What Is a Challenging Hike?

At Wakahi we grade every trail on four levels of difficulty: Easy, Moderate, Challenging, and Very Challenging. These categories help trampers prepare properly and avoid underestimating a route. But what exactly makes a hike “Challenging” — and how is it different from Moderate or Very Challenging?

Wakahi’s Four Levels of Difficulty

• Easy — short, flat trails. Suited to families and beginners.
• Moderate — longer or with some climbs, but generally safe and accessible.
• Challenging — sustained climbs, long days, rough terrain, heavier packs, and exposure to weather.
• Very Challenging — remote, technical, and extreme. Demands expert preparation and resilience.

Where Do Challenging Hikes Sit on the Scale?

Many trampers assume that any multi-day hike is “Challenging.” That’s not true. Some multi-day hikes are only Moderate, while others demand far more. Here’s how they compare:

Moderate

• Duration: Half-day to multi-day, but daily stages are short and manageable.
• Elevation: Usually under 600–700 m gain per day.
• Trail: Well-formed and maintained, clear signage.
• Weather: Rain or wind possible, but rarely extreme.
• Pack weight: Light to medium (8–12 kg). Food for 1–2 days at a time. Huts or water sources frequent.
• Examples: Camino Coastal Way, Cape Brett Track, Abel Tasman Coast Track, most of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

Challenging

• Duration: Long day hikes (6–9 hrs) or multi-day routes with demanding daily distances.
• Elevation: 800–1500 m gain per day, repeated climbs across several days.
• Trail: Steeper, rougher footing — mud, scree, snow patches, or rivers to cross.
• Weather: Alpine or mountainous exposure. Storms, wind, or sudden snow possible.
• Pack weight: Heavier (12–18 kg). You may need to carry several days of food, 3 + litres of water in dry areas, and safety gear such as a headlamp, PLB, and proper layering system. The next shop or resupply may be days away.
• Examples: Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Kalalau Trail, Larapinta Trail, Tour du Mont Blanc, Laugavegur Trek, Camino Primitivo, Appalachian Trail.

Very Challenging

• Duration: Multi-day to multi-week, often with no easy exit points.
• Elevation: Often > 1500 m in a day, multiple high passes or continuous climbs.
• Trail: Rugged, remote, sometimes unmarked or technical (scrambles, glaciers, major rivers).
• Weather: Severe — alpine storms, Patagonian winds, Himalayan snow, or Fiordland rain and mud.
• Pack weight: Expedition load (18–25 + kg). Food and supplies for a week or more between drops. Rescue may be days away.
• Examples: GR-20 in Corsica, Dusky Track, Torres del Paine O Circuit, Snowman Trek, Pacific Crest Trail.

Examples of Challenging Hikes

Here are some well-known “Challenging” hikes across different categories:

• Coastal Trail: Kalalau Trail (Hawai‘i, USA) — 35 km along the Nā Pali Coast. Narrow ledges above the ocean, slippery mud, and tropical heat make it one of the toughest coastal trails in the world.
• Day Walk: Tongariro Alpine Crossing (New Zealand) — 19.4 km over volcanic terrain, with alpine exposure and sudden weather changes.
• Desert/Remote Trek: Larapinta Trail (Australia) — 223 km through the West MacDonnell Ranges. Scarce water, long ridgelines, and searing heat demand careful planning and food drops.
• Mountain Track: Tour du Mont Blanc (France/Italy/Switzerland) — 170 km circuit with multiple passes. Expect 800–1200 m of climbing each day, plus sudden shifts from sunshine to snow.
• Multi-Day Walk: Laugavegur / Fimmvörðuháls Trek (Iceland) — 55 km of volcanic desert, rainbow mountains, and river crossings. Snow and wind make this trek far more than a stroll.
• Pilgrimage Trail: Camino Primitivo (Spain) — 310 km across Asturias and Galicia. Steep mountain passes, rain, and long daily distances define its challenge.
• Thru Hike: Appalachian Trail (USA) — 3 500 km across 14 states. Endless climbs, months of walking, and changing seasons test stamina and patience.

Examples of Very Challenging Hikes

• GR-20 (Corsica, France) — 180 km of jagged ridges and steep scrambles.
• Dusky Track (New Zealand) — 84 km of mud, rivers, and storms. Remote and unforgiving.
• Torres del Paine O Circuit (Chile, Patagonia) — 130 km in fierce winds and unpredictable weather.
• Snowman Trek (Bhutan) — 25 days across 11 Himalayan passes > 5 000 m. Total self-sufficiency required.
• Pacific Crest Trail (USA) — 4 270 km from Mexico to Canada. Deserts, snowfields, forests — five months of endurance.

Checklist for Tackling Challenging Hikes

• Train for long climbs and full-day walking.
• Carry a reliable raincoat, thermal layers, and headlamp.
• Plan food for several days — the next shop may be far away.
• Bring 3 + litres of water where sources are scarce.
• Always hike with a partner or group.
• Carry a PLB or satellite device in remote areas.
• Respect weather forecasts and turn back when needed.

Takeaway

“Challenging” hikes are not just long or multi-day — they combine distance, climbing, weather, and pack weight into a real test of endurance. They are tough but rewarding, within reach for those who prepare well. Very Challenging hikes go further — remote, technical, and extreme, demanding true self-sufficiency. Whatever level you choose, respect the trail and prepare for the conditions — the reward will always be worth it.

Which hikes do you consider most challenging? Share your experiences in the Wakahi Forum.