This article was originally published on Mako
Hiking is a wonderful way to see the great outdoors, to get fresh air and exercise, and to explore unfamiliar terrain. Some of the most stunning sites in the world are only accessible on foot, but some trails require a bit more than simply putting one foot in front of the other. Many require experience, bravery, and a very strong sense of balance. They're challenging and dangerous, and may even take days to complete, but often the view from the top makes the journey worth it.
Angels Landing, Utah
Angels Landing in Zion National Park is a short, popular trail that was created almost 100 years ago in 1926. Its popularity can at times create crowding, which poses risks as the trail has many steep points. The end of the trail is made of a staircase so steep and narrow that only one person can climb to the top at a time. According to the National Park Service, five people have died on this trail.
If hikers are careful and take their time, the views at the top are well worth the trek. At its peak, the mountain reaches almost 1,500 feet and looks over the whole of Zion Canyon.
Mount HuaShan, China
The hiking trail on Mount HuaShan is often regarded as the most dangerous trail in Asia. It's 7.5 miles long, and parts of it are actually just made of wood planks nailed into the side of a mountain with nothing but a metal chain for a railing. Despite the risk, it's actually one of the most popular hiking trails in the world, especially for those in search of a challenge.
Located right outside the Chinese city of Huayin, the mountain itself is considered to be religiously sacred and draws in many tourists and locals alike. Huayin actually translates to "north of Mount Hua."
The Maze, Canyonlands, Utah
The Maze District in The Canyonlands National Park is not only one of the most challenging trails to hike in the park, but it's also the most difficult to find. It's only recommended for experienced hikers as its remoteness makes it hard to get help should you need it. Even so, it attracts thousands of tourists each year. Most visitors stay in The Maze district for three days to a week.
The Maze is also prone to flash flooding when it rains, rockfalls are common, and temperatures can reach over 100 degrees in the summer. Fortunately, no one has died there to date.
El Caminito Del Rey, Spain
The El Caminito trail was originally created over 100 years ago to provide access to the area's hydroelectric plant and was not intended for tourists and hikers, but eventually was opened for public use. It's considered the most dangerous path in Spain, and by some, one of the most challenging in the world. The walkway is narrow as well as quite steep. For years the trail's state of disrepair increased the risk.
'El Caminito Del Rey' actually translates to "the King's Little Path." It's still not without risk but was recently restored by the Spanish government, making it safe for most average hikers.
Grande Randonnée (GR) 20, Corsica
Corsica is an island off the coast of France, and it's home to a trail known as GR 20, which runs the length of the island from north to south. While the scenery around it is certainly quite stunning, the trail is considered dangerous and not recommended for beginners. Sudden changes in weather and a steep descent make the trek very risky, and hikers need to carry large packs full of supplies.
Mid-summer and winter bring heavy storms to the area, which can make the trails slippery and harder to maneuver. If you're interested in hiking the trail, it's most recommended in June or September.
Bright Angel Trail, Arizona
The most dangerous thing about Bright Angel Trail in Arizona is just how hot the area can get, and the further into the canyon hikers venture, the more at risk they become. It's often regarded as the most dangerous hiking trail in the state of Arizona, and the occurrence of heatstroke in hikers has become so common that the National Park Service created a rescue team specifically to help those affected by it.
If you're thinking about trying to hike Bright Angel Trail, be sure to come prepared. Bring much more water than you think you need and take a lot of breaks as you go.
Mount Pinatubo, Philippines
This trail in the Philippines is actually part of an active volcano that underwent the second-largest eruption of the 20th century in 1991 and left over 700 people dead. While the hike itself is only moderately difficult, adventurers who chose to attempt it are at risk of facing another eruption. For those up for the challenge, prepare for two hours of off-road driving just to get to the start of the trail.
The trail features a crater lake but it's not recommended for swimming. The volcano's eruption left the water hot and acidic, though its stunning turquoise water can certainly be admired from afar.
Kalalau, Hawaii
The location of Kalalau on the coast of Hawaiian island Kauai is what makes this trail so dangerous. It follows the edge of a cliff and includes numerous slippery drop-offs. The area around it is prone to severe flash floods, and some sections are so risky that a permit is required. The park service uses permits to ensure that only experienced hikers will enter certain areas, whether or not they're planning to camp.
Kalalau's description by many travel guides as "deceptively beautiful," seems to be quite accurate; its surroundings are beautiful, but over 100 hikers have lost their lives while attempting to complete it.
Maroon Bells, Colorado
The Maroon Bells are actually two separate mountain peaks in the Elk Mountains of Colorado, which are part of the state's famous Rockies. Both peaks reach heights of over 14,000 feet and the type of rock they're made of is particularly loose and unstable. The US Forest Service even recognizes the danger - a sign at the entrance to the trail notes that it "kills without warning." They're often referred to as 'The Deadly Bells.'
This nickname took hold after eight people died in five different accidents in 1965. If you visit the Bells, you're much safer staying at the base. It's just as picturesque with much less risk involved.
Drakensberg Traverse, South Africa
Hikers face the most difficult part of this trail at the beginning when they have to climb up two chain ladders, but it doesn't get much easier from there. The trek is quite rough and full of rocky terrain, and the whole thing can take over a week to complete. Harsh weather and encounters with dangerous wildlife have been reported and in 2016 a group of hikers was even attacked by bandits.
While deaths on this trail are becoming less common, there are still at least a few reported every year. Exposure to the elements and falls are the most common causes.
Rover's Run Trail, Alaska
If you'd like to go to Rover's Run, we have one piece of advice: go in the winter while bears are hibernating. The Rover's Run trail is not dangerous itself, but the park it's in is home to brown bears that will attack if they feel threatened. Particularly in the summer when the salmon counts are high, the bears come out in great numbers and it's safest to avoid them.
That said, in winter Rover's Run is a great place to hike. It's a flat and short trail that's perfect for bringing any furry friends along. Bonus points if they have little puppy shoes.
Via Ferrata, Italy and Austria
Via Ferrata means "Iron Way" in Italian, which is quite a suitable name for this path in the Dolomite Mountains. The views from the trail are absolutely breathtaking, but its altitude does add some level of risk. Certain parts are completed using cables and ropes, and hikers do need to cross suspension bridges at points. Though if you fall the cable should catch you, you may get scratched up on the way down.
The Dolomites actually have multiple trails, on which hikers can spend days traveling from hut to hut. The views from Via Ferrata due to its altitude make it the best way to see local scenery.
Mount Washington, New Hampshire
Mount Washington itself is not such rough terrain, but the weather on the mountain is notoriously bad. Even the Mount Washington Observatory acknowledges that it's “Home of the World’s Worst Weather.” The sunniest days can turn deadly quite quickly as temperatures drop and wind speeds pick up - including the highest wind speed ever recorded outside of a tropical cyclone. Well over 100 people have died between falls and bad weather conditions.
The weather has been known to change so quickly that the New Hampshire Fire Marshall requires anyone brave enough to visit to be able to evacuate without help, even during a deadly storm.
Mist Trail In Yosemite, California
The Mist Trail in Yosemite is one of the shortest trails in the park, but don't let its length fool you - it's also highly dangerous. It's full of sharp ascents and descents, some of which require hikers to use cables to complete. The trail sees over 4 million visitors every year, but among them, an uncomfortable number has fallen over the edge. It's estimated that about 15 people have died.
Weather conditions make the trek even riskier. The area is prone to sudden thunderstorms which make the steep slopes easy to slip on, especially in parts where there are no handrails.
Taghia Gorge, Morocco
Taghia Gorge in the Atlas mountains of Morocco is actually more of a climb than a hike. While there are bolted routes already in the mountain, the path isn't something a beginner could easily navigate. The rock is quite steep and though at least very solid, definitely not for those who fear heights. Some of the routes don't even begin until altitudes of over 2,000 feet and should only be scaled by professional climbers.
The village of Taghia is also not so accessible, requiring a 6-hour drive from the city of Marrakech followed by a 2-hour walk over footpaths and streams. Taghia has only 600 inhabitants.
Devil's Path, New York
No deaths have been reported at the Devil's Path in the Catskill Mountains of New York, but that doesn't mean that this trail is easy. It covers over 20 miles and includes deep descents into valleys as well as steep climbs, including one 50 foot span at an almost verticle angle. Hikers have reported needing to grab onto small tree roots as they ascend this part in order to maintain their balance.
The path is most commonly visited for day trips, but experienced hikers may want to make a weekend of their visit by staying to camp. The area has a campground called Devil's Tombstone.
Cascade Saddle, New Zealand
This course in Mount Aspiring National Park has two claims to fame - it acted as a set for the "Lord of the Rings" films, and it's also one of the most dangerous in New Zealand. While it's super picturesque, don't let the pictures fool you - it's rocky and slippery and has taken the lives of at least a dozen hikers. To complete the whole trail takes a minimum of four days.
Should you decide to hike Cascade Saddle, we recommend doing it in the summer as snow and wet conditions add a fair amount of risk. Don't forget that New Zealand summer months are December to February!
Huayna Picchu, Peru
Huayna Picchu is one of the most popular hikes in South America, but it's not without risk. This Peruvian mountain reaches a height of almost 9,000 feet above sea level and overlooks the famous historic lost city of the Incas. Built into the mountain are a set of stone stairs that are commonly regarded as the "Stairs Of Death." The stairs themselves span about 600 feet between their point of entrance and the top of the mountain.
To reduce the risk caused by overcrowding, tickets need to be purchased in order to visit. If you go, be sure to check out the mysterious ancient Inca site known as the Temple of the Moon!
Aonach Ridge, Scotland
In the Scottish Highlands lies Aonach Ridge, a trail considered to be one of the most dangerous in the world. The route is long and once begun has very few ways for the hiker to leave. One end is even known as the Devil's Staircase. At its highest, the ridge reaches 3,100 feet, and at points is incredibly rocky and steep. Some of these points require scrambling, which means climbing using one's hands and feet.
The area is also prone to sudden changes in weather that can make the steep rocks dangerously slippery. Several people have died on the trail, including a few experienced hikers.
Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea off the coast of Australia is home to a great deal of biological diversity, including the Kokoda Track through the Owen Stanley mountain range. The track, or trail - both names are used - takes at least four days to complete and is referred to by some as "a StairMaster in a steam room." The hilly terrain feels a lot like climbing stairs, while the hot and humid weather creates steamy conditions.
The entire trail covers 50 miles and is only recommended for experienced hikers. Dangerous wildlife ranging from scorpions to inhabit the terrain, and temperatures at night can dip down close to freezing.
Pacaya Volcano Trail, Guatemala
Pacaya Volcano Trail is the place to go for those who want to see some wildlife. It is rated as difficult, not to mention the fact that it's an active volcano, but for some people, that's part of the thrill. In fact, it's erupted at least 23 times over the past 500 years, and scientists believe its activity is increasing. While the lava and smoke are a striking sight, the rock itself can be quite slippery.
To minimize risk, tour guides no longer bring groups to the top. Some hikers have said that heat from eruptions that occurred years ago could still be felt as they walked on the trail!
Striding Edge, England
This trail on the Helvellyn mountain in England's Lake District is not recommended for beginner hikers. It's incredibly narrow and follows the mountain summit; one misstep could be enough to send a person over the edge - from an elevation of over 3,000 feet. After hikers reach the end of the Edge, they face a steep climb to the top of the mountain. This is one edge we'd prefer not to stride.
Along the Edge, travelers will find a memorial to Charles Gough, an English artist who fell to his death while hiking the mountain in 1805. A number of fatalities have been reported since.
Denali, Alaska
Formerly known as Mount McKinley, Denali in Alaska is one of the most dangerous places to hike in the world, mainly because most of the mountain has no established trails. Even so, hundreds of hikers attempt to scale it every year, and they must secure a permit before they're permitted to ascend. The main cause of death on the mountain is falling, and it's recommended never to hike Denali alone.
This mountain is the highest in North America, and the landscape around it is mostly untouched. At its highest point, it reaches over 20,000 feet above sea level, and the park around covers 6 million acres.
Longs Peak, Colorado
Longs Peak is one of the most popular trails in Colorado, despite the fact that it's also the deadliest. Over 70 people have died while trying to climb the peak, on average two per year. Narrow footpaths have caused some people to fall, and inclement weather certainly hasn't helped. Longs Peak is known as a "14er," or a mountain that reaches over 14,000 feet. The trail itself spans over 15 miles.
While it is dangerous, the trail is also recognized as having played a large role in the early development of Rocky Mountain National Park. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Camp Muir Snowfield, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Those who have experience hiking Mount Rainier like to joke that the mountain makes its own weather. Conditions can change in the blink of an eye, adding risk to an already challenging expedition. The reason for this temperament is that the mountain is actually an active volcano. Warm temperatures can drop to below freezing quite quickly, and wind speeds are known to reach over 70 miles per hour. Unprepared hikers risk contracting hypothermia.
Outdoor guide Outforia has rated Mount Rainer the sixth most dangerous park in the country. With 425 deaths recorded over about 100 years, this is one trek we think it's best to avoid.
Abrams Falls Trail, Tennessee
Backpacker Magazine has ranked Abrams Falls Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park of Tennessee as one of the ten most dangerous hikes in the country. Over twenty people have died as the result of inclement weather, altitude changes, or drowning at the site of the trail's namesake falls. The current near the falls is known to be quite strong, and rocks and other debris in the water make it easy to get stuck.
During peak season between summer and fall, the trail attracts about 100 visitors every day, which can create crowding that adds risk as hikers navigate the trail if they're not careful.
Knivskjellodden, Norway
Knivskjellodden on the Norwegian Island of Magerøya is actually the northernmost point in Europe. To reach Knivskjellodden, travelers must complete an 11-mile hike over a poorly paved path often covered with snow. For much of the year, it's completely inaccessible. The island's location is so far north that it receives barely any sunlight during the winter months, making the trail difficult to navigate. It's not recommended to visit after October.
If you're like to visit Knivskjellodden, it's definitely better to go during the summer. Some days in June have 19 hours of sunlight, and the trail is much easier to walk without snow.
Huckleberry Trail, Montana
Huckleberry Trail, also known as Apgar Trail, is a beautiful and challenging hike in Montana's Glacier National Park. While the views it provides are absolutely stunning, humans aren't the only ones who enjoy what the area has to offer. Glacier National Park is home to the largest number of grizzly bears in the contiguous United States - by some estimates as many as 5 or 6 hundred bears call the park home.
True to its name, Huckleberry Trail is lush with fresh berries that hikers are free to snack on. Bears come to enjoy them too though, so it's best to eat and run.
Trift Bridge, Switzerland
Those who fear heights make want to skip Trift Bridge. This 557-foot suspension bridge through the Swiss Alps sits about 330 feet above the Trift Glacier Lake. It takes about an hour and a half of hiking to reach the bridge, and only after a cable car provides transport across Trift Valley. Strengthening elements have been added to the bridge in recent years, though strong winds can still cause it to swing
One woman died while hiking the bridge when a landslide occurred and she was swept away. Though no other deaths have been reported to date, we would prefer not to take any chances.
Mount Triglav, Slovenia
The highest peak in the Julian Alps between Italy and Slovenia is known as Mount Triglav. When ascending Mount Triglav, hikers need to navigate a winding narrow path, and at times need to maneuver climbing very steep slopes. It's not recommended to attempt this trail without climbing gear. At its tallest point, the mountain stands at over 9,000 feet and is considered to be the 'centerpiece' of Triglav National Park.
Slovenians, especially those who live near the mountain say that a person is not a true Slovenian until they've climbed this mountain. Do you think you'd be up for the challenge?
Barr Trail, Colorado
Barr Trail is part of the Pike National Forest in Manitou Springs, Colorado and it's often ranked one of the most challenging in the US. It's a long, steep trek, but what really makes this trail such a challenge is that hikers must pass through three different ecosystems. The area also experiences a large number of lightning strikes due to its elevation, and once in a while, they've been known to hit hikers.
The trail covers 13 miles between the town of Manitou Springs and the top of Pikes Peak, which is one of the highest summits in the entire Rocky Mountain range.
Fimmvörðuháls, Iceland
This 20-mile hike at 3,000 feet is one of the most dangerous and challenging in Iceland. It's described as a place where fire meets ice - the trail runs between two glaciers that are both known to cover active volcanoes. Conditions can change at an absolute moment's notice, and in 1970 a group of hikers died when a sudden shift in weather that they hadn't prepared for left them exposed to the elements.
Despite its danger, it's still quite a popular trail, and with proper preparation not terribly difficult. It can be completed in a day and at one point even passes a series of 26 waterfalls.
Chadar Trek, India
This trek, which is also known as the Zanskar Gorge trek due to its location in Northern India is actually the only means of travel through the river valley during the winter. The area gets so cold that the river freezes solid, but the low temperatures also pose danger to hikers who may not have experience with such extreme weather. In January and February, temperatures can dip well below zero.
Despite the hazard it poses, the Chadar Trek is one of the most popular in India with adventure tourists arriving from near and far ready to try to take it on.
Snowman Trek, Bhutan
This hike in the Himalayas is one of the most difficult in Asia. It's the longest trail in Bhutan and was created by the country's yak herders. Beyond its length, the climate of Bhutan adds challenge to this trek, with high levels of rain making it too dangerous for even the most advanced hikers for most of the year. The entire course takes a total of about 4 to 5 weeks.
Despite being one of the most challenging trails, it's also incredibly beautiful. Visions of majestic mountains covered in snow provide a stunning backdrop as hikers climb to an altitude of almost 15,000 feet.
Mount Ijen, Indonesia
Mount Ijen is actually part of a volcano complex located next to the main Indonesian island known as Java. With an elevation of over 900 ft, visitors can see the other volcanoes as well as the island's famous turquoise sulfur lake. Despite its beauty, the hiking trail on Mount Ijen is still considered to be highly dangerous. The sulfur from the lake creates gases that are poisonous for hikers to breathe.
Because of this hikers are advised to wear gas masks, which can make the steep and narrow hike to the bottom even more of a challenge. The path is also made up of mainly loose rock.