Following the ABNT 15505-2 standards, which discusses criteria for evaluating trails and hikes, there are 4 criteria:
- Severity of the environment – risks and characteristics related to the natural environment, such as temperature, rainfall, accessibility for rescue, etc.;
- Route guidance – the level of difficulty for orientation, considering factors such as signage, well-marked trails, the presence of reference points, and other elements that assist with orientation;
- Terrain conditions – the aspects found on the route, related to the route’s surface and its walkability, including surface types, sections with obstacles, loose rocks, among others;
- Intensity of physical effort – the amount of physical effort required to complete the route, considering distance and elevation gain (ascents and descents). This is based on an average participant, which is defined as an adult, non-athlete, carrying light gear.