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

Great Divide Trail (GDT)

canada/alberta-british-columbia-border
VS
Route B

The Kokoda Trail

papua-new-guinea/owen-stanley-range

Great Divide Trail (GDT) vs The Kokoda Trail: Intensity Score Comparison

Both routes share a similar overall intensity (72 vs 73). Depending on personal strengths, the challenge relies more on The Kokoda Trail's technicality versus the physical output of the other.

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

Intensity Difference
+1 The Kokoda Trail is harder
Higher Physical Load
The Kokoda Trail
Higher Technical Seriousness
The Kokoda Trail
Greater Commitment
The Kokoda Trail
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Great Divide Trail (GDT)wins 4 of 7 metrics
4
Route A
3
Route B
canada/alberta-british-columbia-border

Great Divide Trail (GDT)

EXTREME // LETHAL
Full Route Report

The wild heart of the Rockies. Stretching over 1,100km from Waterton Lakes National Park to Kakwa Provincial Park, the Great Divide Trail (GDT) is a loosely connected series of trails, old forestry roads, and off-trail cross-country segments. It follows the Continental Divide, crossing between Alberta and British Columbia dozens of times. Unlike the well-manicured PCT or AT, the GDT is famous for its 'trail-less' sections where hikers must navigate by line-of-sight and topographical markers. It traverses some of the most spectacular and remote regions in the Canadian Rockies, through territory where bears and wolves are far more common than humans.

papua-new-guinea/owen-stanley-range

The Kokoda Trail

EXTREME // LETHAL
Full Route Report

Cross-island jungle traverse. The Kokoda Trail (96km / 60 miles) is a single-file foot thoroughfare that crosses the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea. It is world-famous as the site of a strenuous 1942 campaign between Australian and Japanese forces. Today, it remains a challenging and significant route through some of the most rugged and remote jungle on Earth. Trekkers face high humidity, significant mud depth, steep vertical intervals, and multiple river crossings, all while passing through remote villages of the local Koiari and Orokaiva people.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
72
WINNER73
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
73
WINNER74
Technical Seriousness
55
55
DistanceLonger route
1130 km WINNER
96 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
42,000 m WINNER
6,000 m
Highest PointHigher summit
2,590 m WINNER
2,190 m
DurationShorter commitment
45 days
WINNER8 days
Hazard Level
EXTREME // LETHAL
EXTREME // LETHAL
Crowd LevelLess crowded
2 / 5 WINNER
4 / 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
Great Divide Trail (GDT)
EXTREME // LETHAL
extreme remote navigational failure: The trail frequently disappears into high alpine meadows or dense forests, and many markers are non-existent.
high grizzly density throughout the route: The GDT passes through some of the most densely populated grizzly habitat in western Canada. Encounters are possible throughout, particularly in berry patches and near water sources.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
The Kokoda Trail
EXTREME // LETHAL
Health and Environment: Health risks such as malaria, dehydration, and infected wounds are significant considerations; the 100% humidity complicates recovery.
physical collapse: The combination of 100% humidity, 30°C+ temps, and 12-hour days of vertical climbing can lead to heatstroke and exhaustion.

Required Gear Comparison

Great Divide Trail (GDT)
Ultralight backpacking gear (every gram matters over 1,100km)Satellite Communicator (Garmin InReach/SPOT)Bear-resistant food storage (check park-specific requirements per section)Two cans of Bear SprayReliable water filter (Sawyer/Katadyn) plus pre-filter for glacial siltDurable waterproof jacket and pantsGoTrekkers map set or FarOut (GDT) app with offline maps
The Kokoda Trail
High-quality, moisture-wicking tropical hiking clothingCombat-style or heavy-duty jungle boots (they will get soaked and muddy)Lightweight mosquito net or treated tentPersonal water purification systemComprehensive medical and first-aid kitQuality electrolyte powdersGaiters (to keep mud and leeches out of boots)

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Huemul Circuit
EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)
EXTREME // LETHAL
austria
Berliner Höhenweg — The Zillertal High-Route
EXTREME // LETHAL
australia
Larapinta Trail
EXTREME // LETHAL
belize
Victoria Peak Trail
EXTREME // LETHAL