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

Höga Kustenleden

sweden/High Coast (Ångermanland)
VS
Route B

Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)

argentina/mendoza

Höga Kustenleden vs Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing): Intensity Score Comparison

Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) is unequivocally more demanding overall (+20 points). While Höga Kustenleden is a serious endeavor, Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+20 Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Greater Commitment
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)wins 7 of 9 metrics
2
Route A
7
Route B
sweden/High Coast (Ångermanland)

Höga Kustenleden

MODERATE // CHLG
Full Route Report

The Höga Kustenleden (High Coast Trail) is a 130km (80-mile) long-distance hiking trail traversing one of the most unique geological areas on earth, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Running from Hornöberget in the south to Örnsköldsvik in the north, the trail navigates a landscape that is literally rising from the sea at a world-record pace following the last Ice Age (isostatic rebound). Over 5 to 7 days, hikers traverse an incredible mix of deep, ancient forests, sandy coves, sheer red granite ocean cliffs, and the dramatic Skuleskogen National Park. It is renowned for its accessibility, passing through charming fishing villages while also offering deep wilderness immersion.

argentina/mendoza

Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)

EXTREME // LETHAL
Full Route Report

Following the historic path used by the Army of the Andes in 1817, this 6-day trans-Andean expedition traverses the central cordillera from Mendoza, Argentina, to the Cajón del Maipo in Chile. The route crosses two significant high-altitude barriers—Portillo Argentino (4,330m) and Paso Piuquenes (4,030m). Hikers move through a high desert landscape of volcanic rock, vast glacial valleys, and the powerful Tunuyán River. The terrain consists primarily of rocky mountain paths, loose scree on the steeper pass approaches, and high-altitude plateaus where exposure to wind and sun is constant.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
57
WINNER77
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
71
WINNER79
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
40
WINNER55
DistanceLonger route
130 km WINNER
110 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
2,500 m
WINNER3,200 m
Highest PointHigher summit
294 m
WINNER4,330 m
Duration
6 days
6 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
MODERATE // CHLG WINNER
EXTREME // LETHAL
Crowd LevelLess crowded
3 / 5
WINNER1 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
2 / 5
WINNER5 / 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
Höga Kustenleden
MODERATE // CHLG
relentless undulation: While it lacks alpine altitude, the trail is a constant roller-coaster. You repeatedly hike from sea level straight up 300m cliffs, only to immediately drop back down to a beach.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
EXTREME // LETHAL
acclimatization_and_ams: Prolonged exposure above 4,000m poses a risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
river_crossings: The Tunuyán River involves significant water volume and current strength, particularly in the afternoon.

Required Gear Comparison

Höga Kustenleden
Lightweight hiking shoes (heavy boots are overkill for this terrain)Water filter (summer streams can dry up, requiring you to filter from larger lakes)Tick repellent (ticks carrying TBE/Lyme disease are common in the tall grass near the coast)Swimsuit for the numerous secluded beach coves
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Sturdy mountain boots with high ankle supportThermal system rated for temperatures down to -15°CHigh-performance wind and sun protectionTrekking poles for loose scree descentsPassport and necessary travel documents for border transit

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling)
MODERATE // CHLG
argentina
Huemul Circuit
EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Laguna Torre (Cerro Torre)
MODERATE // CHLG
argentina
Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)
EXTREME // LETHAL
austria
Berliner Höhenweg — The Zillertal High-Route
EXTREME // LETHAL
austria
Coburger Hütte — Seebensee & Drachensee
MODERATE // CHLG