The Ten Most Dangerous Hikes In The World
Its not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves
Sir Edmund Hillary
The word ‘hiking’ may be of six letters but it is one full of incredibility and mystique. It often brings to life, vivid memories of endless landscape and makes one realize the smallness of mankind in the midst of this grandeur.
But what’s beautiful is also often dangerous. These majestic compositions of nature have often provoked us humans to dream of conquering them — by climbing them or merely walking on their surface. Long vigorous walks either for pleasure or pilgrimage are called hiking and have been considered as one of the most fulfilling methods of experiencing nature.
But these hiking trails are not always straight-cut. The paths can sometimes be sharp, full of narrow roads, rough terrain, and edgelike cliffs that can make the strongest of hearts skip a beat. While most end up reaching the top or completing their trail right to the endpoint, some also meet an unforeseen end with a single misstep.
No no, we are not invoking the acrophobe in you...But if you are one of those in love with the idea of treading seemingly innocent paths on your own two feet, maybe you should give this article a shot before you put on your walking shoes.
We tell you about the Ten Most Dangerous Hikes in the World!!
1. Half Dome, USA
5000 feet above a valley and 8800 feet above sea level? Now that’s sure to get some adrenaline pumping for most hikers. Half Dome is a Yosemite valley icon amongst its challengers. The granite dome rises 4,737 feet above ground level. It is a 16-mile long and steep round-trip trail offering spectacular views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and the High Sierra.
A lot of hikers face thunderstorms, wildlife encounters (uh, bears et al) as well as the ‘usual’ wilderness while on their trail. But be warned, it is not for the faint-hearted nor for the untrained. And then there’s the most famous (or rather not so famous part) — the last 400 feet is a straight wall climb using two metal cables.
If that doesn’t excite you, what will?!
2. The Maze, Utah
Interconnecting canyons, narrow passageways, confusing paths, and endless dead ends — that’s the Maze for you. Fairly named, huh? Situated in the least convenient district of Canyonlands, The Maze’s extreme remoteness and complexity of roads add to the adventure the trail brings.
There are no amenities here. It's big, bad and wild in every sense of the word. It is easily a three-day hike and of course, there is absolutely nothing for 100 miles on any side of the park.
3. El Caminito del Rey, Spain
Also known as the King’s little path, the world’s most dangerous pathway was built in 1905 above a hydroelectric plant. This thin wooden walkway hike takes almost 5 hours to complete while giving gorgeous views of mountains, reservoirs, remote landscapes, and suspension bridges.
After experiencing the death of five hikers in 2001, the whole location went into a widespread renovation and reopened in 2015, making the trail much safer than before.
The key attraction of this trail is the glass-bottom floor built at the highest point where you can see blue rivers and scenic valleys right beneath your feet.
4. Kalalau Hike, Hawaii
Hawaii is known for its stunning beaches, and the Kalalau trail rewards the hikers with one of the most beautiful ocean views the eye can see.
But it doesn’t come easy. To experience this view, a hiker has to go through slippery waterfalls, rough streams, lush valleys, and dense jungles. This epic coastal trail is 32 km long, where the greatest danger is water. It definitely needs months of training before you can decide to take the trip. Unofficial signs along with the trail place death numbers at almost 100 per year.
5. Mount Huashan, China
Famously known as ‘the plank walk in the sky,’ the trail to Mount Huashan is a trail to paradise offering a panoramic view of lush green mountain peaks. The most dangerous hike, where almost 100 people die every year, Mount Huashan is a pilgrimage site for the Chinese.
Thin planks bolted into the mountainside lead the hikers to the steep and narrow ladders going to the top, where at a certain point, hikers have to use safety equipment as the trail becomes steeper. Cable Cars available at the base of the north and west peaks may make things a bit easier. And then, there’s The Chess Pavilion! Climb down edge-like staircases carved into the rock and you can grant yourself a game of chess coupled with your hike!
6. Drakensberg Traverse, South Africa
The possibility of getting lost in the valleys, wildlife attacks, or a tough road full of high rocks — what's a hike without this adventure right? The Drakensburg Traverse that claims to have taken 55 lives is all this and more.
The hike promises a sight of magnificent hanging valleys, high ridges, and a stimulating wilderness experience. This intense elevation gaining hike that has no set route, tests your physical as well as your mental strength. Going by hiker experience, it is approximately 205 km long and takes 10–15 days to complete.
7. Striding Edge, UK
Located in the Helvellyn mountain in England, this scrambling hike is certainly not for those with a fear of heights.
Months long training of rope climbing and navigation is a must as the hike runs through fog and mist. For those with a penchant for mixing adventure with history — this is where the famous 18th-century artist Charles Gough died!!
8. Cascade Saddle, New Zealand
Offering one of the most scenic views of Alpine Passes, Tititea and the Dart Glacier, Cascade Saddle is a 30 km long demanding hike. The ground becomes slippery and unstable with precipitation and the route is also prone to avalanches.
It surely has one of the highest fatality rates in pristine New Zealand and is not a trail one can expect to be done with quickly. An Aspiring Hut and a Dart Hut along the route gives comfort to the tired body without bothering the excited mind.
9. West Coast Trail, Vancouver Islands, Canada
Which hike-fanatic doesn’t desire to have a hike of a lifetime? Well, this is it! The 75 km West Coast Trail in Vancouver Islands, also known as the ‘hike of a lifetime, ‘ is a both challenge and a treat for nature lovers.
Hikers have to climb more than 100 ladders full of deep mud, mountain rivers, fast-flowing water streams, and oh yes, wind. But the wild we have heard makes it worth it.. minks, bears, sturgeons, deer, herons bring fun to a 7-day hike.
10. Huayna Picchu, Peru
A steep angular hike with an ascent over 1000 feet that almost seems like a ‘hike of death, the Inca Trail is a ‘historic’ hike. The trail to Huayna Picchu starts from the world-famous Machu Picchu citadel located in Southern Peru. It requires training to hike alongside skills of scrambling and climbing.
Only a limited number of hikers (500, to be precise, including porters) are allowed to start the trail per day. The pathway gets extremely slippery during rainfall, because of which the hike is closed during rains. But once you reach the top, the extremely glorious view of the Inca City makes every gasp along the trail worth it.
They say we don’t stop hiking when we grow old… we grow old when we stop hiking. What may seem like an extended form of walking is actually much more than that. It is a powerful form of cardio if done right — Hiking is known to reduce the risk of heart disease, improve blood pressure, help boost bone density and keep away blood sugar issues. The changes in elevation, surface areas, methods of walking to cover the variations in the terrain make hiking one of the most exciting forms of exercise for adventurous minds.
But that said, hiking has a fair amount of disadvantages- your time indoors will never be the same again and your gym trainer could miss you for days altogether!! If those are good downsides to have for you, then what are you waiting for? Put on those shoes and go, take a hike!!
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