Outdoor Blog
10 Scariest and Most Dangerous Hiking Trails on Earth

One reason for hiking’s long-lasting and widespread popularity is the ability to choose whatever level of danger and challenge you want. So while some might prefer lazy day hikes, for others the best hiking trails are the ones full of switchbacks, drop-offs, and dead ends.
The trails covered below offer some of the scariest challenges, and most dangerous conditions available to hikers today. While they’re not for the faint of heart, these trails also offer some of the most stunning views and interesting ecosystems you’ll ever encounter.
After all, the difficulty of reaching these places helps keep them undisturbed in their natural beauty. So, whether you’re looking for the best hikes in Yosemite National Park, or want to make a pilgrimage to some of the scariest destinations on Earth, these trails will not disappoint!
1. Huayna Picchu, Peru
There’s a reason Huayna Picchu is first on our list of scariest and most dangerous hikes. Climbing 1,000 feet in less than a mile, the “Hike of Death” trail extends from Peru’s famous Machu Picchu ruins at the end of the Inca Trail. The Inca Trail can be challenging in itself, but this extension up Huayna Picchu mountain is one of the riskiest sections.
Providing some of the most stunning views of Machu Picchu itself, the mountain can be summitted safely, but many of the tourists who trek up these ancient Inca steps each year aren’t properly prepared. The problem is, this isn’t one of the best-maintained trails. Parts of the granite steps are rotting or crumbling and, in some places, the only thing to hold onto is a set of old steel cables.
Being high in the Andes, the mountain is often covered in clouds and mist and it’s recommended to only attempt the climb under sunny and clear conditions. Many also underestimate the steepness of the trail, especially coming down. So, take your time, choose your path carefully, and don’t rush past other climbers. Otherwise, you might end up at the bottom much more quickly than planned!

A line of tourists making their way to the summit of Mount Huasan, China.
2. Mount Huashan, China
Our next trail on the list is also quite ancient. Trekking to the top of Mount Huashan is a centuries-old tradition. For those who make it to the top, there are Buddhist and Daoist temples that offer refreshments, including what some say is the best cup of tea in the world. Although it seems likely any tea at all would taste amazing after a journey like this one!
Visitors access the temples by climbing the “Heavenly Stairs” carved into the northern peak, or via a trail made of wooden planks bolted into the side of the south mountain. At some points, even the wooden planks disappear and climbers are left to make do with small divots in the rock.
It’s a well-known destination for thrill-seekers and so has become a bit crowded over the years. Still, it’s one of the scariest hiking trails out there, and it’s worth the trip to see the view from the top. Many recommend staying to see the sunrise from the summit even though the hike only takes about six hours round trip.
3. The Maze, Utah, USA
The western US is home to a few of the most dangerous hikes on Earth. Utah, in particular, has some truly amazing treks and makes our list twice. For her first entry, Utah offers The Maze in Canyonlands National Park. Aptly-named, The Maze is a series of gullies, rock formations, and ridges that form a natural labyrinth of red rock.
The formations are both strange and beautiful, but National Park rangers warn against traveling to the area without a detailed itinerary, good communication, and several backup plans. The biggest dangers that hikers might face in the Maze include sudden weather changes, often leading to flash floods, rockfalls, and dead-ends.
Thankfully, there have been no accidental deaths in the area, but this is in part because very few hikers actually make it out to this remote and dangerous part of Canyonlands National Park. If you’re looking for isolation, this trail is an effective way to get it.
4. Drakensberg Traverse, South Africa
Drakensberg Traverse is a 40-mile trail across the Natal National Park, the Drakensberg Traverse requires a longer stay than some of the other hiking trails on this list. There’s no law, of course, that you have to do the whole trek, but it would be a shame to go through the challenge of starting this journey if you don’t intend to finish it.
So, how exactly doe the trail start? With two rather old chain ladders which take trekkers up the ridge and start them on the mismatch of herding trails and animal tracks which make up most of the Traverse. The other reason to go the full 40 miles if you’re going to hike the Drakensberg Traverse is that there are amazing views along just about every inch of the trail.
One of the most famous is the Amphitheater, a rock face with three times as much surface as El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. While the views are well worth it, they exist because the Drakensberg Traverse is one of the most exposed sections of alpine territory on Earth. So keep a close eye on the weather and be ready to shelter in place if it changes quickly.
5. Kalalau Trail, Hawaii, USA
Located in the northwest of Kauai Island, Hawaii’s Na Pali Coast is a well-loved destination for hikers of all abilities. The Kalalau Trail in particular offers a challenging hike through the natural beauty of Hawaii’s jungles, as well as amazing views of natural features like waterfalls and volcanic slopes.
In addition to the gorgeous views and landscapes, the biodiversity in this region makes it a great hiking trip for birdwatchers and amateur naturalists in particular. The wildlife is part of the risk as well, however, with plenty of large, biting, and even venomous insects to look out for.
Rockfalls and flash floods are also of concern to trekkers on the Kalalau Trail. But most of the related casualties actually happen in the water along the trail. The beautiful beaches along the trail and at the end may be a part of the attraction for hikers, but they present some challenges of their own.
If you’re going to swim as you go, pay attention to ocean currents and the depth of the water, and always make sure a buddy knows where you are. Here too, wildlife is a defining feature and can be a big risk for those who go into the water. Tiger sharks are the largest threat, but yellow-bellied sea snakes can also deliver a venomous punch.
6. Cascade Saddle, New Zealand
This trail has become very popular after the success of the Lord of the Rings movies, which feature New Zealand’s Mt. Aspiring National Park. Fans might recognize the Cascade Saddle area as the setting for Isengard in the films. While you won’t face anything as scary as orcs or goblins, the trail presents some real-life challenges to visitors as well, such as bad weather and rockfalls.
An 11-mile trail through alpine meadows and beech forests, the trail is especially dangerous in foul weather, and many of the reported casualties are the result of missteps going down the slippery rock faces. It’s a beautiful journey though, and officials may be altering the trail soon to reduce the number of slippery sections you have to cross.
7. El Caminito del Rey, Spain
Originally constructed as an access point for a local hydroelectric plant, El Caminito del Rey consists of a two-mile concrete and steel path through El Chorro Gorge. El Chorro Gorge, in the Málaga region of Spain, extends for over a hundred feet below the trail, which hangs from the cliff edge above.
While El Caminito is officially closed to the public, adventure seekers make pilgrimages to the destination still. This has only made the trek even more dangerous, though, as many sections of the trail have crumbled and climbers have to navigate over as much as 10 feet of missing trail in some sections. With a 100-foot drop below you, that’s no small feat!
8. Mist Trail, California, USA
The Half Dome is one of Yosemite National Park’s most popular and recognizable features. You might not know that it can also be one of the most dangerous! There are other pathways up the Half Dome, but Mist tRail remains the most popular.
This is in part because of the stunning views you get along the way. In particular, you’ll want to get a good look at the waterfalls, including Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls, which are especially loud and turbulent in the spring. The last 400 feet are the most dangerous.
While steel cables are available to help you up the final ascent, rainfall can make this section deadly rather quickly. If you’re starting to see a pattern, you’re right: bad weather is one of the biggest dangers for hikers at all skill levels and this holds true for the Half Dome’s Mist Trail as well. Almost all the recent accidents recorded on this trail happened when the rock was wet.

A hiker taking on the ridge walk on Angel’s Landing trail in Utah.
9. Angel’s Landing, Utah, USA
Returning to Utah once again, Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park is the last of the US hiking trails we’ll cover on this list. Not to be confused with Bright Angel Trail in Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park, the canyons in Zion National Park are grand enough in their own right.
With steep drop-offs and many switchbacks, this can a tough trail to tackle but, in the end, you’ll find unbeatable views of the 270-million-year-old rock layers of Zion Canyon. Heat can be an issue on this trail, so hikers should get an early start, especially if you’re visiting in the summer. It takes about five hours to complete the hike round trip.
You’ll start at the Grotto Trailhead and traverse such interestingly named places as “Refrigerator Canyon” and “Walter’s Wiggles.” The trail ends at the Angel’s Landing Sumit and, thankfully, a few hardy trees cling to the peak, providing much-needed shade at the end of the trek.
The trail itself is a lot sturdier than some of the ones on this list, but the continuous switchbacks and steep drops make it a mentally challenging undertaking for even the most physically fit hikers. That’s why it beats the Bright Angel Trail which, while still pretty scary, is a bit more straightforward of a trek.
10.Via Ferrata, Italy & Austria
The Via Ferrata, or Iron Way, has been a destination for adventure seekers for centuries. Located throughout the Alps, this series of protected mountain pathways is the namesake of the “Via Ferrata Set.” Now an important piece of any climber’s kit, the via ferrata set is a system of lanyards and carabiners used to attach yourself to the cables for which this route is named.
These pathways were first developed during the 15th century but were used most extensively during World War I as routes for specialized troop movements. Now, these routes are outfitted with much more modern safety features, including the steel cables that climbers attach to using a via ferrata set, as well as guide rails, platforms, and more. Today there are similar routes all over the world, but it’s worth seeing the first to take the name and soaking in some of the history of the Italian and Austrian Alps as well.
Preparing for A Dangerous Hike
As you might infer from the last destination we looked at, getting the right gear is an important part of preparing for any hike, and especially those in more dangerous locations. For treks that involve climbing, you should make sure your harness is well-fitted and that you have backups of anything that could break or be lost. You’ll also want to keep a well-stocked first aid kit on hand as many of these destinations are quite remote.
Beyond gear, preparing for a trip to one of the most dangerous hiking trails on Earth should include a good amount of research and planning. What natural features are nearby? What weather patterns should you look out for? Pay special attention to potential weather issues as even a relatively safe trail can become treacherous in the rain.
One good rule of thumb is to assume that everything that can go wrong will. So even if the weather is supposed to be nice, make sure you have warm and protective layers on hand. This is especially true in mountainous or coastal regions (like most of the trails on this ist) where the weather can change rapidly and without warning.
When going on any kind of hike, you should also make sure that someone knows where you’re going, what time you’re starting, and when to expect you back. This way, if something terrible happens, help will reach you quickly. You’d be surprised how many hiking fatalities are the result of someone getting stuck without help because no one knew they were missing until too late.
Final Verdict
It can be fun to challenge yourself and seek out dangerous hiking trails like the ones on this list. But remember, any hiking trail can turn deadly if you’re not well-prepared. In fact, many of these dangerous climbs have much lower fatality statistics than more “basic” trails. That’s because most of the people who make it out to these treks are well prepared for what lays ahead.
Just like any trail can be dangerous, any trail can be tackled with relative safety as well, even the ones on this list. The trick is to have a detailed plan for any backpacking or hiking trip. Have an idea of what might go wrong and be prepared to respond to challenges like bad weather, accidental falls, and wrong turns.
Bonus tip: Check out this video on how to use a via ferrata set!
Outdoor Blog
Living Life on the Edge: Embracing Adrenaline-Fueled Moments

Life is an adventure, a journey filled with countless opportunities for thrill and excitement. For some, the idea of living life on the edge, embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is an exhilarating concept that fuels their passion for adventure. This article delves into the world of adrenaline-chasing, highlighting the benefits and experiences of such a lifestyle.
Kitesurfing: Riding the waves of excitement
The first step to living on the edge is stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. Kitesurfing, a water sport combining wakeboarding, windsurfing, and paragliding elements, is an excellent example of an adrenaline-fueled activity. The activity entails utilizing a sizable maneuverable kite to capture the force of the wind, enabling the rider to traverse the water on a board specifically designed for kiteboarding. There is nothing quite like the exhilaration of soaring through the air, feeling the breeze caress your cheeks, and mastering the art of maneuvering a kite. Kitesurfing is a remarkable adventure that captures the spirit of embracing excitement and pushing boundaries.
The psychological thrill
In addition to the excitement of the tangible experience, embracing a daring lifestyle offers a mental rush that is just as stimulating. Engaging in these activities provides an exhilarating experience that stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s innate pain relievers. This results in a profound sense of joy and an overwhelming feeling of invulnerability. The thrill of this frenzy can become habit-forming, compelling thrill-seekers to pursue fresh and increasingly demanding adventures consistently.
The benefits of embracing the edge
Embracing a daring lifestyle goes beyond pursuing excitement; it presents many advantages. Participating in thrilling adventures can enhance physical well-being, as numerous pursuits demand robustness, stamina, and skill. Furthermore, they have the potential to enhance one’s emotional well-being by offering a means to alleviate tension and unease. Engaging in these activities demands concentration, which can effectively alleviate mental clutter, resulting in a serene state once the surge of excitement diminishes.
The balance of risk and reward
While living life on the edge can be exhilarating, it’s important to remember the balance of risk and reward. Adrenaline-fueled activities often involve a certain level of risk, and it’s essential to approach them with a healthy respect for safety. Proper training, equipment, and precautions can help mitigate these risks, allowing you to enjoy the thrill without unnecessary danger.
Always research your activities and location. This understanding can help you decide if the risk is acceptable and if you have the skills and equipment. Check and maintain your gear, and never sacrifice safety. Finally, embracing adventure with a responsible and safety-conscious mentality lets you enjoy high-risk activities without risking injury.
Living life on the edge embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is a lifestyle choice that offers a unique blend of thrill, excitement, and personal growth. Whether kitesurfing across the waves, scaling a mountain, or skydiving from a plane, these activities provide an escape from the mundane, a chance to challenge oneself, and an opportunity to experience life at its most vibrant. So, step out of your comfort zone, embrace the adrenaline, and start living on the edge. After all, life is not meant to be lived in the slow lane; rather, it’s about experiencing every thrilling moment it offers.
Outdoor Blog
Renewable Energy Farms That Make Beautiful Hiking Trails

Wind farms and solar panels are not just alternative means to get our natural resources. They have now combined with another industry and are making some unexpected news.
The tourism industry has marked renewable energy farms as hiking trails, and hikers are here for it. You can read more about renewable energy sites. Although you might not think of hiking on a wind farm as beautiful as hiking along a famous mountain trail, you might just be in for a surprise.
Let’s discuss the benefits that renewable energy farms have as hiking trails.
Why are Renewable Energy Farms Important?
Renewable energy farms are important for the future of civilization. These farms provide an alternative to our natural resources, such as wind and energy.
The most important benefit of renewable energy is that it doesn’t produce any greenhouse emissions and reduces the air pollution other traditional processes create when providing natural resources.
These farms also allow for the creation of the country’s own resources without having to import natural resources from another country and save their limited natural resources.
Here are some of the reasons why energy farms are important:
- Allows for sustainable rural development
This will allow landowners to make an extra income by generating energy.
- Test new technologies
Providing the opportunity to test technologies to find new ways to create renewable energy.
- Improving the effect of climate change
Climate change has left the environment filled with toxic pollutants, which has led people to become sick and breathe in harmful air.
Renewable energy can change this by lessening the number of pollutants that are released into the atmosphere and providing much safer, cleaner, breathable air.
- This leads to job creation
Job creation within the renewable energy farms industry is plentiful as there is a need for skilled workers such as construction, maintenance and manufacturing to build the necessary infrastructure that is needed to generate these wind and solar farms.
The Benefits of Renewable Energy Farms As Hiking Trails
Renewable energy farms have many benefits for both the environment and people who love spending their time outdoors.
Embracing the Use of Green Technology
Since wind farms and solar plants are located in areas that are unpopulated, they make for great hiking trails.
By visiting these sites, people get to experience green technology, and by integrating them into recreational spaces, people can visit these sites and embrace green technology by seeing how they work and the positive effects that it has on the environment.
The more people embrace the shift to green technology, the easier it will be to use it.
Energy Farms Offer A Unique Experience For Visitors
Visiting energy farms means you will have a unique experience while there. You will get to see how these large devices work and how they replace the basic resources needed to survive.
Tours can give visitors more information on the background of the construction of devices, their environmental impact and why it is important for us to switch to sustainable energy resources.
Visitors Get to Enjoy Natural Beauty
The sites for these renewable energy farms are often located in areas that are surrounded by natural beauty, such as large landscapes.
Natural pathways can be used as hiking trails without the need for carving out new roads and damaging the ecosystem.
Visitors can even discover native plant life and explore the natural wonders that are located at these energy farms, as they are often placed where no infrastructure has been built on the property before.
Providing Health and Wellness Benefits
Hiking has many health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving fitness, and helping aid mental well-being.
Energy Farms have Community Benefits and Increase the Economy
These hiking trails can help boost economic sales, bringing tourists to the community. This will give the local people the opportunity to expand their businesses.
This can also help increase employment within the community as these sites will be visited frequently and lead to new business openings to cater to tourists.
Conclusion
Renewable energy farms greatly benefit both the economy and the people who want to spend their time on them. These farms are especially important for transitioning from natural resources to newer energy resource power plants.
From learning how to embrace green technology to getting health and wellness benefits to enjoying nature’s natural beauty and finding job opportunities within the market.
Spending time on these renewable energy farms can be educational and recreational for anyone who visits them. To find more renewable energy farm hiking trails, you can visit https://outsidebozeman.com.
Outdoor Blog
Top Recommendations for RV Window Maintenance

Much like other sections of your RV, the windows sometimes need a bit of maintenance. It is essential to clean off dirt and insect smudges and also make sure they are adequately sealed to avoid leaks and water harm.
If you have a broken RV window, then you may want to consult Van Isle Glass. However, if you wish to know more about simple measures to ensure your RV windows stay spotless and secure, you are in the right spot! Continue reading below.
Polish Your Windshield Using Ultra-Fine #0000 Steel Wool
Numerous RV enthusiasts have praised the use of the finest grade of steel wool #0000 for removing stubborn bugs and water marks from their windshields. Before proceeding, first test the #0000 steel wool on a small portion of your windshield. Apply it with light, circular motions. Sweep away any remaining steel wool bits with a microfiber towel. Next, spritz the surface with a residue-free glass cleaner and wipe it down with a separate cloth.
Steel wool is also great when used with a spray lubricant for cleaning tires, maintaining grills, starting campfires, and repelling mice. A gentler alternative is cleansing dish pads. These pads are versatile, suitable for cleaning various materials such as wood, porcelain, stainless steel, chrome, painted areas, and glass.
Apply a Sealant to Avoid Leaks
Silicone sealant is effective in stopping leaks in areas like your windshield, RV windows, sunroof, and vents. It penetrates tiny gaps, creating a robust waterproof barrier. Ensure the surfaces are clean before application and do not have old caulk, dirt, oil, and other residues.
Furthermore, clear away any standing water on windows to prevent hard water stains. Make sure the inside of your windows stay dry to avoid condensation and mold build-up. If there is significant condensation on your windows, consider getting a small dehumidifier.
Use Tools to Access Difficult Regions
Using cleaners with long handles can prevent you from straining to clean those distant parts of your windshield. Windshield cleaning tools often feature a lengthy, swiveling triangular head that is ideal for getting into corners and spots difficult to access manually.
Opt for a Residue-Free Glass Cleaner
A high-quality glass cleaner will maintain the clarity of your windows and windshield. A great glass cleaner performs well on both standard and tinted windows, making sure to remove streaks or leftover residue. Another option is a natural concoction of half vinegar and half water, with a touch of lemon essential oil.
Steer Clear of Cleaning RV Windows in Bright Sunlight
A sunny afternoon may feel perfect for washing your RV windows, but the warmth can speed up the drying of the cleaner, resulting in streaks or spots. It is advisable to tackle your RV window cleaning during early morning, late evening, or when stationed in a shaded area for the best outcome.
Endnote
Keeping your RV windows clean and clear is not only about aesthetics, but is also vital for safety. The subtleties in cleaning, like steering clear of the sun and using the appropriate products, play a key role. Adhering to these guidelines will help you maintain a pristine view during your various journeys.
-
Guns & Shooting Gear Reviews9 months ago
Best Gun Brands – Top 10 Gun Manufacturers in the World
-
Best in Class Reviews9 months ago
7 Great Sleeping Bags for Tall People – 2023 Review
-
Outdoor Blog4 years ago
Camping Cots and Air Mattresses: What’s Best for You?
-
Best in Class Reviews9 months ago
The 7 Best Camping Dinnerware Items
-
Outdoor Blog3 years ago
5 Useful Items To Have When You’re Out On Your Hunting Trip
-
Best in Class Reviews3 years ago
The 7 Best Fixed-Blade Survival Knives – Tested & Reviewed
-
Best in Class Reviews9 months ago
Top 10 Outdoor TV Antennas for Rural Areas
-
Best in Class Reviews2 years ago
6 Best Long Range Trail Cameras