10 Most Dangerous Hiking Trails in the U.S.

Hiking offers a thrilling escape into nature and an opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. However, not all trails are leisurely walks in the park. Some hikes in the United States are not only challenging but also life-threatening, requiring extreme caution, physical fitness, and preparedness. If you're an adventurous hiker looking for a real challenge, these 10 dangerous trails provide breathtaking beauty but can be deadly if you're unprepared.

1. Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California

One of the most iconic yet perilous hikes in the U.S., Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is famous for its last 400 feet of steep, near-vertical ascent.

Hikers pull themselves up by cables installed along the rock face, which is treacherously smooth and devoid of handholds. With nothing to stop a fall, this part of the trail has led to over 60 deaths, making it one of the deadliest hikes in America. For those who reach the summit, the view is nothing short of spectacular, but only well-prepared, experienced hikers should attempt it.

Key Challenges:

14-16 mile round trip with 4,800 feet of elevation gain
Steep cable climb without rock climbing gear
High altitudes and exposure to sudden weather changes

2. Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah

A beautiful yet dangerous hike, Angels Landing is notorious for its extremely narrow trail sections with thousand-foot drops on either side.

A chain bolted into the rock is the only thing standing between you and a deadly fall. The final stretch, where the path is just a few feet wide, is particularly daunting. Despite its risk, the trail offers mesmerizing views of Zion Canyon, drawing thousands of daring hikers every year.

Key Challenges:

Exposed ridges with steep drop-offs
Slippery conditions when wet or icy
5-mile round trip with 1,500 feet elevation gain

3. Camp Muir, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Camp Muir serves as a base camp for climbers attempting Mount Rainier, but the trail itself is no walk in the park. Sudden snowstorms, freezing temperatures, and unpredictable weather make this one of the most dangerous trails in the U.S.

Even in summer, freak blizzards can occur, as evidenced by the tragic story of a hiker who died of hypothermia while saving his companions. Hikers attempting Camp Muir must be prepared for severe weather at any moment.

Key Challenges:

High-altitude trek gaining 4,600 feet
Sudden blizzards and freezing temperatures
Limited emergency services in remote areas

4. Kalalau Trail, Na Pali Coast, Hawaii

The Kalalau Trail is as stunning as it is treacherous. Stretching along the remote Na Pali Coast of Kauai, this 22-mile round trip hike involves sharp cliffs, unstable rock, and frequent flash floods.

The trail is known for its deadly drop-offs and numerous disappearances of hikers who ventured too close to the edge. The trail's beauty draws many adventurers, but only experienced hikers should attempt it, as the trail is isolated with no cell service and limited rescue resources.

Key Challenges:

11 miles each way with numerous drop-offs
Flash floods and unstable rock slides
Remote location with no cell phone reception

5. The Maze, Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Appropriately named "The Maze," this trail in Canyonlands National Park is notorious for disorienting hikers with its confusing terrain. The rocky desert landscape all looks the same, making it easy to get lost. Falling rocks and flash floods are also common threats. Moreover, reaching the trailhead requires a long, desolate drive, often along dangerous dirt roads. It’s a multi-day trek, with few water sources, so hikers need to carry everything they need to survive.

Key Challenges:

Navigational difficulties in similar-looking terrain
Flash floods and rockfalls
Extreme isolation with no nearby emergency assistance

6. Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Though heavily trafficked, the Bright Angel Trail is deceptively dangerous due to extreme heat and its long descent into the Grand Canyon. Over 100,000 people attempt the trail each year, but many find themselves suffering from dehydration, heatstroke, or heat exhaustion. This trail sees more 911 calls than any other in Arizona due to its steep switchbacks and intense desert heat, making rescue operations frequent.

Key Challenges:

18 miles round trip with extreme heat
Dehydration and heat stroke risk
Steep ascent after long descent into the canyon

7. The Presidential Traverse, White Mountains, New Hampshire

This 18-mile trek crosses several peaks in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, including Mount Washington, notorious for some of the harshest weather in the U.S. With a cumulative elevation gain of 8,000 feet, hikers are constantly exposed to unpredictable weather, which can turn from sunny to dangerous storms within minutes. The hike is typically completed over two or three days, requiring overnight camping at high altitudes where conditions can be brutal.

Key Challenges:

Extreme and rapidly changing weather
High altitude and exposure to strong winds
Long multi-day hike with little shelter

8. Huckleberry Lookout, Glacier National Park, Montana

While the terrain on Huckleberry Lookout isn’t the most difficult, the trail is fraught with another danger: grizzly bears. Glacier National Park has one of the highest densities of grizzlies in the U.S., and the Huckleberry Trail is smack in the middle of their feeding grounds. Hikers must be aware of their surroundings, avoid berry bushes, and always carry bear spray in case of a bear encounter.

Key Challenges:

High likelihood of grizzly bear encounters
Steep climb with limited shelter
Remote location with few escape routes

9. Devil's Path, Catskill Mountains, New York

Considered one of the hardest hikes in the northeastern U.S., Devil’s Path earns its name due to the extreme difficulty of its steep climbs, rock scrambles, and constant elevation changes. Spanning 24 miles, this trek offers no reprieve as hikers must scramble over boulders and traverse precarious ledges. The path is extremely strenuous, with frequent shifts in terrain that can catch even the most experienced hikers off guard.

Key Challenges:

24 miles with 9,000 feet of elevation change
Constant rock scrambles and cliffside ledges
Unpredictable terrain and weather changes

10. The Notch Trail, Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Short but heart-pounding, the Notch Trail is known for its intimidating 50-foot wooden ladder that hikers must scale. The ladder takes you to the top of a cliff with no protective barriers, and if it’s wet or icy, this ascent can be especially dangerous. The trail is also exposed to extreme temperatures, with little shade from the sun. While manageable for novice hikers, the climb up the ladder makes it one of the more adrenaline-inducing hikes.

Key Challenges:

50-foot ladder climb without safety nets
Extreme exposure to sun and heat
Steep drop-offs without guardrails

These 10 treacherous trails offer unparalleled beauty, but they demand preparation, physical fitness, and respect for nature's unpredictability. Always hike with proper gear, check weather conditions in advance, and remember — the thrill of adventure is not worth your life.