The United States is filled with incredible hiking trails, from alpine ridges to desert canyons. But not all hikes are created equal. Some trails are so steep, exposed, or remote that they’ve earned a reputation for danger. Even skilled hikers with years of experience have found themselves in trouble on these routes.
If you’re craving extreme adventure and understand the risks, these 12 hikes offer unforgettable views—but demand serious preparation, caution, and respect. Whether it’s the weather, terrain, or sheer drops, these hikes are not for the faint of heart.
1. Angel’s Landing – Zion National Park, Utah
Angel’s Landing is famous for its stunning views—and infamous for its deadly drop-offs. The final stretch involves holding onto chains bolted into rock while traversing a narrow ridge with 1,000-foot cliffs on both sides.
Why It’s Dangerous: Extreme exposure, crowded conditions, and loose footing make this a risky hike. Several hikers have died here in recent years.
Distance: 5.4 miles round trip
Permit Required: Yes, via seasonal lottery
2. The Maze – Canyonlands National Park, Utah
The Maze isn’t a technical climb, but it’s one of the most remote and confusing trail systems in the country. Few markers, deep canyons, and zero cell service make this hike a navigation nightmare.
Why It’s Dangerous: Getting lost is easy, water is scarce, and rescue efforts can take days.
Distance: Varies by route
Permit Required: Yes, for overnight trips
3. Kalalau Trail – Nā Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii
The Kalalau Trail might look like paradise, but slippery ridges and sudden landslides make it deadly. The trail hugs steep cliffs above crashing waves, and flash floods are common.
Why It’s Dangerous: Slick mud, rockfall, narrow ledges, and swift rivers.
Distance: 22 miles round trip
Permit Required: Yes, even for day hikes past Hanakāpīʻai Beach
4. Mt. Washington – White Mountains, New Hampshire
Despite being under 7,000 feet, Mount Washington’s weather is legendary. Winds have topped 200 mph, and conditions change from sunny to blizzard in minutes.
Why It’s Dangerous: Rapid weather shifts, hypothermia, and slippery alpine terrain.
Distance: 8.4 miles round trip via Tuckerman Ravine Trail
Permit Required: No
5. Capitol Peak – Elk Mountains, Colorado
Capitol Peak is often called the most dangerous standard route of all Colorado’s 14ers. The Knife Edge is the heart-pounding part—a narrow ridge with a 1,000-foot drop on either side.
Why It’s Dangerous: Exposure, loose rock, and fatal falls. It’s claimed multiple climbers in recent years.
Distance: 17 miles round trip
Permit Required: No
6. Bright Angel Trail – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Descending into the Grand Canyon sounds easy, but coming back up in the heat can turn deadly. Many hikers underestimate the strain of the climb combined with high temperatures.
Why It’s Dangerous: Heat exhaustion, dehydration, and steep elevation gain.
Distance: 9.5 miles one way to the river
Permit Required: Yes for overnight stays
7. Half Dome – Yosemite National Park, California
Half Dome is a must-do for many hikers, but the cable section near the summit is treacherous. Wet rock, tired legs, and high elevation can quickly become a bad mix.
Why It’s Dangerous: Slippery cables, exposure, and summer storms.
Distance: 14 to 16 miles round trip
Permit Required: Yes, lottery-based system
8. Mount Rainier Summit – Washington
At 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is a glaciated giant. Reaching the summit requires glacier travel, rope skills, and knowledge of crevasse rescue. Weather can shut things down fast.
Why It’s Dangerous: Avalanches, crevasses, altitude, and unpredictable storms.
Distance: 9 miles one way (Disappointment Cleaver Route)
Permit Required: Yes, including climbing permit
9. Huckleberry Trail – Glacier National Park, Montana
This trail cuts through one of the highest-density grizzly bear areas in the continental US. The terrain isn’t extreme, but the wildlife risk is very real.
Why It’s Dangerous: Grizzly encounters and remote location.
Distance: 12 miles round trip
Permit Required: No, but bear spray is strongly advised
10. Mount Whitney – Inyo National Forest, California
At 14,505 feet, Whitney is the tallest peak in the lower 48. The trail itself is long, exposed, and high-altitude. Altitude sickness and afternoon lightning storms are major threats.
Why It’s Dangerous: Thin air, rockfall, and rapidly changing weather.
Distance: 22 miles round trip
Permit Required: Yes, lottery-based system
11. Haiku Stairs (Stairway to Heaven) – Oahu, Hawaii
This illegal hike involves climbing over 3,900 steep stairs along a ridgeline. The views are incredible, but the climb is slick, narrow, and highly exposed.
Why It’s Dangerous: Extreme exposure, illegal access, and steep conditions.
Distance: 4 to 6 miles depending on route
Permit Required: Closed to the public, fines for trespassing
12. Rattlesnake Arches via Pollock Bench – Colorado National Monument
This hike doesn’t get much press, but it includes steep switchbacks and narrow ledges with zero guardrails. Loose rocks and sun exposure add to the challenge.
Why It’s Dangerous: Falls, loose terrain, and heat.
Distance: 15 miles round trip
Permit Required: No
Final Safety Tips Before Attempting Dangerous Hikes
- Know your limits: Just because others have done it doesn’t mean it’s safe for everyone.
- Check weather conditions: Many hikes become treacherous with rain, snow, or wind.
- Tell someone your plan: Especially on remote hikes with no signal.
- Bring the 10 essentials: Navigation, hydration, first aid, and layers are just the start.
- Train ahead of time: These hikes require endurance, skill, and mental focus.
Adventure is part of what makes hiking so addictive. But pushing your limits only works if you prepare for the challenge. These 12 trails prove that beauty and danger often go hand in hand on America’s wildest paths.
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