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

Huemul Circuit

argentina/patagonia
VS
Route B

The Stevenson Trail (GR70)

france/Cévennes National Park (Haute-Loire, Lozère, Gard)

Huemul Circuit vs The Stevenson Trail (GR70): Intensity Score Comparison

Huemul Circuit is unequivocally more demanding overall (+18 points). While The Stevenson Trail (GR70) 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
+18 Huemul Circuit is harder
Higher Physical Load
The Stevenson Trail (GR70)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Huemul Circuit
Greater Commitment
Huemul Circuit
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Perfectly Matched Routes
5
Route A
5
Route B
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.

france/Cévennes National Park (Haute-Loire, Lozère, Gard)

The Stevenson Trail (GR70)

MODERATE // CHLG
Full Route Report

The GR70, universally known as the Stevenson Trail, traces the historic 1878 journey of Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson and his donkey, Modestine. This 270km linear hike begins in the volcanic hills of the Haute-Loire, crosses the granite plateau of Mont Lozère, and descends through the forested valleys of the Cévennes National Park to finish in the Gard. It is a premier literary trail passing through ancient chestnut forests and traditional stone villages of the Massif Central. Note: Compiled from public sources — not a field report.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
77 WINNER
59
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
70
WINNER72
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
64 WINNER
27
DistanceLonger route
65 km
WINNER270 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
2,800 m
WINNER7,650 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,550 m
WINNER1,699 m
DurationShorter commitment
4 days WINNER
12 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
EXTREME // LETHAL
WINNERMODERATE // CHLG
Crowd LevelLess crowded
1 / 5 WINNER
4 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
5 / 5 WINNER
3 / 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
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.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
The Stevenson Trail (GR70)
MODERATE // CHLG
summer heat in the cevennes: As the trail moves south into the deeper valleys of the Cévennes (Lozère to Gard), the climate shifts from temperate to distinctly Mediterranean. The deep, rocky gorges trap intense, suffocating heat in July and August.
mont lozere exposure: The crossing of Mont Lozère (the highest point at 1,699m) is entirely exposed. Sudden, sustained storms or dense freezing fog can hit the barren granite summit plateau unexpectedly.

Required Gear Comparison

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
The Stevenson Trail (GR70)
Comfortable, highly breathable trail running shoes or lightweight boots (the path offers many soft, leafy tracks alongside rocky descents)A copy of Stevenson's book (for evening reading)Topographical maps (IGN Top 100 156/163) or the official FFRandonnée TopoGuideWater filter (for the southern half where villages become sparse)

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling)
MODERATE // CHLG
argentina
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Laguna Torre (Cerro Torre)
MODERATE // CHLG
argentina
Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy)
EXPERT // HAZARD
argentina
Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)
EXTREME // LETHAL
austria
Berliner Höhenweg — The Zillertal High-Route
EXTREME // LETHAL