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

The Kokoda Trail

papua-new-guinea/owen-stanley-range
VS
Route B

Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy)

argentina/patagonia

The Kokoda Trail vs Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy): Intensity Score Comparison

The Kokoda Trail is unequivocally more demanding overall (+28 points). While Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy) is a serious endeavor, The Kokoda Trail pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+28 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
The Kokoda Trailwins 8 of 10 metrics
8
Route A
2
Route B
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.

argentina/patagonia

Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy)

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

The trek to Laguna de los Tres is one of the primary day activities in Los Glaciares National Park, providing a close-perspective view of the granite massif of Mount Fitz Roy (3,405m). The route follows an out-and-back trail through mixed forest and glaciated valleys, passing the Piedras Blancas viewpoint before the final ascent. The journey is defined by a significant transition from the low-lying valley floor to the high-alpine environment of the lagoon, which sits directly below the main peaks.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
73 WINNER
45
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
74 WINNER
46
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
55 WINNER
36
DistanceLonger route
96 km WINNER
21 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
6,000 m WINNER
850 m
Highest PointHigher summit
2,190 m WINNER
1,170 m
DurationShorter commitment
8 days
WINNER1 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
EXTREME // LETHAL
WINNEREXPERT // HAZARD
Crowd LevelLess crowded
4 / 5 WINNER
5 / 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
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.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy)
EXPERT // HAZARD
high wind exposure: Strong winds are common in the Fitz Roy massif, particularly in the afternoon. Gusts can make the final ascent unstable in exposed conditions.
lower limb strain: The final descent is steep and rocky, which can strain knees and ankles on the return journey.

Required Gear Comparison

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)
Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy)
Trekking poles for stability and knee supportDurable hiking boots with high-traction solesModular layering system (temperatures at the lagoon are significantly lower than in town)Technical windbreaker or hardshell layerReliable headlamp for pre-dawn startsHydration capacity of 2L (purification recommended for stream water)

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling)
MODERATE // CHLG
argentina
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Huemul Circuit
EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)
EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Perito Moreno Glacier Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Berliner Höhenweg — The Zillertal High-Route
EXTREME // LETHAL