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

Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm

austria/St. Johann im Pongau, Salzburg
VS
Route B

M'Goun Massif Traverse

morocco/central-high-atlas

Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm vs M'Goun Massif Traverse: Intensity Score Comparison

M'Goun Massif Traverse is unequivocally more demanding overall (+64 points). While Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm is a serious endeavor, M'Goun Massif Traverse pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+64 M'Goun Massif Traverse is harder
Higher Physical Load
M'Goun Massif Traverse
Higher Technical Seriousness
M'Goun Massif Traverse
Greater Commitment
M'Goun Massif Traverse
Overall HikeMetrics Score
M'Goun Massif Traversewins 8 of 10 metrics
2
Route A
8
Route B
austria/St. Johann im Pongau, Salzburg

Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm

LOW // ACCESS
Full Route Report

One of the longest, deepest, and most impressive gorges in the Alps. The Liechtensteinklamm is famous for its narrow walls that are so close they almost block out the sky. Following a massive rockfall in 2017, the gorge was upgraded with the 'Helix'—a spectacular spiral staircase made of corten steel that descends 30 meters into the depths of the chasm. The path leads over bridges and through tunnels to a massive 50-meter waterfall at the end of the walkable section.

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 ScoreHigher Overall Demand
8
WINNER72
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
10
WINNER76
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
5
WINNER51
DistanceLonger route
1.5 km
WINNER90 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
100 m
WINNER2,200 m
Highest PointHigher summit
710 m
WINNER4,068 m
DurationShorter commitment
1 days WINNER
6 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
LOW // ACCESS WINNER
EXPERT // HAZARD
Crowd LevelLess crowded
5 / 5
WINNER2 / 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
Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm
LOW // ACCESS
steep stair climb: The main physical demand is the 440-step staircase section.
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

Liechtensteinklamm — The Helix Chasm
Comfortable walking shoesLight shell jacket (it stays cool and damp even in summer)Camera
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

argentina
Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy)
EXPERT // HAZARD
argentina
Perito Moreno Glacier Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Highway Lakes — Blindsee & Weißensee
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Hochkeil — The Hidden Panorama
LOW // ACCESS
austria
Prossautal — A Glacial Box Valley in Hohe Tauern
LOW // ACCESS