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

St. Paul Trail

turkey/Taurus Mountains (Antalya/Isparta)
VS
Route B

Vale do Pati

brazil/chapada-diamantina

St. Paul Trail vs Vale do Pati: Intensity Score Comparison

Both routes share a similar overall intensity (87 vs 88). Depending on personal strengths, the challenge relies more on Vale do Pati's technicality versus the physical output of the other.

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

Intensity Difference
+1 Vale do Pati is harder
Higher Physical Load
St. Paul Trail
Higher Technical Seriousness
Vale do Pati
Greater Commitment
Vale do Pati
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Perfectly Matched Routes
5
Route A
5
Route B
turkey/Taurus Mountains (Antalya/Isparta)

St. Paul Trail

EXTREME // LETHAL
Full Route Report

While the Lycian and Carian trails hug the coast, the St. Paul Trail heads directly inland, plunging straight up into the strenuous, magnificent limestone peaks of the Taurus Mountains. Stretching 500 kilometers from the ancient Roman ruins of Perge (near Antalya) all the way north to Yalvaç near Lake Eğirdir, the route roughly follows the missionary path of St. Paul the Apostle. It is arguably Turkey’s wildest long-distance trail. Hikers are immediately confronted with severe elevation gains, navigating staggering river canyons (like Köprülü), dense pine and cedar forests, and remote, traditional stone-house villages built into the mountain sides. You will walk on the absolute best-preserved ancient Roman roads in the world, some perfectly paved for miles into the wilderness.

brazil/chapada-diamantina

Vale do Pati

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

Vale do Pati is a remote multi-day trekking destination within the Chapada Diamantina National Park, characterized by its dramatic sandstone plateaus, escarpments, and lush river valleys. The trek is widely regarded as one of Brazil's most historic and scenic landscapes, defined by its lack of vehicular access and its network of local homestays. Hikers stay in the simple dwellings of traditional families, providing a unique cultural immersion into the rural Bahian interior.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
87
WINNER88
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
72 WINNER
64
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
85
WINNER87
DistanceLonger route
500 km WINNER
40 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
12,400 m WINNER
2,500 m
Highest PointHigher summit
2,200 m WINNER
1,500 m
DurationShorter commitment
27 days
WINNER3 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
EXTREME // LETHAL
WINNEREXPERT // HAZARD
Crowd LevelLess crowded
1 / 5 WINNER
2 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
4 / 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
St. Paul Trail
EXTREME // LETHAL
severe altitude weather: Unlike the coastal trails, you are climbing up to 2,200m (or 2,800m if hitting the optional peaks). Snow can persist on passes until June, and autumn nights drop below freezing.
shepherd dogs kangal: The trail passes through high summer pastures (yaylas) guarded by massive, aggressive Kangal shepherd dogs protecting their flocks.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Vale do Pati
EXPERT // HAZARD
dehydration and heat: Trekking across exposed plateaus in the searing Bahian sun forces massive fluid loss.
flash floods: Sudden rains in the plateaus cause 'trombas d'água', raising river levels by meters in seconds.

Required Gear Comparison

St. Paul Trail
Warm, 3-season sleeping bag (nights at 2,000m are cold)Water filtration systemTrekking poles (vital for river crossings and defense)GPS device with downloaded tracks
Vale do Pati
Light, breathable jungle-weather clothingHydration bladderTrekking poles for steep rock descentsWater shoes (for river crossings)Water filtration system

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Piuquenes Pass (Andes Crossing)
EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Huemul Circuit
EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy)
EXPERT // HAZARD
argentina
Nahuel Huapi Traverse (4 Refugios)
EXTREME // LETHAL
argentina
Perito Moreno Glacier Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Berliner Höhenweg — The Zillertal High-Route
EXTREME // LETHAL