Discover the Most Dangerous Mountains in Utah

Hiking in the mountains always comes with its own unique set of risks. Even someone with a lot of experience in this activity must take certain precautions. However, the truth is that some hikes are more dangerous than others because some mountains pose greater risks.

There are many mountains in the state of Utah. This means that some of the best options for mountain hiking and biking in the United States exist here, although some are potentially dangerous for humans. Keep reading to learn about the most dangerous mountains in Utah and the risks associated with each.

The 4 Most Dangerous Mountains in Utah

1. Kings Peak

Kings Peak is the tallest mountain in Utah. The summit is 13,528 feet above sea level. The slope of this mountain is very steep, which can be dangerous in itself. However, you also need to be prepared for altitude sickness.

The air here is very thin, which can be risky for some, even when they are sedentary. The risks escalate when you actually engage in strenuous activity in this air.

Completing this hike is quite an impressive achievement. However, you need to make sure you are prepared for it before embarking on this adventure. You should put aside at least three days to make the hike up and down the mountain. In 2020, a hiker fell to his death from Kings Peak.

2. Mount Timpanogos

Mount Timpanogos is probably the most well-known mountain in Utah. If you’re trying to get to the top, it is a 15-mile hike. Once you get there, the view is amazing. On a clear day, you can see up to 100 miles of the gorgeous Utah landscape.

However, you do need to prepare substantially for this hike. Be aware that it is home to the only real glacier in the state of Utah. According to the US Forest Service, this glacier is a major source of injury and death to hikers on this mountain.

Some people have attempted to slide down the glacier to come down from the summit in order to save time, but this has been fatal in multiple cases.

It’s not only the glacier that can cause deaths on this mountain. People have fallen down because of the steepness of the trail or died in avalanches. In some cases, they have simply ended up stranded because of harsh conditions on the mountain.

It’s important to be aware of the weather conditions on the mountain before you embark on your hike; they may not be the same as the conditions at the bottom of the mountain.

3. Angels Landing

Located in Zion National Park, Angels Landing is the most dangerous peaks in Utah to hike. This is not only the most dangerous hike in the state but one of the most dangerous hikes in the entire country. The trail is full of slippery rocks and is located on cliffs. The slope is very steep, with an elevation gain of 1,488 feet in only a 2.5-mile hike.

This is probably not a hike for anyone who is not very physically fit. It can be challenging even for the hikers in the best shape, especially during the hottest time of the day. You need to ensure you have plenty of water when you are going up on this mountain and a few snacks. 

There are many hairpin turns, switchbacks, and areas of extremely rapid elevation gain. The last half mile of this trail is the toughest and most dangerous. It will take you right up the spine and is quite intimidating, even for experienced hikers.

One of the biggest dangers on this trail is falling rocks. People have also died after falling from Angels Landing. Some people have actually had heart attacks on their way up the mountain.

If you make it to the top, the view of the park is well worth the hike. However, you do need to make sure to be careful along the way. Before you even embark on this journey, you need to make sure you are physically and mentally up for it.

4. Maze Overlook Trail

Located in Canyonlands National Park, the Maze Overlook Trail is one of the most dangerous peaks in Utah. It is quite remote, and there is an elevation gain of over 900 feet. This makes for great views when you get to the top, including multifaceted canyons, long stretches of sky, and pristine rivers.

You can also go biking on this trail, but this is definitely not something you should do unless you are an experienced and adept cyclist.

The hike consists of a series of backcountry trails. The area is remote, meaning getting lost or getting into trouble is easy. It is definitely not for novice hikers – there are warnings that make it clear that only experienced hikers should attempt these trails.

Many of the trails are not clearly marked or washed away due to the depth of the canyons in this area. This place can be potentially deadly to people when there are flash floods.

According to the National Park Service, it is crucial that anyone even heading into the area has an adequate supply of food and water, extra gas, and a spare tire. Also, you’ll need a high-quality map (GPS won’t always be accurate here).

If you want to attempt this hike, reserve at least three days for the journey. You will need an overnight permit as well.

Safe Hiking Tips

If you want to hike any of the above mountains, the experience of reaching the top can be well worth it. However, you need to make sure you are adequately prepared for the hike. Make sure that you are not embarking upon the adventure until you are in adequate physical shape for it and mentally prepared for the challenges.

The following are a few things that you should bring with you on a potentially dangerous mountain hike:

• Appropriate hiking footwear
• A good map and compass (GPS won’t always work in these areas)
• Plenty of food and water
• Flashlight and/or headlamp
• First aid supplies
• Matches or firestarter
• Multi-purpose tool or knife
• Backpack or daypack
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Extra clothing

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Steve Cukrov/Shutterstock.com