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

Ruta del Cares — The Divine Gorge

spain/Picos de Europa, Asturias/León
VS
Route B

Three Capes Track

australia/tasman-peninsula-tasmania

Ruta del Cares — The Divine Gorge vs Three Capes Track: Intensity Score Comparison

Three Capes Track is unequivocally more demanding overall (+8 points). While Ruta del Cares — The Divine Gorge is a serious endeavor, Three Capes Track pushes the limits further, particularly regarding sustained physical exertion.

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

Intensity Difference
+8 Three Capes Track is harder
Higher Physical Load
Three Capes Track
Higher Technical Seriousness
Ruta del Cares — The Divine Gorge
Greater Commitment
Three Capes Track
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Three Capes Trackwins 6 of 9 metrics
3
Route A
6
Route B
spain/Picos de Europa, Asturias/León

Ruta del Cares — The Divine Gorge

STANDARD // RT
Full Route Report

The Ruta del Cares is Spain’s most famous hiking trail, often referred to as 'La Garganta Divina' (The Divine Gorge). Carved into the cliffs of the Cares River canyon, the path connects the villages of Poncebos (Asturias) and Caín (León). The trail follows a maintenance path for a hydroelectric canal, contouring along massive limestone walls that rise nearly 2,000 meters above the riverbed. It is a world of vertiginous drops, crystal-clear turquoise water, and herds of mountain goats navigating often not feasible slopes.

australia/tasman-peninsula-tasmania

Three Capes Track

STANDARD // RT
Full Route Report

The Three Capes Track is a 48km point-to-point trekking route within Tasman National Park, Tasmania. Starting at the Port Arthur Historic Site with a marine transfer across the bay to Denmans Cove, the route traverses the high sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula. The track is highly engineered, featuring wide gravel paths and boardwalks that provide safe access to vertical dolerite columns reaching 300 meters above the Southern Ocean. Management is handled by the Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service, with a regulated north-to-south flow. The route transitions through diverse environments including coastal heathland, dry sclerophyll forest, and temperate rainforest.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
38
WINNER46
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
47
WINNER63
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
27 WINNER
14
DistanceLonger route
23.6 km
WINNER48 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
660 m
WINNER1,400 m
Highest PointHigher summit
500 m WINNER
457 m
DurationShorter commitment
1 days WINNER
4 days
Hazard Level
STANDARD // RT
STANDARD // RT
Crowd LevelLess crowded
5 / 5
WINNER3 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
2 / 5
WINNER3 / 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
Ruta del Cares — The Divine Gorge
STANDARD // RT
unprotected ledges vertigo: The trail is wide (2-3 meters) but has no barriers; one side is a sheer drop into the gorge.
rockfall hazard: Limestone is prone to erosion; small rocks can fall from the cliffs above, especially after rain or wind.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Three Capes Track
STANDARD // RT
maritime wind exposure: The Tasman Peninsula is directly exposed to Southern Ocean frontal systems, which can deliver high-velocity gusts and sudden thermal shifts.
topographical exposure: Portions of the track follow cliff lines reaching 300 meters. While the path is wide, these sections remain unfenced in several areas.

Required Gear Comparison

Ruta del Cares — The Divine Gorge
Light hiking shoes (trail runners are sufficient as the path is gravel)Water (at least 2L, as there are zero sources in the 12km gorge section)Sun protection (the gorge reflects heat like an oven)Light jacket (the wind can tunnel through the canyon)
Three Capes Track
Supportive hiking footwear (optimized for gravel and stone stairs)Technical waterproof and windproof shellSynthetic or wool thermal base layersLightweight sleeping bag (mattresses are provided)Self-sufficient food supply for 4 daysSun protection and insect repellent

Compare with Other Routes

austria
Dachstein Krippenstein — The 5 Fingers & Alpine Shark
STANDARD // RT
austria
The Gaisalmsteig — Achensee’s Fjordside Path
STANDARD // RT
austria
Grossglockner — The Gamsgrubenweg Trail
STANDARD // RT
austria
Krimml Waterfalls — The Vertical Mist
STANDARD // RT
austria
Ravensburger Hütte — The Rote Wand Panorama
STANDARD // RT
brazil
Morro Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers Hill)
STANDARD // RT