For thrill-seekers and adventure lovers, some trails offer more than just breathtaking views, they come with real danger.
The riskiest hikes in the world test not only your stamina but also your courage. From narrow wooden planks hanging off cliffs to ancient stone steps slick with mist, these treks are not for the faint of heart.
Whether it’s extreme heights, unpredictable weather, or unstable paths, each trail on this list has claimed lives.
If you’re planning a hike and crave adrenaline, here are six of the riskiest hikes in the world that push danger to the limit.
1. Cascade Saddle, New Zealand
Located in New Zealand, the Cascade Saddle is a hike spanning over five miles. It typically takes just under three hours to complete.
This trail serves as a connection between the West Matukituki Valley and the Dart Valley. Experts strongly advise that newbie hikers avoid attempting Cascade Saddle.
The primary danger stems from adverse weather conditions, which can tragically result in life-threatening slips.
Its combination of length, required time, and the significant risk posed by weather makes it a challenging and dangerous route.
2. Mount Hua, China
Mount Hua, also known as Huashan Mountain, is famously referred to as the “most precipitous mountain under heaven” and is considered the single most dangerous hike in the world.
The trek requires hikers to navigate along wood planks that are bolted directly to the side of the mountain.
This precarious journey is nearly eight miles long and takes approximately five hours to finish. Disturbingly, the Mount Hua hike is presumed to have claimed around 100 lives.
The extreme danger is understandable, given that the wooden planks are suspended at an astonishing height of over 6,000 feet above the ground.
3. El Caminito Del Rey, Spain
In Spain, El Caminito Del Rey has earned the ominous nickname the “Walkway of Death” among avid hikers. This historic landmark is over a century old and is situated at a height of 350 feet.
The trail itself is approximately two miles long. A significant danger of this hike is that portions of the trail have collapsed, leaving large and dangerous openings that hikers must contend with.
Despite the inherent risks, the Spanish trail attracts a substantial number of visitors, with an average of 1.3 million people visiting annually.
4. The Mürren via Ferrata, Switzerland
The Mürren via Ferrata is a steep mountain trail located in the breathtaking Swiss Alps. It is positioned a considerable 2000 feet above the ground.
Completing this climb can take up to three hours. The trail has proven to be dangerous, with reports of even experienced hikers losing their lives on this route.
Due to the dangers presented, experts offer a crucial safety tip for those attempting the Mürren via Ferrata, suggesting that climbers should bring two ropes with them.
5. Huayna Picchu, Peru
Situated above the renowned Machu Picchu ruins in Peru, the Huayna Picchu hike is a historical route that is over 500 years old.
Tragically for some who attempt it, Huayna Picchu’s nickname, the “Stairs of Death,” has unfortunately become a reality. The trail reaches an elevation of 8,835 feet above sea level and has indeed taken lives.
Historically, the stairs that cascade down the mountain’s edge served a vital purpose for the Incans, who used them to look out for any possible attacks.
6. Half Dome, California
Found within Yosemite’s Mist Trail in California, Half Dome is an incredibly popular destination, attracting over 500,000 hikers annually.
Due to the treacherous nature of the journey, hikers are required to apply for a permit before starting the trek. The estimated round trip for the Half Dome hike is a considerable 17 miles.
This challenging route has unfortunately claimed the lives of over 60 people, solidifying its reputation as one of the most dangerous treks in the world.
Alicia Richards