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

Monastery Trail & Treasury Views

jordan/petra-wadi-musa
VS
Route B

Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)

argentina/mendoza

Monastery Trail & Treasury Views vs Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing): Intensity Score Comparison

Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) is unequivocally more demanding overall (+51 points). While Monastery Trail & Treasury Views is a serious endeavor, Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+51 Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Greater Commitment
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)wins 8 of 10 metrics
2
Route A
8
Route B
jordan/petra-wadi-musa

Monastery Trail & Treasury Views

MODERATE // CHLG
Full Route Report

Beyond the Siq. While most visitors to Petra stick to the flat main valley, the true magic of the Rose City lies in its 'High Trails'. This record combines the two highly recognizable hikes within the archaeological park: the steep climb of 800 hand-carved steps to the massive 'Ad Deir' (The Monastery), and the Al-Khubtha Trail which leads to a dizzying ledge directly overlooking 'Al-Khazneh' (The Treasury). These trails offer a physical challenge and a perspective on the Nabataean engineering that few tourists fully experience.

argentina/mendoza

Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)

EXTREME // LETHAL
Full Route Report

Following the historic path used by the Army of the Andes in 1817, this 6-day trans-Andean expedition traverses the central cordillera from Mendoza, Argentina, to the Cajón del Maipo in Chile. The route crosses two significant high-altitude barriers—Portillo Argentino (4,330m) and Paso Piuquenes (4,030m). Hikers move through a high desert landscape of volcanic rock, vast glacial valleys, and the powerful Tunuyán River. The terrain consists primarily of rocky mountain paths, loose scree on the steeper pass approaches, and high-altitude plateaus where exposure to wind and sun is constant.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
26
WINNER77
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
28
WINNER79
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
22
WINNER55
DistanceLonger route
10 km
WINNER110 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
400 m
WINNER3,200 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,100 m
WINNER4,330 m
DurationShorter commitment
1 days WINNER
6 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
MODERATE // CHLG WINNER
EXTREME // LETHAL
Crowd LevelLess crowded
2 / 5
WINNER1 / 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
Monastery Trail & Treasury Views
MODERATE // CHLG
steep uneven steps: The 800 steps to the Monastery are worn and can be very slippery and tiring.
heat and lack of shade: The High Trails are exposed to the direct desert sun for most of the day.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
EXTREME // LETHAL
acclimatization_and_ams: Prolonged exposure above 4,000m poses a risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
river_crossings: The Tunuyán River involves significant water volume and current strength, particularly in the afternoon.

Required Gear Comparison

Monastery Trail & Treasury Views
Hiking shoes or sturdy sandals with good tractionLightweight, breathable clothing (should be respectful of local culture)Small daypackWater bottle (refills are expensive on the trails)Camera and extra batteriesSun hat and sunglasses
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
Sturdy mountain boots with high ankle supportThermal system rated for temperatures down to -15°CHigh-performance wind and sun protectionTrekking poles for loose scree descentsPassport and necessary travel documents for border transit

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling)
MODERATE // CHLG
argentina
Huemul Circuit
EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Laguna Torre (Cerro Torre)
MODERATE // CHLG
argentina
Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)
EXTREME // LETHAL
austria
Berliner Höhenweg — The Zillertal High-Route
EXTREME // LETHAL
austria
Coburger Hütte — Seebensee & Drachensee
MODERATE // CHLG