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

Thorsborne Trail

australia/queensland-hinchinbrook-island

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

Both routes share a similar overall intensity (61 vs 64). Depending on personal strengths, the challenge relies more on Thorsborne Trail's technicality versus the physical output of the other.

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

Intensity Difference
+3 Thorsborne Trail is harder
Higher Physical Load
Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Thorsborne Trail
Greater Commitment
Thorsborne Trail
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Dana to Petra (Jordan Trail)wins 4 of 7 metrics
4
Route A
3
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.

australia/queensland-hinchinbrook-island

Thorsborne Trail

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

The Thorsborne Trail is a 32km point-to-point trekking route along the eastern coastline of Hinchinbrook Island, within Girringun National Park, Queensland. Running between Ramsay Bay in the north and George Point in the south, the trail traverses a diverse tropical landscape of mangrove systems, granite headlands, and rainforest. Hinchinbrook is an uninhabited wilderness island, accessible only by organized boat transfers from the mainland hubs of Cardwell or Lucinda. The route follows the Hinchinbrook Channel side and the open Coral Sea, passing significant features like Zoe Falls and the granite peaks of Mount Bowen.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
61
WINNER64
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
70 WINNER
56
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
32
WINNER51
DistanceLonger route
76 km WINNER
32 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
2,679 m WINNER
1,200 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,200 m WINNER
260 m
DurationShorter commitment
5 days
WINNER4 days
Hazard Level
EXPERT // HAZARD
EXPERT // HAZARD
Crowd Level
2 / 5
2 / 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
Thorsborne Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD
estuarine crocodiles: Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) inhabit the coastal waters, estuaries, and lower creek reaches of Hinchinbrook Island.
marine stingers: Marine stingers, including Box Jellyfish and Irukandji, may be present in coastal waters, especially during warmer months.

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
Thorsborne Trail
Technical shelter with no-see-um mesh (insect protection)Waterproof breathable shell (tropical rain protection)Topical insect repellent (sandfly/mosquito mitigation)Tide chart and navigational mapWater filtration systemPersonal Locator Beacon (PLB)

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy)
EXPERT // HAZARD
argentina
Perito Moreno Glacier Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Seefelder Spitze — The Karwendel Crown
EXPERT // HAZARD
australia
Overland Track
EXPERT // HAZARD
australia
Wilderness Coast Walk
EXPERT // HAZARD