Graphs of Mountain/Trail Comparisons

[63ChevyII]

Whenever I plan a hike, I always look at stats, trail profiles, etc to try to get an idea of how it compares to past trips.

A couple of months ago, I thought it would be neat to take my GPS tracks and create a graph comparing trail profiles to get a visual representation of my hikes. I thought about what my most difficult hikes were between August 2012 and October 2013, and ranked them by perceived difficutly.

Here is my first iteration of the graph:


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I have been trying to convince my father-in-law to hike Mt. Whitney with me. Thus far, he hasn't been affected by altitude, but is still a bit intimidated by the hike. I thought the graph would add some perspective for him. He has hiked C2C & Mt. Washington with me, as well as routes up Baldy and San G that aren't shown on the graph. I thought that a more direct comparison of the elevation gain would be useful for him, especially since he hasn't been affected by altitude (knock on wood):


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While I created them for my personal use, I thought others might find the graphs interesting. Please keep in mind that the graphs aren't exact representations of the trails. In the creation process there were lots of variables affecting the end result - my GPS unit, the conversion of the GPX files to other formats, creating a graphical representation of the conversions, etc. Despite this, I do find the graphs interesting and useful.

Here is a version showing the graphs side by side, as well as an explanation of how I ranked these hikes:


(click above for fullsize image)

[63ChevyII]

I will most likely add stats to the images below. When I do so, I will double-check the trail profiles and then update the images.

A few people expressed an interest in seeing a graph showing a few of the routes up Mt. Baldy. The gpx files I used were mine, except for the route up Register Ridge. Once I do that trail, I will update the images if there are any significant differences.

Here's my first version:


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I thought that it looked a bit cluttered, so I tried making another graph, just showing the ascent:


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Which version to you like better?

[drndr]

Love your graph's. Puts numbers on all the things I've always wondered about as far as my perceived exertion.

I like the ones where the starts are at the same place and shows the descent.

Am I reading it right that there is a 1.5 mile/2500 ft portion on Register Ridge? Now that's steep. What would that % be?

Though it would be cluttered, now slap all the hikes on one graph

[bamm321]

Very cool! it would be cool to see Just the skyline portion on their also if thats possible

[63ChevyII]

Love your graph's. Puts numbers on all the things I've always wondered about as far as my perceived exertion.

I like the ones where the starts are at the same place and shows the descent.

Am I reading it right that there is a 1.5 mile/2500 ft portion on Register Ridge? Now that's steep. What would that % be?

Thanks!

From what I've read, that section is actually 1.5m/2700ft (34%)! I am hoping to hike it this month.

[63ChevyII]

Very cool! it would be cool to see Just the skyline portion on their also if thats possible

The Skyline section is pretty distinct. If you look at the C2C line, there is a 'shelf' around 10.5 miles. The profile before that is Skyline.

[bluerail]

Very cool graphs Chevy, although there are those times where I hate having this kind of info in my head,

[63ChevyII]

Very cool graphs Chevy, although there are those times where I hate having this kind of info in my head,

Thanks Bluerail, I agree, sometimes it's better not to know!

I hiked Skyline with a co-worker Friday. It was just his 2nd hike, his first being San G via Vivian Creek with me back in August. We were taking a breather at Flat Rock. He was enjoying the challenge, but having a tough day. He asked me if we were almost done. I told him, 'well, mileage-wise we've finished about 75% of the hike'. Meanwhile, in my head I'm saying 'I hope you enjoyed the warm up - this is where the fun begins!'

[Hikin_Jim]

I hiked Skyline with a co-worker Friday. It was just his 2nd hike, his first being San G via Vivian Creek with me back in August. We were taking a breather at Flat Rock. He was enjoying the challenge, but having a tough day. He asked me if we were almost done. I told him, 'well, mileage-wise we've finished about 75% of the hike'. Meanwhile, in my head I'm saying 'I hope you enjoyed the warm up - this is where the fun begins!'

Which version to you like better?

I actually like the first version better. The first version gives one a good sense of the overall hike, particularly the length. On the second version, I found it hard to see the register ridge route.

Dis one good:

(click above for fullsize image)

Here is a version showing the graphs side by side, as well as an explanation of how I ranked these hikes:


(click above for fullsize image)

Now, that's really helpful. It gives you relative elevation change as well as absolute elevation. both of which are important. The elevation change in doing Whitney is absolutely relevant, but the absolute elevation above sea level gives that elevation change a whole new dimension.

HJ

[63ChevyII]

Thanks for the feedback HJ, I appreciate it.

Here's another one. I will add more routes as I obtain info. What are the other 'common' routes... Momyer, Forsee?

This one separates 'South Fork Loop'

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This one shows the loop, going up Dry Lake Trail and down Dollar Lake

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