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

Laguna Torre (Cerro Torre)

argentina/los-glaciares-national-park-patagonia
VS
Route B

Sarek National Park (Wilderness Expedition)

sweden/swedish-lapland-arctic

Laguna Torre (Cerro Torre) vs Sarek National Park (Wilderness Expedition): Intensity Score Comparison

Sarek National Park (Wilderness Expedition) is unequivocally more demanding overall (+55 points). While Laguna Torre (Cerro Torre) is a serious endeavor, Sarek National Park (Wilderness Expedition) pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+55 Sarek National Park (Wilderness Expedition) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Sarek National Park (Wilderness Expedition)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Sarek National Park (Wilderness Expedition)
Greater Commitment
Sarek National Park (Wilderness Expedition)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Sarek National Park (Wilderness Expedition)wins 8 of 10 metrics
2
Route A
8
Route B
argentina/los-glaciares-national-park-patagonia

Laguna Torre (Cerro Torre)

MODERATE // CHLG
Full Route Report

One of the most frequented day hikes from El Chaltén, the route to Laguna Torre leads to a glacial lake at the base of the Torre massif. The 18 km out-and-back trail follows the Fitz Roy River valley, moving through sub-antarctic forests of ñire and lenga. The terrain is primarily well-maintained gravel paths and packed dirt, with a short initial ascent followed by mostly level walking through the glacial valley. The destination offers direct views of Cerro Torre (3,128m) and the Adela range, with icebergs frequently calving from the Torre Glacier into the lake.

sweden/swedish-lapland-arctic

Sarek National Park (Wilderness Expedition)

EXTREME // LETHAL
Full Route Report

The 'Last Wilderness' of Europe. Sarek National Park is a high-arctic mountain landscape devoid of trails, huts, or bridges. Located deep in Swedish Lapland, it is an environment of raw glacial valleys, high-volume river systems, and six of Sweden’s thirteen highest peaks. A trek through Sarek is not a hike; it is an expedition requiring total self-sufficiency. Navigation is done by topography alone, and river crossings are determined by daily snowmelt. It is one of the most intellectually and physically demanding trekking environments in the Northern Hemisphere.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
39
WINNER94
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
40
WINNER72
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
32
WINNER90
DistanceLonger route
18 km
WINNER120 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
500 m
WINNER4,200 m
Highest PointHigher summit
650 m
WINNER2,089 m
DurationShorter commitment
1 days WINNER
10 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
MODERATE // CHLG WINNER
EXTREME // LETHAL
Crowd LevelLess crowded
4 / 5
WINNER1 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
3 / 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
Laguna Torre (Cerro Torre)
MODERATE // CHLG
valley wind exposure: The Fitz Roy River valley acts as a natural corridor for wind; gusts can be intense, even when conditions appear calm in town.
rapid temperature fluctuations: Temperatures can drop rapidly due to wind exposure and proximity to glacial terrain.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Sarek National Park (Wilderness Expedition)
EXTREME // LETHAL
unbridged river crossings: Glacial rivers can rise by 30-50cm in a single afternoon due to sun or rain, turning 'wadeable' streams into severe torrents.
extreme isolation and rescue delay: No mobile network and no roads. A rescue request can take 24-48 hours to initiate and execute.

Required Gear Comparison

Laguna Torre (Cerro Torre)
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots capable of handling rocky pathsHigh-performance windproof and waterproof hardshellMoisture-wicking base layers and insulating mid-layerSun protection including polarized sunglasses for glacial glareRefillable water container (multiple clean side streams available)Standard 20-30L daypack
Sarek National Park (Wilderness Expedition)
Heavy-duty relative-humidity-stable expedition tent (4-season)River crossing shoes (sturdy sandals or neoprene boots)Topographic maps (1:50,000 BD10) and professional compassHigh-calorie self-contained food supply for 10-12 daysSatellite SOS deviceInternal frame pack (75L+ recommended)

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
austria
Berliner Höhenweg — The Zillertal High-Route
EXTREME // LETHAL
austria
Coburger Hütte — Seebensee & Drachensee
MODERATE // CHLG