The World’s Most Challenging & Dangerous Hiking Trails

There are so many wonderful trails and hiking routes in the world, and some are more terrifying than others. Many of us like to pit our wits against nature and the elements to earn that sense of accomplishment. But it’s prudent to be wary of some of the most dangerous trails, like these!

This aptly named climbing peaks one of the moist breath-taking and treacherous in the world. Many climbers at Longs Peak choose this as one of the top routes of choice. By the looks of things, you’d need to be a very capable climber to even consider attempting this treacherous cliff face!

This absolutely bonkers trail can be found at the famed Yosemite National Park in California. You can see from the picture that it’s a popular route, but those people must be crazy! Look how dangerous a trail this is. There have been a fair few fatalities on this trail, and that doesn’t surprise us one bit!

When you’re out in a state as wild and remote as Alaska, you have to have your wits about you. Rover Run might be a scenic and iconic trail, but it’s also fraught with danger. The terrifying and gigantic brown bears roam wild in this territory. And they have been responsible for many a death and mauling.

This is another of the most dangerous trails in the world, but not because of bears! You can probably get an idea of how deadly this climb is from the picture. The view is jaw-dropping, and we can certainly see the appeal. But, it’s so remote that any accident or fall here is going to prove fatal.

Okay, it may not necessarily be dangerous, but the macabre nature of this trail earns its place on our list. This is nicknamed Suicide Forest by the Japanese, as it has become the site of around 100 suicides every year. That’s pretty creepy. Maybe there’s some unnatural force here that contributes to that. Spine-tingling!

Get a load of the mesmerizing view you get here. This Californian phenomenon isn’t really dangerous, but it is captivating. These sailing stones actually move of their own volition. Now, you’ve got to admit, that’s pretty creepy right?! This is certainly one of the natural phenomena in the world that you’ve got to experience for yourself.

Utah’s Canyonlands so home to The Maze, a collective of curious rock formations that form a beautiful but confusing maze. This is a place that doesn’t seem terrifying at first, but consider that it’s 50 miles away from the nearest road. And, if you’ve seen The Hills Have Eyes this is probably a destination you’re going to want to avoid.

Yikes. Anyone with a fear of heights should probably look away now. This suspension bridge is a worthy addition to the daredevil extreme sports of the Swiss Alps. But it looks like it probably sways pretty hard if it’s caught by a gust of wind. Look how far it looks as well. You wouldn’t want to get caught halfway up this bad boy!

This would be the ideal venue for the world’s best game of hide and go seek. Be under no illusions, though, this is not for the faint of heart! The corridors of this red stone canyon are a mere 10 inches wide. That’s just 25cm, crikey. Get stuck in here, and there’s not going to be anyone around to get you out of trouble!

Colorado makes our list again, only this time it’s the Barr Trail at Pikes Peak. Look, we’re all for getting out there, exploring, and seeing the beauty of nature. But any trail with a warning sign like this is not something to take lightly. Severe weather and the threat of thunder and lightning is not something you want to be dealing with at 7,390 feet!

Another crazy trail on offer in the Swiss Alps! The Wendenstock trail is one of the favorite mountain climbs among visitors to the Alps. It offers a view to die for, but you need to be careful or you actually might! This is one of the most dangerous hikes on record and has climbed the lives of many experienced climbers.

The Emerald Isle is famed for her beauty and natural appeal, and these cliffs are a popular tourist landmark. But, you need to be careful and keep your wits about you. The sheer drop off the cliff face here is 650 feet! That is certain death unless you’re The Incredible Hulk! Make sure you’re careful and sensible, but definitely make sure you visit.

It takes a certain kind of person to want to scale a volcano. And a reporter in 2010 was killed by this deadly mistress. If you are bonkers enough to want to scale the sides of this volcano and hike alongside flowing lava, then Guatemala is the place to be. This sounds like our worst nightmare, but it might be tight up your street!

Okay, we don’t know what this guy’s deal is, but he’s clearly a lunatic! This is one of the most terrifying drops we’ve ever seen. A gust of wind and he’d be a goner! Mount LeConte boasts an elevation of 3,700 feet. If you feel like a test of endurance against the elements you might fancy attempting this trail.

We have just three questions here: Who? How? Why?! This is just one of the treacherous trails and natural attractions in China. It’s a Taoist mountain, but we don’t much fancy the idea of scaling it along a footpath that looks no wider than a brick. This is a climb that requires all the right kit, as well as a fearless attitude.

It’s not just China who boast impossibly small walkways along intimidating mountain paths. Check out this bonkers route in Spain that is perfect for fully fledged crazies! It’s hazardous and broken down, and it’s a wonder anyone would even want to explore further. It’s a shame, as the surrounding area looks beautiful.

Anyone visiting Mount Rainier at Washington State will have the opportunity to tackle this trail. It’s a 9-mile loop of snowy-capped peaks, immense rocks, and an ever-changing climate. In other words, it’s one of the most challenging and difficult climbs on the planet. It has a kill count totaling above 90, so it’s not to be underestimated.

There’s no denying the thrill and magical qualities Canada possesses. We often think we get the best of it in the States, but Canada has some of the greatest natural beauty on the planet. The West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island is a prime example. But it also boasts dangerous vertical climbs, wild wolves, and cougars. It’s a natural death trap!

Utah is one of the most picturesque of all US states. The red desert sprawls for miles, and there is some fantastic scenery. Zion National Park is home to this popular hiker destination, Angel Landing. If you decide to take on the beast your need to be cautious and make sure you never go alone.

Any trail that’s named Glass Skywalk should probably serve as a warning to turn back now! Tianmen Mountain National Park may boast exquisite beauty, but this trail is just demented. You can look down, through the glass, and see the thousands of feet you will plummet if you fall. Not suitable for those with acrophobia.

It might be the smallest country in Europe, but Iceland can still bring in the tourists. Not least because they boost natural wonders like this volcano. If scaling this monster interests you then you’ll need to beware. There are few safety measures, and the climate is pretty intense. Make sure you don’t attempt this without a guide.

Any trail or hike in a climate like this can be treacherous. If you aren’t used to what’s involved, you may suffer exhaustion, dehydration, and even malaria. Don’t leave yourself vulnerable and exposed. Make sure you do as much as you possibly can to prepare for this sort of journey. 60-miles is a long way, and you need to pace yourself properly!

Anything to do with the Incas usually has a disturbing or macabre twist to it. The stairs can be found on the world famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. These have had no restoration work, so they have been in the same natural state for centuries. That means you’re going to have to look out for loose and slippery steps. These floating stairs can be pretty deadly if you’re not careful.

You might not associate New York with hiking trails and treacherous routes. But that’s only if you’ve not visited the stunning Catskill Mountains. This hazardous terrain has claimed lives before, and will again. If you plan and execute the route well, you will be okay, and you can see from this picture how worthwhile the journey is.

Look at the clear azure blue of the lake, and the serene natural surroundings. Well, this is actually the site of Mount Pinatubo, a still-active volcano! You wouldn’t think it from looking at this, but looks can be deceiving. If you’re going to climb it, you need to keep an ear out for the first potential eruption since 1991’s catastrophe.

Our youngest state is, in many ways, one of our most beautiful. And there’s no doubting the Kalalau Trail will make you fall in love with Hawaii. Just make sure you are careful because the current is strong here. The sea is a cruel mistress, and this stretch of coast has claimed the lives of many unwitting visitors.

Norway is full of incredible mythology and history, and it also has no shortage of natural beauty. This enormous cliff gives a wonderfully picturesque view of the surrounding landscape. But, you better not get too near to the edge. One gust of wind and you’ll be forever gone, and that will be the story of you.

For a country that provided the backdrop of the Lord of the Rings movies, you get an idea of the sort of landscapes New Zealand boasts. Cascade Saddle is one of the most popular hiking trails at Mt. Aspiring National Park. It’s also one of the deadliest so you may need some magic of your own to survive this trail!

We thought that suspension bridge in the Swiss Alps was crazy, but this is just a joke! An Inca rope bridge that, while an important piece of history, also looks crazy dangerous! You’ve seen the bridge scene in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, right? Well, we’re getting flashbacks of that just seeing this bridge.

Yes, this looks amazing, and there’s a ghostly, otherworldly feel going on. But there is also a lot of risk on this treacherous trail. For instance, you may have to contend with lightning strikes, a steep cliff edge, and poor weather. Probably best not to attempt this bad boy when the conditions are less than stellar.

When it comes to areas of natural beauty and awe, you can’t beat the Scottish Highlands. This trail is one that needs to be experienced in all its glory. But, you also have to make sure you travel with care. The trail along the top is very thin, and the landscape treacherous. It’s one of those hikes that, once you’ve started, you have to finish, so bear that in mind!

As you can see from this picture, the Drakensberg mountain range will surely take your breath away. The jagged expanse and misty nothingness is the place you can expect to end up if you aren’t careful here. You can see the mountains stretch for miles into the horizon, and you can enjoy every inch of them, just make sure you’re careful!

Doesn’t this just look like the sort of place you can imagine poets like Walt Whitman or Emily Dickinson would visit for inspiration? But, they may not have tried to negotiate the slippery rocks and summit. These, mixed with the powerful current, make this a resplendent but dangerous trail.

This sprawling, lush wilderness looks mind-blowing, and it would be amazing to look at the is view every day. But, anyone choosing the visit this fairy-tale location will have to beware of bears. There is thought to be a bear every square mile of this popular trail. So it’s probably best to avoid it, or at least to travel in a group!

These golden cliffs hold the promise of myth, legend, and adventure. They look like the sort of place you’d find in Norse mythology. With expansive ocean views, this rocky hill is like disappearing into another world. Just make sure you don’t stray too close to the edge, or you’ll be swept away!