Any trip up the trail can be dangerous for an inexperienced hikers, but some hikes should be left to the most practiced enthusiasts. These 5 dangerous hiking trails are not for the faint of heart. Dangerous hiking trails attract intrepid hikers with their unforgettable views, access to remote areas and thrilling experiences. With that said, climbers new to the hobby should start with less challenging hikes, building up sufficient experience until they’re ready to reap the amazing rewards of these incredible treks.
1. Mount Rainier – Washington
Looming large over America’s dangerous hiking trails is Mount Rainier, a peak that has claimed the lives of more than 350 ambitious hikers determined to reach its spectacular summit. Its nearness to the Pacific Ocean often drives unpredictable weather into the paths of climbers, wreaking havoc for the unprepared.
2. Bright Angel Trail – Arizona
This trail’s beatific name is misleading, but hundreds of hikers a year attempt the climb in hopes of being rewarded by the majestic vistas of Grand Canyon National Park. Temperatures in the park frequently exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and hikers have died of heat-related complications.
3. Devil’s Path – New York
A sharp contrast to Bright Angel Trail, Devil’s Path bears a moniker appropriate for its challenges. The climb affords dizzyingly beautiful views of the Catskills, but the hike’s many algae-covered rocks make the trek a slippery slope. Trails may also freeze at night, and the presence of numerous native black bears requires that hikers maintain extra vigilance in storing food.
4. The Maze – Utah
The Maze has yet to claim any lives, but amateurs rarely attempt this demanding climb through Canyonlands National Park. Rife with confusing twists and turns, this trail is an unforgiving experience for ill-equipped hikers. Natural water sources are extremely sparse, and climbers are frequently exposed to sun and heat.
5. Mount McKinley – Alaska
More than 100 lives have been lost on this climb through Denali National Park, and more than 40 percent of hikers give up before reaching the top. Trekkers appreciate the area for its wilderness landscapes, but tricky topography and an abundance of resident moose and brown bears make nature a danger as well as a joy.
You’ve seen some of the most dangerous hikes in America, now check out : 3 of North America’s Most Challenging Hikes!
Featured Image from Caleb Riston/Unsplash
