Danger attracts adventurers, especially those craving adrenaline-packed moments. The outdoors is always ready to deliver just that and even more. The United States, for instance, is home to many thrilling trails that excite – or reignite – the travel bug of hikers who want to test their limits. There are many hikes in the U.S. deemed dangerous, yet trekkers still long to conquer them. That’s not surprising because finishing a treacherous trail is always rewarding.Many national parks and mountains are home to such tricky hiking destinations, all scenic, so there’s something to look up to even if the journey is difficult.
10 Angel’s Landing, Utah
Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park is considered the second most dangerous hike in the United States, an enticing prospect for lovers of adventures. The hike is short, just five miles, but it’s teeming with challenges, from tight spaces to steep routes. The peak of the trail is a 1,000-foot plateau, so those with a fear of heights should think twice about conquering this path. It is marketed as “breathtaking but deadly,” and lucky are those who were able to finish this daring course.
9 Huckleberry Mountain, Montana
If danger is the name of the game, Montana’s Huckleberry Mountain is the place to be. It might have a sweet name, but this destination in the majestic Glacier National Park makes hikers alert. American magazine Backpacker says this mountain is “a magnet for hungry grizzlies,” hence the danger. Even so, hikers who dare to have an overnight stay can do so. Everyone conquering the trail of this Montana spot should at least learn first what to do when they encounter a bear.
8 Mist Trail, California
Half Dome is one of Yosemite National Park’s iconic landmarks, with only 300 visitors allowed to climb it daily – and only 50 given the chance to reach the summit (via lottery). The 8,836-foot attraction is challenging, considering it has 400 vertical feet. Conquering this granite spot is treacherous, so it’s not for the faint-hearted, as even expert hikers might experience altitude sickness when scaling it. Though the trail has cables as support, climbing it is still a taxing experience. Nonetheless, conquering this Californian task is always rewarding.
7 Kalalau Trail, Hawaii
When talking about Hawaii, tropical paradise comes to mind, so it’s surprising to know that Aloha State is home to a hiking trail deemed dangerous. Kalalau Trail on the island of Kauai is one of the most treacherous in the U.S., yet it’s a rewarding trek, thanks to its stunning scenery. The trail has the dramatic Na Pali Coast at its disposal, but some paths are steep, narrow, and rocky, so hikers should be more than alert. Natural hazards abound in this destination, making a hike taxing.
6 Bright Angel Trail, Arizona
Bright Angel Trail in the stunning Grand Canyon is one of the must-try hikes in Arizona. Hiking the said national park is a bucket list adventure, and taking on the challenge of one of its most difficult routes makes for a worthwhile outdoor experience. What makes a trek through Bright Angel difficult is the intense heat. Add more than 4,300 vertical feet in a 9.5-mile journey, and the hike becomes beyond arduous. It might be named Bright Angel, but the trail can dim one’s will if tourists can’t take the heat.
5 Mount Denali, Alaska
Mt. Denali is the highest in North America, and that alone makes it a difficult climb. This Alaskan landmark stands 6,190 meters above sea level, and the main challenges it poses to hikers are the altitude, weather, and temperature. All that, plus the taxing trek, makes its summit difficult to reach, with a success rate of only 50 percent. Lucky are those who were able to meet the peak, with the stunning views of the Denali National Park as their reward, aside from the fulfillment of doing what’s impossible for others.
4 Muir Snowfield, Washington
Rainier is one of the most prominent mountains in the country, making it a favorite destination for hikers. Alpine adventure abounds in this Washington wonder, like a trek along Muir Snowfield. The hike to Camp Muir is more than tiring as it covers nine miles (roundtrip) and will take around 10 hours to finish, depending on the pace. The trek is exciting and should not be taken lightly because, just looking at the mountain, trekkers will already feel intimidated. The destination is beautiful, but danger lurks beyond its charm.
3 Capitol Peak Via Knife Edge, Colorado
Colorado is a favorite among mountaineers who want to test their hiking skills, especially since the state is home to some 14ers (or mountains with elevations of 14,000 feet and beyond). Those with enough training can consider taking on the challenge of Capitol Peak, considered the “third deadliest 14ers” in the state. With such a distinction, this hiking destination is not for the faint-hearted, especially when traversing the 17-mile looped Knife Edge trail. Some parts of this path reach 6,000 feet in elevation, requiring technical skills. Conquering this mountain is an experience that’s one for the books.
2 Abrams Falls, Tennessee
When exploring the lush Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, hikers might as well try conquering one of its most difficult trails: the one that leads to Abram Falls. Sure, the path is only 2.5 miles long, but it’s treacherous. The main natural hazards faced by trekkers in this destination are strong currents and slippery rocks – one wrong move could mean death. Even skilled swimmers might not be able to defeat the strong currents, so it’s recommended to take a dip in the calm swimming holes and stay away from the water beneath the falls.
1 Mount Washington, New Hampshire
Washington is dubbed “the most dangerous small mountain in the world,” an exciting destination for those eager to try something adrenaline-packed. This destination only stands 6,288 feet, but it poses many challenges to those who want to reach its peak, like having the “highest wind velocity ever recorded at any surface weather station.” With playful winds, it’s highly recommended to regularly check forecasts when planning to hike this New Hampshire playground. Finishing this trail might not mean successfully befriending the wind, but it’s an unmatched experience.