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

Overland Track

australia/tasmania-cradle-mountain
VS
Route B

The Queyras Tour (GR58)

france/Hautes-Alpes / Queyras Regional Park

Overland Track vs The Queyras Tour (GR58): Intensity Score Comparison

Overland Track is unequivocally more demanding overall (+7 points). While The Queyras Tour (GR58) is a serious endeavor, Overland Track pushes the limits further, particularly regarding technical seriousness and exposure.

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

Intensity Difference
+7 Overland Track is harder
Higher Physical Load
The Queyras Tour (GR58)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Overland Track
Greater Commitment
Overland Track
Overall HikeMetrics Score
The Queyras Tour (GR58)wins 5 of 9 metrics
4
Route A
5
Route B
australia/tasmania-cradle-mountain

Overland Track

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

The Overland Track is a 65km point-to-point alpine traverse through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Running from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, the route passes through dramatic glaciated valleys, ancient rainforests, and high moorlands. Under the management of Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania, the trail offers a deep connection to Tasmania's unique natural heritage, including the endemic King Billy Pine and high dolerite peaks. The route consists of a mix of well-maintained boardwalks, exposed rocky ridges, and forested sections that can become muddy during sustained rainfall.

france/Hautes-Alpes / Queyras Regional Park

The Queyras Tour (GR58)

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

The Tour du Queyras (GR58) is a spectacular 120km loop traversing the remote, sun-drenched Queyras Regional Natural Park in the French Southern Alps. Tucked away near the Italian border, it is often considered quieter and less commercial than the Tour du Mont Blanc. The trail weaves through high-altitude larch forests, over expansive grassy cols, and through authentic, wood-shingled villages like Saint-Véran (the highest commune in France). It is a journey that perfectly balances rugged mountain landscapes with deep cultural history. Note: Compiled from public sources — not a field report.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
67 WINNER
60
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
67
WINNER75
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
51 WINNER
26
DistanceLonger route
65 km
WINNER120 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
1,461 m
WINNER7,500 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,250 m
WINNER2,884 m
DurationShorter commitment
6 days WINNER
8 days
Hazard Level
EXPERT // HAZARD
EXPERT // HAZARD
Crowd LevelLess crowded
4 / 5
WINNER3 / 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
Overland Track
EXPERT // HAZARD
alpine weather variability: Rapid weather transitions can generate blizzard conditions and strong winds at any time of year on the Cradle Plateau and Pelion Gap.
terrain and traction: Boardwalk sections can be slippery when wet, while forested sectors in the Du Cane range often feature exposed roots and deep mud.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
The Queyras Tour (GR58)
EXPERT // HAZARD
high altitude passes: The tour involves crossing several high cols (e.g., Col de Chamoussière at 2,884m) which can retain deep, dangerous snowfields well into late June or early July.
southern alps storms: While famous for 300 days of sunshine, the Southern Alps can produce incredibly sustained, localized afternoon thunder and hail storms.

Required Gear Comparison

Overland Track
Reliable waterproof outer shell and wind protectionFuel-burning stove (open fires are prohibited)4-season alpine-spec shelterPersonal Locator Beacon (PLB)Waterproof pack liner and dry bagsSub-zero rated thermal layers and sleeping system
The Queyras Tour (GR58)
Robust, broken-in trekking boots (the descent trails are often loose scree)Premium waterproof/breathable layer (despite the southern sun)OS/IGN Top 25 Maps (3537 ET and 3637 OT)Lightweight sleeping bag liner (for the refuges and gîtes d'étape)Sun protection (the UV index is strenuous above 2,500m)

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy)
EXPERT // HAZARD
argentina
Perito Moreno Glacier Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Seefelder Spitze — The Karwendel Crown
EXPERT // HAZARD
australia
Thorsborne Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD
australia
Wilderness Coast Walk
EXPERT // HAZARD