There is nothing to get your heart thumping like the threat of a fatal plunge. On the other hand, everybody loves a memorable walk on the street, along the beach, or through the forest.
Hiking is an appealing pastime to many, and at times people travel over the World looking for the next exciting hiking trail to get their juices running. However, hiking is more than simply going on and off-trail before arriving at your final destination.
It involves exertion, excitement, and tasting one’s physical limits. At times, hiking enthusiasts opt for dangerous hikes that leave their blood pumping and their adrenaline flowing.
Some hiking trails are so dangerous that you might plunge to death if you miss a step. You’ll need fear and courage, a healthy dose of snacks, and a desire for that fulfilling rush of adrenaline when you are on such a trail. Here are the eight most dangerous hikes in the World.
Mount Hua Shan, China
Mount Hua Shan in China is the most dangerous trail in the World. According to history, pilgrims initially used this trail to climb up to the temples at the Mt. Hua Shan summit.
Travelers from all over the World now visit to hike the ‘plank walk in the sky.’ The trail comprises vertical stairways, iron chains, and wooden plank trails.
You may want to avoid this trip if you are afraid of heights. At the starting point, you have to scale a steep vertical staircase using rusty chains for support before reaching the planks.
At some point, the wooden planks disappear, and you are only left with bases that will require caution as you proceed. However, the breathtaking vistas at the end of the route are definitely worth the risk.
Angel’s Landing, Utah
Thousands of people hike this dangerous trail every year. Angel’s Landing is a 2.5-mile trail located inside Zion National Park, Utah.
The dangerous thing about the trail is the final mile towards the trail’s end. The route narrows at this point, with the path being only big enough for one hiker at a time.
The fact that crowds are hiking this trail largely contributes to its dangers. You have to be extra careful, especially when making a final descent.
The path is terrifying despite the chains and guardrails acting as a buffer between you and the cliff. However, the sights at the top are beyond beautiful beyond imagination.
El Caminito del Rey, Spain
El Caminito del Rey, meaning “The King’s Path,” is one of the most dangerous paths in Spain. The track was built over 100 years ago as a route to a hydroelectric plant. It is two miles long, hanging at 100 meters above the ground.
El Caminito del Rey is now open to the public as one of the most dangerous hikes in the World known to hikers.
It was opened in 2015 after renovation after fences were added to the path to make it safer than below. The course offers scenic views of blue rivers and valleys.
The Maze, Canyonlands, Utah
The Maze trail is located within Canyonlands National Park, Utah. It is a complicated trail to navigate, and most of the paths within end on dead ends.
It is possible to get lost amongst the narrow passageways and the interconnecting canyons within the maze. So if you are planning to get on this adventure, keep in mind that you may need to be rescued.
Even experienced hikers have been confused and lost within the maze. However, if you are an adrenaline fan, you are in for a treat with this one.
Be sure to bring a map along on your hike. Only one to two thousand hikers go to this in a year.
Drakensberg Traverse, South Africa
The Drakensberg Traverse reflects the saying, “A bad beginning makes a good ending.” Unfortunately, the beginning of this hiking trail is the most dangerous.
Hikers have to climb two chain ladders before reaching the trailhead. The route after the trailhead is notorious for the remarkable views it offers.
You will encounter animal tracks, rock scrambles, and herding trails during your hike. Unfortunately, many people have died on the course. However, the views are breathtaking.
Cascade Saddle, New Zealand
If you are visiting New Zealand, you know that one of the things on your itinerary must be hiking. Cascade Saddle is one of the most prevalent hiking trails in the country, made famous by The Lord of the Rings.
The trail is hazardous because it has many slippery rocks that make the ground unstable, especially during rainy periods.
Many hikers have suffered injuries here, and there are some reported deaths. Unfortunately, the striking alpine views are no consolation since they will probably distract you.
Mount Pinatubo, Philippines
Several hikers have met their death at Mount Pinatubo’s crater lake in the Philippines. It is located in the Zambales Mountains and is an active stratovolcano.
In 1991, the mountain recorded the largest eruption with over 15 million tons of sulfur gas. The climb is relatively easy, but as you decide to go on a walk, you must remember that the mountain could blow up any minute.
As a stratovolcano, it is unpredictable.
Huayna Picchu, Peru
If you have hiked to Machu Picchu, Peru, you agree that the trek is quite challenging. However, the real danger in walking this historic area is within the famous citadel.
You will require a separate ticket to hike The Huayna Picchu trail. It is composed of granite stairs that rise to 305 meters high. The Huayna Picchu trail is also referred to as the “Hike to Death.”
After you climb over 850 feet, if the views do not take your breath away, the stairs will. Unfortunately, the stairs are very slippery, and the fact that part of the trail is rundown is part of the reasons that make it one of the most dangerous trails in the World.
The views of Machu Picchu below are worth the climb and will leave you sure you could do this climb again.
Now you are ready to start your journey into this significant undertaking. Visit our blog to see more adventures you must experience.
Pearce Kibaale is a freelance writer, content creator, and Editor-in-Chief of Trip Dhow.
