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

M'Goun Massif Traverse

morocco/central-high-atlas

Great Divide Trail (GDT) vs M'Goun Massif Traverse: Intensity Score Comparison

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

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

Intensity Difference
+0 Equivalent
Higher Physical Load
M'Goun Massif Traverse
Higher Technical Seriousness
Great Divide Trail (GDT)
Greater Commitment
M'Goun Massif Traverse
Overall HikeMetrics Score
M'Goun Massif Traversewins 4 of 7 metrics
3
Route A
4
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.

morocco/central-high-atlas

M'Goun Massif Traverse

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

Widely regarded as the 'true' mountain experience in Morocco, the M'Goun traverse is far more remote and wild than Toubkal. This multi-day adventure takes you through the stunning Ait Bougmez valley (known as the Happy Valley), across the vast Tarkeddite Plateau, to the ridge-line summit of Ighil M'Goun (4068m). The highlight for many is the descent through the spectacular M'Goun Gorges, where you'll walk through knee-deep water between towering canyon walls.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity Score
72
72
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
73
WINNER76
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
55 WINNER
51
DistanceLonger route
1130 km WINNER
90 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
42,000 m WINNER
2,200 m
Highest PointHigher summit
2,590 m
WINNER4,068 m
DurationShorter commitment
45 days
WINNER6 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
EXTREME // LETHAL
WINNEREXPERT // 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
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
M'Goun Massif Traverse
EXPERT // HAZARD
flooding: Flash floods in the gorges can be serious during or after rain.
exposure: The summit ridge is very exposed to high winds and lightning.

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
M'Goun Massif Traverse
Old trekking shoes or robust sandals for river walkingWaterproof dry bag for electronicsLightweight tent (if not using gites)Wide-brimmed sun hat

Compare with Other Routes

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EXPERT // HAZARD
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EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Perito Moreno Glacier Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Berliner Höhenweg — The Zillertal High-Route
EXTREME // LETHAL