Hiking always involves an element of danger and risk – some trails more than others. For many people, the idea of risk is exciting and adds a thrill to the whole experience! But, normally, as long as you’re well prepared, physically capable, and make smart decisions, you should be fine.
Having said that, though, some parks and trails are inherently dangerous, regardless of how careful or experienced you are.
Here are the 10 most treacherous hiking trails in United States national parks.
1. Angel’s Landing: Zion National Park
Located in Utah, the Angel’s Landing hiking trail in Zion National Park provides you with some of the most incredible views, but at no small cost. The hike includes a 1,500-foot climb and a total elevation of nearly 6,000 feet.
The hike is pretty exposed, leaving you with nothing more than a railing to hold onto in some parts. In total, the hike is about five miles long, but because of the danger and risk involved, it takes most people between four and five hours to complete, and you need to have a permit to do it.
2. The Bright Angel Trail: Grand Canyon National Park
The Bright Angel Trail is probably one of the most popular in Grand Canyon National Park, and there are several route options depending on your ability – some are more difficult (and treacherous) than others.
A few of the main reasons this trail is classified as difficult is because there’s quite a lot of elevation, and the area experiences pretty radical temperature differences.
3. Huckleberry Trail: Glacier National Park
The Huckleberry Trail in Glacier National Park is regarded as tough mostly because of the length of the trail – it’s about 11 miles long and takes about six hours to complete if the weather is favorable.
Another contributing factor to this trail being difficult is the weather, and this is mostly dependent on the time of year. The trail can get snowy during fall and winter, so make sure you check out the forecast. It’s also known as bear country, so be aware!
4. The Maze: Canyonlands National Park
The Maze hiking trail is found in one of the most remote parts of the Canyonlands National Park. As the name suggests, it’s relatively easy to get lost, which contributes to the danger factor. On top of that, the trail itself is very technical, so it’s quite difficult from an agility and physicality perspective.
It’s advised that hikers are prepared in terms of self-sufficiency and self-rescue gear.
5. Chinitna Bay: Lake Clark National Park
Located in brown bear territory, Chinitna Bay hiking trail offers beautiful views and unusual terrain. The accessibility of the trail is one of the things that make it stand out, in that it’s only accessible by small aircraft. When you’re on the trail itself, the tides are fairly treacherous, so it’s essential that hikers are aware of the timing of the tides.
6. The Knife Edge, Katahdin: Baxter State Park
The Knife Edge trail traverses Katahdin Mountain, the highest mountain in not only Baxter State Park, but in all of Maine. The views are spectacular, and the mountain itself is been around for more than 400 million years.
The trail is known for incredibly strong winds and other extreme weather conditions because it’s incredibly exposed – more than 3,500 feet of elevation – which is why it’s not recommended when the weather is poor. Parts of the trail are super rocky and require scrambling and strength.
7. Longs Peak: Rocky Mountain National Park
This 14,259-foot high trail is the highest in the whole of Rocky Mountain National Park, and it’s named after a famous explorer. The trail isn’t particularly dangerous during summer – in fact, it’s rated as moderately difficult. However, during winter, it becomes very treacherous due to ice and snow. So much so, in fact, that hikers need to take along safety and climbing equipment.
8. Half Dome Cables Route: Yosemite National Park
The Half Dome Cables Route is only about eight miles long, but it boasts 4,800 feet of elevation. The trail offers incredible views due to how high up hikers are, but it can get pretty dangerous being so high up. So much so that there are certain parts of the trail that have handholds and railings for safety.
9. Precipice Trail: Arcadia National Park
Hence the name, much of the Precipice Trail traverses steep and sheer cliffs with massive drops, making it an incredibly exhilarating hike. Many sections of the trail have ladders, handholds, railings, and bridges to help hikers along. Another thing that makes the trail dangerous is the fact that it’s incredibly exposed, so it’s not advised to embark on the Precipice Trail when the weather is poor.
10. Grinnell Glacier Trail: Glacier National Park
About 10 miles long, the Grinnel Glacier Trail offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and water below. It’s one of the most famous glaciers in the region and it’s advised to do the hike when there hasn’t been a lot of snowfall – for both safety and for the sake of clear skies and beautiful views!
Overall, the trail is considered strenuous, and there are parts that are technical and can get slippery.
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