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Are the amazing views and glory worth the risk? When it comes to these hikes, some adventurers may decide to avoid them. Hiking trails are dangerous for a variety of reasons, including rugged and rough terrain, scorching temperatures, and frequent storms. Learn about some of the most dangerous hiking trails in the United States.
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Mist Trail, Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California
Hikers descend from Half Dome on a clear day in Yosemite National Park. The Mist Trail to Half Dome is one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States.
(Getty Images)
A quick look at the cable route to Half Dome will show you why it’s one of the most dangerous hikes in the U.S. The 400-foot route to the summit is nearly vertical, and hikers need to be pretty fit to scale the granite dome.
More than 20 people have died on Half Dome itself from accidents including falls, heart attacks, and being struck by lightning, according to yosemitehikes.com. The trail to Half Dome is also dangerous, with dangerous waterfalls and unstable terrain, and more than twice as many people have died on Half Dome alone.
Maze in Canyonlands National Park, Utah
The photo above shows the canyon on the Maze Trail in Canyonlands National Park. As the name suggests, this trail is labyrinthine and confusing, and temperatures can reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
(Cavan Images/Getty Images)
This 13.5-mile hike is definitely not for beginners. Located in Canyonlands National Park, the trail gets its name from the maze of sandstone walls and deep canyons it weaves through. Hikers on this trail should be good with maps and carry a GPS, as the canyons and terrain are all similar.
But that’s not the only difficult part of this hike: Temperatures can reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Park Service urges hikers on the trail to bring one gallon of water per person.
Muir Snowfield Trail, Mount Rainier, Washington
Camp Muir can be seen atop the Muir Snowfields, perched atop Mount Rainier’s Paradise Mountains. Storms roll in from the Pacific Ocean, creating whiteout conditions and sometimes threatening hypothermia.
(Vince Burns/Getty Images)
This unmarked trail is dangerous for the opposite reason to the hike above: Unpredictable storms can sweep across the snowfields from the Pacific Ocean, creating disorienting whiteout conditions and putting hikers at risk of hypothermia. Not to mention, the 2.2-mile section, which is covered in snow year-round, is a physically demanding 2,900-foot vertical climb for even the most experienced adventurers. Both sides of the snowfield are flanked by dangerous crevasses and cliffs that could easily send climbers falling.
More than 90 climbers have died on the snowfields due to falls or hypothermia. In September 2020, a hiker died of hypothermia during a whiteout on the Muir Snowfields. His hiking companion was rescued and survived.
Chinitna Bay, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska
A large male Alaskan brown bear was photographed strolling along the shoreline of Lake Clark in Alaska.
(Getty Images)
Grizzly bears are a real threat in this part of Lake Clark National Park. The National Park Service reports that visitors can see as many as 20 grizzly bears at one time in one spot at Chinitna Bay, where food is plentiful from when they emerge from hibernation in the early spring until they return to hibernation in the fall.
Visitors are encouraged to remain in bear viewing areas. Continuous use of the same areas makes human use more predictable for bears, potentially minimizing disturbance and reducing risk. People traveling to Chinitna Bay should carry bear repellent canisters and bear spray and refrain from eating in the area.
Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is viewed from the Bright Angel Trail on the South Rim, where temperatures can reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit, making it dangerous for hikers at midday.
(Ed Freeman/Getty Images)
The rugged terrain of this 9.5-mile hike is no easy feat, with temperatures reaching up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The hike will take you a total of 4,380 feet down into the canyon, where, according to the National Park Service, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Great Canyon Native Americans, early miners and the first tourists to visit the canyon.
This is the most popular hike into the canyon, but it is a challenging one. The descent is fairly easy, but that, combined with the amazing views of the canyon, may discourage hikers from preparing for the tough climb back up.
Hikers are advised to leave before dawn and finish after sunset if doing a day hike. In summer, it’s best to split the hike over two days, allowing for ample rest and hydration. The National Park Service advises visitors to bring plenty of water and high-calorie, salty snacks. Check the weather before setting out on a hike and remember to bring sunscreen.
Precipice Trail, Acadia National Park, Maine
Iron rungs are attached to the granite cliffs of the Precipice Trail in Acadia National Park, Maine, allowing teenagers to scale the cliffs. This photo makes it clear why the trail is so dangerous.
(Jose Azer/Getty Images)
If you’re interested in hiking steep cliffs, head to Precipice Trail, one of the most dangerous hikes in Acadia National Park. Hikers use metal rungs to climb more than 1,000 feet in less than a mile to the summit of Mount Champlain. While the climb isn’t considered technically difficult, it requires physical and mental strength, according to the National Park Service, and isn’t recommended for young children, those with a fear of heights, or in rainy weather.
Hikers are warned not to descend the Precipice Trail, instead taking the North Ridge Trail from the summit, which is a much safer route.
Barr Trail, Pikes Peak, Colorado
The summit of Pikes Peak as seen from Colorado’s Burr Trail, a known hotspot for lightning and electrical activity.
(Getty Images)
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Colorado has one of the highest rates of lightning-related deaths in the United States. While it’s never a good idea to hike during Colorado’s notorious afternoon thunderstorms, Pikes Peak is especially dangerous because it’s a hotbed of lightning and electrical activity. According to the Sierra Club, the mountain’s elevation, local air currents, and winds from the plains create perfect conditions for thunderstorms.
The Vaal Trail reaches an elevation gain of 7,400 feet over 13 miles, and the terrain is mostly above treeline through exposed grasslands and rocky areas. Hikers are advised to begin their trek early in the morning to avoid storms.
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