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

Perito Moreno Glacier Trail

argentina/los-glaciares-national-park-santa-cruz
VS
Route B

The Stevenson Trail (GR70)

france/Cévennes National Park (Haute-Loire, Lozère, Gard)

Perito Moreno Glacier Trail vs The Stevenson Trail (GR70): Intensity Score Comparison

The Stevenson Trail (GR70) is unequivocally more demanding overall (+25 points). While Perito Moreno Glacier Trail is a serious endeavor, The Stevenson Trail (GR70) pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+25 The Stevenson Trail (GR70) is harder
Higher Physical Load
The Stevenson Trail (GR70)
Higher Technical Seriousness
The Stevenson Trail (GR70)
Greater Commitment
The Stevenson Trail (GR70)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
The Stevenson Trail (GR70)wins 8 of 9 metrics
1
Route A
8
Route B
argentina/los-glaciares-national-park-santa-cruz

Perito Moreno Glacier Trail

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

Guided glacier trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier is a specialized activity within Los Glaciares National Park. The glacier, covering approximately 250 square kilometers, is one of the few advancing ice masses in the Patagonian Andes. Access to the ice surface is strictly regulated and conducted via two primary excursion formats: the 'Minitrekking' (introductory) and the 'Big Ice' (extended exploration). Participants navigate a dynamic landscape of crevasses, moulins, and ice ridges using technical equipment under professional supervision. The experience provides a direct perspective on glacial movement and the hydrological processes of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

france/Cévennes National Park (Haute-Loire, Lozère, Gard)

The Stevenson Trail (GR70)

MODERATE // CHLG
Full Route Report

The GR70, universally known as the Stevenson Trail, traces the historic 1878 journey of Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson and his donkey, Modestine. This 270km linear hike begins in the volcanic hills of the Haute-Loire, crosses the granite plateau of Mont Lozère, and descends through the forested valleys of the Cévennes National Park to finish in the Gard. It is a premier literary trail passing through ancient chestnut forests and traditional stone villages of the Massif Central. Note: Compiled from public sources — not a field report.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
34
WINNER59
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
19
WINNER72
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
26
WINNER27
DistanceLonger route
5 km
WINNER270 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
300 m
WINNER7,650 m
Highest PointHigher summit
350 m
WINNER1,699 m
DurationShorter commitment
1 days WINNER
12 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
EXPERT // HAZARD
WINNERMODERATE // CHLG
Crowd LevelLess crowded
5 / 5
WINNER4 / 5
Remoteness
3 / 5
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
Perito Moreno Glacier Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD
dynamic glacier surface: The glacier is in a state of constant motion, resulting in the shifting of ice formations, crevasses, and drainage channels.
high reflective glare: The albedo of the glacier surface results in high UV reflection, which can lead to rapid eye strain or solar retinopathy (snow blindness) without protection.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
The Stevenson Trail (GR70)
MODERATE // CHLG
summer heat in the cevennes: As the trail moves south into the deeper valleys of the Cévennes (Lozère to Gard), the climate shifts from temperate to distinctly Mediterranean. The deep, rocky gorges trap intense, suffocating heat in July and August.
mont lozere exposure: The crossing of Mont Lozère (the highest point at 1,699m) is entirely exposed. Sudden, sustained storms or dense freezing fog can hit the barren granite summit plateau unexpectedly.

Required Gear Comparison

Perito Moreno Glacier Trail
Rigid-soled trekking boots (essential for crampon attachment)Waterproof and windproof hardshell jacketSynthetic or wool insulation layersDurable gloves and thermal headwearSunglasses with high UV protection (Cat 3/4 recommended)Sunscreen (SPF 50+)Small daypack for water and essentials
The Stevenson Trail (GR70)
Comfortable, highly breathable trail running shoes or lightweight boots (the path offers many soft, leafy tracks alongside rocky descents)A copy of Stevenson's book (for evening reading)Topographical maps (IGN Top 100 156/163) or the official FFRandonnée TopoGuideWater filter (for the southern half where villages become sparse)

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling)
MODERATE // CHLG
argentina
Laguna Torre (Cerro Torre)
MODERATE // CHLG
argentina
Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy)
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Coburger Hütte — Seebensee & Drachensee
MODERATE // CHLG
austria
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Kaisertal — The Stairway to Heaven
MODERATE // CHLG