Hiking may sound like a big challenge to amateur adventurers, but to trail runners and mountaineers, it’s actually the weakest outdoor sport there is. Some people long for adventure, adrenaline, and some spectacular views. Mind you, more challenging, adventurous, dangerous hikes are not for the faint of heart.  

There are hikes that are both risky and intimidating. Some of these dangerous hikes involve cliff sheers, deadly water currents, narrow trails, and even encounters with wild animals. If you’re looking for a challenge and are not a novice, here, in reverse order, are the 11 most dangerous hikes in the USA.

The 11 Most Dangerous Hikes In The U.S.A. 

11. The Mist Trail, Yosemite National Park, California

You will find yourself at an elevation of 4,000 feet on this hike. This signature hike at popular Yosemite National Park begins at Happy Isles, shuttle stop number 16. It is a moderately difficult hike that will take between two to five hours to complete depending on how far you choose to go.

It is a three-mile round trip hike to Vernal Fall and a seven-mile round trip to Nevada Fall. There are restrooms on the trail and water is reportedly available but experienced hikers know it’s best to carry your own water supply. The previously mentioned falls are nothing short of spectacular and are reportedly a combined total of 900 feet in height. Enjoy the view of the Liberty Cap, Nevada Falls, and the rear of Half Dome from the Muir Trail.  

Be a good scout and always be prepared for this (or any other) hiking challenge. Perhaps surprisingly, the waterfalls and the cliffs are not connected to the majority of the deaths here. It is actually the mighty river current. The river might appear to be less dangerous, but hikers have slipped, fallen, and been swept away in the deceptively deadly stream.

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The Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Regular readers know your rovin’ writer has personal experience with this dangerous hiking trail. The well-known Bright Angel Trail has an elevation of approximately 6,850 feet and a present depth of 4,350 feet. Even though the trail has had available water stations along the trail for years, as many as 250 travelers are still rescued from the Grand Canyon annually.

It is dangerous for hikers because it has a number of different destination points that are all guided by different bodies of water. Plus, some people try to do the entire hike in one day and that is generally not suggested for anyone. Making it a two-day hike is a great way to avoid potential problems and accidents. Hikers can encounter wild animals on this hike too. Experienced hikers know to learn about safety precautions in order to avoid injuries.

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Muir Snowfield, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

This hike that starts on the well-known Skyline Trail requires a lot of preparation. This hike covers a round-trip distance of only nine miles, but don’t let the jaunt through the wildflower meadows fool you. The weather quickly changes here and there is a rather challenging 2.2-mile vertical climb. The elevation here is 2,800 feet too.  

It is the altitude that is blamed for many accidents here. Actual mountaineers have frozen and died here attempting to reach the top. It’s important to heed all caution signs and warnings here as well. Be sure to pack food, water, and all the required equipment required for this icy trek. The view of the tall seracs, glaciers, and Mt. Rainier is incredible if you make it.

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Mt. Washington Trail Peak, New Hampshire

Massive Mount Washington is the tallest mountain on the US’s northeastern side. This surprisingly 12-mile hike includes an elevation of more than 6,288 feet. Weather conditions here can be extreme and somehow that makes it popular with the adventurous types.  

Winds can be as high as 231 miles per hour. Nonetheless, this is one of the state’s most popular tourist destinations. Completing this dangerous peak trek requires some physical training and preparation in order to avoid any injuries.  

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The Barr Trail, Manitou Springs, Colorado

This hike, known to some as the Pikes Peak Hike, is reported to be one of the area’s most difficult and dangerous. Much like the Mount Washington trek, this is a 12-mile hike to the top. You will need between six and 10 hours to complete it depending on your personal level of experience. The elevation here is more than 7,500 feet which makes it a real challenge. Still, should you complete it, you will be rewarded with an astounding view of both Pikes Peak and Manitou Springs makes it all worth the effort.

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Angel’s Landing, Zion National Park, Utah

The infamous Angel’s Landing hike averages two deaths each year. It has an elevation of 1,604 feet and is rated as “hard.” It is a 4.4 out and back hike on a trail near the city of Springdale.  The trail is initially reported to be “heavily trafficked” because it is generally used for nature walks and short hikes. 

Although experts suggest hiking this trail between February and October, it includes some significantly narrow sections and even includes bolted chains you can use for handholds. Despite these safety measures and pre-hike precautions, the hike remains notably nerve-wracking due in part to its intimidating sheer cliffs. Ah, but those who conquer their fears and complete the trek can relax on the peak and take in the magnificent view as they dangle their feet over those same cliffs.

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Devil’s Path, Catskill Mountains, New York

You can brave the dangerous Devil’s Path in the popular Catskills. While it is one of the country’s most underrated hikes, it has a challenging height of approximately 14,000 feet and seven peaks. It has a number of difficult, steep vertical climbs that are reported to be the cause of not only frequent rescue efforts but an alarming number of accidents each year. Again, preparation and knowledge are what can make the difference between completing the climb or a terrible accident. 

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Abrams Falls, Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

While this hike may only be five miles in total, it still remains one of the most dangerous hikes in the nation (even if it’s also the shortest). The elevation here is 1,800 feet and, more importantly, the current of the water here has been described by experts as “deadly.” This historic fall was actually named in honor of the well-known Cherokee Indian Chief Oskuah, who reportedly changed his name. Once you reach the top of this risky trail, you will discover that the views are spectacular. Check out the Great Smoky Mountains!

The Maroon Bells South Ridge, White River National Forest, Colorado

This dangerous 12-mile hike rises to an elevation of over 14,000 feet. The trail is full of steep paths, gullies, and loose, rocky areas. Veteran visitors confirm that the peak offers hikers incredible views of the White River, the famous Rocky Mountains, and, of course, Maroon Lake. Indeed, if you complete the hike in the fall, you will be additionally rewarded with a view of the area’s distinctive, fall foliage. While dogs are technically permitted here, they are required to be leashed in order to prevent potential accidents on an already challenging trail.

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Capitol Peak Via The Knife Edge, Colorado

The Capitol Peak is located close to Aspen, in the Elk Mountain Range. While it presents a striking image, it is also one of the most exposed and most dangerous and most exposed peaks in the USA. The mountains in the Elk Range may appear charming but the truth is they are the highest and most challenging in the state of Colorado.

The Knife Ridge is a sharp granite blade of rock that is 150 feet in length. It is arguably the most infamous part of the Capitol Peak hike. The ridge has a 1000+-foot drop-off on both sides. The hike begins at the Capitol Creek Trailhead and is 17 miles round-trip and requires at least two days to complete. The elevation gain here is 5,300 feet. 

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The Huckleberry Trail, Glacier National Park, Montana

Experienced backpackers confirm you must take proper precautions to hike in popular Glacier National Park. After all, this park has the highest grizzly bear population density in the contiguous US and there’s a thriving grizzly habitat on Huckleberry Mountain. You can’t even hike here during peak berry season, because the bears come out to enjoy the berries that grow on the peak’s slopes.

Nevertheless, even when you are permitted to hike here, you’ll need to carry bear spray, not camp anywhere near a food source, and always be on the lookout for any sign of bears.  If you take this hike, be careful.  (We could not bear to lose readers.)

There you have it, fellow adventurers, the most dangerous hikes in the USA. What US hikes do you consider to be dangerous? Let us know in the comments section below!

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