scented forest to unforgiving granite ridges and scree, offering unparalleled views of the High Tauern's 'main chain' and the Ankogel massif.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
61 WINNER
34
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
70 WINNER
38
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
32 WINNER
26
DistanceLonger route
76 km WINNER
12 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
2,679 m WINNER
1,050 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,200 m
WINNER2,492 m
DurationShorter commitment
5 days
WINNER1 days
Hazard Level
EXPERT // HAZARD
EXPERT // HAZARD
Crowd Level
2 / 5
2 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
5 / 5 WINNER
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
Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail)
EXPERT // HAZARD
heat and sun exposure: The transit across the Wadi Araba floor involves sustained exposure to temperatures exceeding 40°C in unshaded desert conditions.
flash flood risk: Narrow canyon systems (Wadis) in the Rift Valley are subject to rapid flash flooding from localized rainfall in the eastern highlands.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges
EXPERT // HAZARD
sustained and demanding ascent: The ascent from the middle station to the summit is very steep and continuous.
steep rocky ridge sections: The ridge path toward the Palfnersee involves navigating large granite blocks requiring careful foot placement; they can be slippery when wet.

Required Gear Comparison

Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail)
High-performance desert-specific breathable shellTechnical trekking boots with aggressive rock-clamping solesDesert-specific headwear (Shemagh) for moisture retention and UV protectionUV-rated eye protection (Category 3 or 4 recommended)Minimum 20,000mAh power capacity for 5-day offline GPS tracking
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges
Sturdy mountain bootsTrekking polesCompression socks (for the descent)Water (2L minimum)Sun protection

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argentina
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austria
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LOW // ACCESS
austria
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EXPERT // HAZARD
australia
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EXPERT // HAZARD
australia
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EXPERT // HAZARD