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

Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy)

argentina/patagonia
VS
Route B

Rakiura Track

new-zealand/stewart-island-rakiura

Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy) vs Rakiura Track: Intensity Score Comparison

Rakiura Track is unequivocally more demanding overall (+6 points). While Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy) is a serious endeavor, Rakiura Track pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+6 Rakiura Track is harder
Higher Physical Load
Rakiura Track
Higher Technical Seriousness
Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy)
Greater Commitment
Rakiura Track
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Rakiura Trackwins 6 of 10 metrics
4
Route A
6
Route B
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.

new-zealand/stewart-island-rakiura

Rakiura Track

STANDARD // RT
Full Route Report

Land of the Glowing Skies. The Rakiura Track is a 32km circular route on Stewart Island, New Zealand's third-largest island. It is the southernmost of the Great Walks and offers a tranquil, deeply immersive experience into the island's natural ecosystems. The trail follows the coastline through sheltered bays (Port William and Paterson Inlet) and traverses inland through podocarp forests. This is a land where the forest meets the sea in a quiet, undisturbed embrace, and where the pace of life is dictated by the tides and the birdlife.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
45
WINNER51
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
46
WINNER53
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
36 WINNER
34
DistanceLonger route
21 km
WINNER32 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
850 m WINNER
450 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,170 m WINNER
150 m
DurationShorter commitment
1 days WINNER
3 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
EXPERT // HAZARD
WINNERSTANDARD // RT
Crowd LevelLess crowded
5 / 5
WINNER2 / 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
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.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Rakiura Track
STANDARD // RT
notorious mud and track conditions: Even as a Great Walk, the Rakiura Track is famous for its deep mud sections, especially after heavy rain.
extreme southern weather: Stewart Island is directly in the path of the 'Roaring Forties' winds and can experience fierce storms and rapid temperature drops at any time.

Required Gear Comparison

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)
Rakiura Track
High-cut waterproof hiking bootsSturdy gaiters (to keep mud out of boots)Rain jacket and pack coverThermal layers (Wool or synthetic)3-season sleeping bagCooking gear and food for 3 daysInsect repellent (Sandflies are abundant)Headlamp with a red-light mode (for ethical kiwi spotting)

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling)
MODERATE // CHLG
argentina
Huemul Circuit
EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Perito Moreno Glacier Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Dachstein Krippenstein — The 5 Fingers & Alpine Shark
STANDARD // RT
austria
The Gaisalmsteig — Achensee’s Fjordside Path
STANDARD // RT
austria
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges
EXPERT // HAZARD