We all love vacations. Personally speaking, I am a fan of trekking. But that doesn’t mean we should, fortunately, be falling into some of them listed here. There are thousands of hiking trails that can possibly fall under the category of being dangerous. A trail that just messes up life is something more to be concerned about. There should always be safety measures considered before thought of stepping into any of the dangerous hiking trails. We have gathered the 10 most dangerous hiking trails and trekking zones in the world that should be idealized twice before stepping.
10. Drakensberg Traverse, South Africa
Drakensberg Traverse is considered one of the roughest trekking spots in the world. Located in South Africa, Drakensberg Transverse happens to be chosen by many trekkers for an incredible hiking experience. The range of the trail is estimated at about 240 km. Further, the ridges, rocks, and rugged paths makes it highly dangerous while trekking. There are facilities for hikers to hold on the chain ladders. The ambiance and view from top of the hill is simply mesmerizing.
9. Bright Angel Trail, United States
Bright Angel Trail is a menacing hiking trail located in Grand Canyon National Park in the United States. The highest point of the trail is estimated at 2,090 meters. Additionally, the park had a rough history to accomplish legal authorization to operate as a hiking trail. Further, the Bright Angel Trail came under the Grand Canyon National Park Service in 1928. Some of the common dangers encountered while hiking includes flash flooding, sudden rainstorms, dehydration, rockfall, and scorching heat. Intensive switchback makes it really hard for hikers and could probably leave them injured and bruised.
8. Yosemite National Park, United States
Yosemite National Park consists of a fantastic hiking trail located in the western Sierra Nevada of Central California. The national park is a mix and combination of nature and green vegetation having comprised of waterfalls, lakes, grooves, mountains, and biological glaciers. Additionally, the total area of the national park is estimated to be around 748,436 acres. Further, being so much perfectly natured, the land has as well come to the attraction to be listed in the World Heritage site.
The hiking trail is estimated at over 1,300 km. The hiking passage is as much comparable to a roller-coaster. Furthermore, it just satisfies the hikers who are both novice and as well as the experienced. With enough safety measures backpacked, the location can be a perfect vacation to forget the outside world.
7. El Caminito del Rey, Spain
There are some hikers who require exactly as the El Caminito del Rey pinned paths. Located in the provinces of Malaga, Spain, the name refers to as “The King’s Little Path”. Further, the hiking location is so much ruthless that it was responsible for five deaths in 1999 and 2000. Additionally, the hiking trail was partially closed for over a decade until the advanced renovation in 2015. The renovation work was finished in 2015, however still stands a toss on being one of the most dangerous.
6. Via Ferrata, Italy and Austria
Via Ferrata is considered one of the most thrilling and adventurous locations for hikers across the globe. The phrase “Via Ferrata” is used to mark the symbol of the “iron path” by most countries. The top view from the Dolomites in Italy can simply give you a lifetime goosebumps. Additionally, the Dolomites in Italy and Austria are considered the world’s most renowned and challenging ways for hikers. Further, they are known to be incredibly hard to reach the summit for even experienced hikers.
5. Angel’s Landing, United States
Angel’s Landing is simply lethal as you think. First sight at the hiking trail messes my mind personally speaking. Located in southwestern Utah, Angel’s Landing was previously known as “Temple of Aeolus”. Additionally, the hiking trail is made of a total of 1,488-foot tall rock formation. Further, due to the dangers imposed in the hiking location, a chain was installed for balance in 2018. This installation happened after a storm in 2018 damaged the rock step formation. About 9 people have died due to hiking the trail since 2004.
4. Huayna Picchu Trail, Peru
Huayna Picchu Trail is considered one of the scariest hiking trails in the world. The trail is located in the Huayna Picchu mountain location. The Huayna Picchu is a beautiful mountain in Peru and consists of temples built on its top. Additionally, the passage to the mountain top is where one finds the trail. Further, the trail seemed was built by Incas. While talking about the trail experience, the full trail is above moderately rated in terms of difficulty. Each and every step are abnormal and short that holds the attention of hikes to be extra careful. Finally, the entire journey to the summit can take up to 3 hours or more depending on the situation.
3. Chadar Trek, India
Also known as “Zanskar Gorge”, the Chadar Trek falls in the premises of the Indian union territory of Ladakh. The complete trail is on ice and snow, which stands unique on this list. A winter trail that grabbed the attraction of international adventure tourists. Additionally, the best-chosen time by trekkers is between January and February. It can become very much tedious in the middle of the hike as the temperature can drop as much to -35 degrees. Finally, if you are a bad-ass adventurer with complete soul-energy, then Chadar Trek would be the best spot.
2. Mount Hua Shan, China
Mount Hua Shan is one of the most renowned and dangerous hiking locations of all time. Located near the city of Huayin in the western mountain of the Five Great Mountains of China. The mountain involves a great religious significance. There is a dangerous path that will take you through the mountain top. This route was initially prepared for religious purposes, which is still alive. But this has turned out to a famously dangerous location for hiking. The local government has installed new tracks on the mountain with chains for support which still accounts for being the dangerous paths in the world. The track can just accommodate a single person who should be followed by another. At some point, the wooden paths are broken where the tourists would require using ridges to pass-by.
1. The Maze, United States
The Maze is considered the most famous location for hiking. In fact, the location can be much more ruthless than you think. The intent of the place is very straightforward, “The Maze”. A perfect place to just get lost and wander around again and again. Located in Utah, United States, the place is not a joke and cannot be considered for inexperienced hikers. A proper map should be the only way to get back out once lost in. The place has many dead-end canyons and thick rock-jungle. Once lost and without a map, there cannot be a better nightmare than The Maze.
AMAZE+
Mount Pinatubo, Philippines
Mount Pinatubo happens to be the only stratovolcano listed as an additional countdown. However, the stratovolcano is in the Zambales Mountains that fall under the provinces of the northern island of Luzon, Philippines. Additionally, Mount Pinatubo recorded the second-largest volcanic eruption in the 20th century. The place is mainly chosen to view the crater of the volcano. Though they impose lesser dangers, there is always a caution to be bagged in mind. Lake Pinatubo has become since then a tourist attraction.