But as these challenging trails show, putting one foot in front of the other isn’t always the easy option. To undertake these famous hikes, you’ll need more than a hefty dose of courage. These routes are dangerous and only for experienced hikers. That means those with the right equipment, the ability to get out of difficult situations, and the willingness to plan for the worst and prepare accordingly. Whether you want to experience a vertiginous English Lake District classic or tackle the ‘world’s most dangerous hike’ in rural China, this list has you covered.
Striding Edge, Lake District, England
The Lake District’s famously fickle weather can make even the most bucolic walks a challenge.
But the Striding Edge — a sharp ridge that leads to the summit of Helvellyn, the third highest peak in the Lake District National Park — stands out in this corner of England.
Hikers can choose to follow the trails that run along the side of the ridge, but for thrill seekers, the ridge itself is where it’s at.
On a clear day, the view is stunning, stretching as far as Scotland.
This is not for beginners or the faint-hearted: walkers should be prepared to climb, have decent climbing skills for the final push to the top, and know how to navigate properly if the clouds roll in.
Ice and snow make it deadly in the winter, so preparation and a willingness to turn back is essential.
The Maze, Canyonlands, Utah, United States
The National Park Service cuts right to the chase when it comes to the Labyrinth. He calls the hike here “very challenging,” warning of slippery rocks and steep drops. It is the most remote part of the Canyonlands, with visitors having to negotiate long stretches of dirt road before venturing into the deep canyons, where rock falls and flash floods are not uncommon and water from the area’s few springs is hard to come by (with enough liquid for a multi-day trip is essential). Park rangers require all visitors to share their itineraries and stay in touch as often as possible. Those who come will be treated to landscapes that feel utterly timeless and will be unlikely to meet other people on their adventures.
HuaShan, China
On this trail, hikers must follow wooden planks bolted to the rock face. Maciej Bledowski/iStock Editorial/Getty Images This epic trail on the South Peak of Huashan, one of China’s Five Great Mountains, is often labeled the world’s most dangerous hike, and for good reason. To reach the summit, which sits at 7,070 feet, hikers must climb uneven steps and a series of ladders before hooking onto a chain using a harness and carabiner to traverse the famous ‘plank walk’. This is as basic as it sounds — planks of wood bolted to the rock face that you follow both up and down the mountain. While many tourists come in just sneakers and T-shirts, this is not a place to arrive unprepared. Suitable hiking boots, plenty of food and water and a decent level of fitness are essential.
Tour of Sorapiss, Italy
The Dolomites are home to a series of stomach-churning via ferrata (literally, iron ways) — paths of metal steps hammered into the rock during World War I, when Italian and Austrian troops fought fierce battles on the region’s limestone peaks. Today, hikers seeking the thrill of climbing without the fear of great falls flock here during the spring and summer months. The Giro del Sorapiss offers the biggest challenge of all, starting at Rifugio Vandelli before heading high into the mountains along steep rock faces and taking in three separate via ferratas. Hikers will need harnesses to clip into the lines, as well as a helmet and ideally a guide who can provide the necessary equipment and show the way.
Drakensberg Grand Traverse, South Africa and Lesotho
Multi-day treks offer intrepid walkers the chance to test their skills to the limit, with changing weather and the need to carry ample supplies creating a real challenge. The Drakensberg Grand Traverse certainly represents one. An epic 230-kilometer (143-mile) journey that can take up to two weeks to complete begins with a climb up a series of chain ladders up the Drakensberg Escarpment, before heading across the Lesotho border and finally heading back to the South. Africa. This monster of a long distance can be attempted alone, but hikers should be aware that the trail itself is more of an idea than a visible trail, meaning anyone planning to go here will need all the KZN Wildlife Drakensberg hiking maps , a GPS and enough food and water to last the entire trip. Spring or fall visits are recommended, avoiding the lush, hard-to-walk summer grass and bitter winter days.
Cascade Saddle, New Zealand
The reward; Endless views of snowy peaks. Ondrej/Adobe Stock In the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park in New Zealand’s South Island, Cascade Saddle offers some of the finest mountain views in the world. However, having seen several deaths earlier this century due to slippery rocks and treacherous conditions, the country’s conservation department is keen to stress that this is a route “only for those with navigation and a high level of skill and descent experience”, warning those who do come prepared to turn back if things get hairy. Completed in two days, with the option to camp or lodge in mountain huts along the way, the route includes wild scrambling, rocky outcrops and ankle-breaking grass treks. The reward is endless views of snow-capped peaks, including the stunning Mount Aspiring, also known by its Maori name, Tititea.
Kalalau Trail, Hawaii
A 22-mile “out-and-back” along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, the Kalalau Trail isn’t just the most dangerous hike in Hawaii: It’s one of the deadliest in the entire United States. The jungle trail clings to the coastline, with the Pacific raging below. You will need a permit to go beyond Hanakapiai Beach into Hanakoa Valley to camp either in the valley or at Kalalau Beach. Although it sounds idyllic, the trio of stream crossings here can be brutal in the wake of heavy rain, when the water swells to extremely high levels. Throw in a dizzying ride along Crawler’s Ledge and it’s a recipe for disaster for the inexperienced. Only those with the right outdoor smarts should apply.
Huayna Picchu, Peru
Anyone who has seen a photo of Peru’s hugely popular Machu Picchu will have gotten a taste of Huayna Picchu. It’s the towering peak behind the famous lost city of the Incas, as seen in countless Instagram posts and postcards sent from South America. Getting to the top, however, requires scaling the undisputedly titled ‘stairs of death’, a 500-year-old section of stairs with steep drops to the valley below. Throw in sections of stairs that leave even the most hardened hiker feeling sick and this is a route not to be underestimated. While much comes unprepared, hiking boots and the help of a local guide are highly recommended. It may seem daunting, but the view of the citadel below is worth the three-hour effort.
Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea
The Kokoda Track takes up to two weeks to complete. Andrew Peacock/Stone RF/Getty Images At 96 kilometers (about 60 miles), the Kokoda Track plots a route from just outside the Papuan capital of Port Moresby to the village of Kokoda, traversing the Owen Stanley Range. This is isolated terrain, with a journey taking up to two weeks to complete thanks to afternoon deluges, raging torrents and conditions that can become incredibly slippery thanks to ankle-deep mud and tree roots that become slippery in the tropics heat. After the deaths of 13 Australians heading to the track in a light aircraft in 2009, authorities moved to make access to the trail safer. Permits are required and all visitors must walk with a licensed operator, in an effort to help local communities benefit from tourism. To prepare for the sweaty days and bitter nights in this remote corner of the world, organizers recommend training for up to a year. When hiking this lush and wild route, it’s worth remembering that it was the scene of fierce battles between the Japanese and the Allied forces of Australia and Papua during World War II.
Daikiretto Traverse, Japan
Japan’s Northern Alps offer arguably the best and certainly the most challenging hiking in the country. And the Daikiretto Traverse is definitely the route hikers looking for a proper adventure — one that’s as close as they’ll get to a technical climb without the need for ropes. The traverse itself covers less than two miles but can take hours to complete and is best undertaken as part of a longer guided tour through this beautiful area. The path over the traverse uses chains and ladders, following a knife-edge ridge with drops of over a hundred meters on either side. A high level of fitness and a head for heights are essential. A helmet and gloves will make the crossing easier and it should be noted that attempting it alone, especially in winter, is not recommended.
Mount Washington, New Hampshire, United States
Mount Washington is known to be home to the “worst weather in the world” (at least according to the Mount Washington Observatory). In January 2004, temperatures at the summit dropped to -47º F (-44º C), while it also set a record for the fastest wind recorded on land, an unbelievable 231 mph (372 kph) in 1934, which surpassed only in 1996 on Barrow Island, Australia. This means that hiking here requires serious preparation. Conditions can turn at any time, meaning you’ll need to pack winter gear even in the height of summer. The climb is no joke, with hikers having to be in great shape to pull it off. Yes, it is possible to drive or take the iconic cog train to the top, but anyone who is well prepared and up for a challenge should put on their boots,…
