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

Huemul Circuit

argentina/patagonia

Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail) vs Huemul Circuit: Intensity Score Comparison

Huemul Circuit is unequivocally more demanding overall (+16 points). While Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail) is a serious endeavor, Huemul Circuit pushes the limits further, particularly regarding technical seriousness and exposure.

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

Intensity Difference
+16 Huemul Circuit is harder
Higher Physical Load
Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Huemul Circuit
Greater Commitment
Huemul Circuit
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Huemul Circuitwins 6 of 9 metrics
3
Route A
6
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.

argentina/patagonia

Huemul Circuit

EXTREME // LETHAL
Full Route Report

Considered a premier multi-day trekking route in Los Glaciares National Park, the Huemul Circuit provides a circumnavigation of Cerro Huemul near El Chaltén. The route crosses two significant passes—Paso del Viento and Paso Huemul—offering direct panoramas of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Terrain varies from forested valley floors and river crossings to exposed glacial moraines and high-altitude scree slopes. The circuit is defined by its remoteness and the requirement for technical river crossing skills using fixed steel cables.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
61
WINNER77
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
70 WINNER
70
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
32
WINNER64
DistanceLonger route
76 km WINNER
65 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
2,679 m
WINNER2,800 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,200 m
WINNER1,550 m
DurationShorter commitment
5 days
WINNER4 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
EXPERT // HAZARD WINNER
EXTREME // LETHAL
Crowd LevelLess crowded
2 / 5
WINNER1 / 5
Remoteness
5 / 5
5 / 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
Huemul Circuit
EXTREME // LETHAL
extreme_winds: Winds on the high passes can be severe, particularly in summer afternoons. Gusts may make progress slow and unstable.
river_tyrolean_traverse: Two river crossings require the use of fixed steel cables (tyrolean traverses) and specialized gear.

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
Huemul Circuit
Climbing harness, two locking carabiners, and a steel pulley (aluminum is not suitable for steel cables)Sturdy 3-4 season tent with high wind resistanceInsulated sleeping bag rated for at least -10°CReliable navigation (GPS/Topo Map) and optional satellite messengerHigh-performance waterproof hardshell and trekking poles

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling)
MODERATE // CHLG
argentina
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EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy)
EXPERT // HAZARD
argentina
Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)
EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Perito Moreno Glacier Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Berliner Höhenweg — The Zillertal High-Route
EXTREME // LETHAL