The Top 17 Most Dangerous Hikes in the United States

1. Angel’s Landing — Utah

The first of the most dangerous hikes in the U.S. is Angel’s Landing. This is part of Zion National Park in Utah. There is an elevation change of 1,488 feet over the 5.4-mile-long trail. There are an estimated two deaths annually from hikers attempting to climb the steep cliffs.

2. Bright Angel Trail — Arizona

With a name like Bright Angel Trail, you’d expect this path in Grand Canyon National Park to be nothing but pure bliss. It may surprise you to learn that there are more emergency calls for rescues on this Arizona trail than any other in the state.

The hot weather is the main predator here, leading to things like heat stroke and dehydration.

3. Mist Trail and Half Dome Cables — California

The Half Dome is one of the most popular hikes in Yosemite National Park. Because of how narrow and intense the route is, the park limits 300 visitors each day. Just 50 of these hikers are allowed to summit the granite natural wonder. 

Everything from altitude sickness to dehydration can cause even the healthiest hiker to turn around.

4. Abrams Falls — Tennessee

While the Abrams Falls Trail is a shorter trail, it’s still one of the most dangerous hikes in the U.S. Located within the Great Smoky Mountains, it is dangerous due to a rushing waterfall. The trail can get slick because of spraying water and there have been almost 60 drownings in the last 100 years.

5. Buckskin Gulch — Utah

The twisting and curving slot canyons in Utah are mesmerizing to look at. Buckskin Gulch plunges deep into the Earth and is on the list of the most dangerous hikes in the U.S. due to the narrow passageways. 

Although no one has died here at the time of writing this, it is not entirely uncommon for people to get stuck in these tight spaces.

6. Huckleberry Lookout — Montana

Although the name Huckleberry Lookout may seem inviting, this is the region with the highest grizzly bear population in the lower 48 states. These beautiful apex predators won’t shy away from the presence of humans when they are feeding on berries in the springtime. While the 11.6-mile hike may be hard, the bears are your biggest threat here.

7. Camp Muir — Washington

This trail on Mount Rainier requires hikers to pack certain items for their own safety. There is an elevation change of 4,640 feet throughout this nearly nine-mile-long path. 2,800 feet of this is nearly vertical. 

People have died trying to reach the summit due to the steep elevation.

8. Kalalau Trail — Hawaii

Located on the Na Pali Coast in Kauai, the Kalalau Trail is the state’s most dangerous path. The 11-mile path consists of steep cliffs, jagged landscaping, and slick surfaces after it rains. While the views may be beautiful, the eroding cliffs and falling rocks can quickly lead to a dangerous situation.

9. Maze Overlook Trail — Maryland

Also known as The Maze, this area of Canyonlands National Park is one of the region’s most dangerous hikes. Experts suggest that travelers should pack self-rescue equipment due to how intense the terrain is. 

The trail is about eight miles long and has an elevation gain of just under 1,000 feet. Something that makes this place dangerous is that hikers can get trapped and rescue can be risky.

10. Devil’s Path — New York

When it comes to naming the most dangerous hikes in the U.S., Devil’s Path is as apt as it gets. There is no shortage of rescues because of the vertical climbs. While some say the Devil’s Path Trail in the Catskills is underrated, there’s no shortage of hikers there. With an elevation change of over 8,000 feet, it may be a good thing that several people turn around before finishing the 22-mile journey.

11. Mount Denali — Alaska

Mount Denali is the highest peak in the United States at just over 20,000 feet. The landscape is rugged, and even the most seasoned hikers can be intimidated here. The two main dangers are exposure to natural elements and the potential to fall off steep cliffs. There have been nearly 130 deaths here in the last 100 years.

12. Barr Trail — Colorado

One of the most dangerous hikes in the U.S. is the Barr Trail. While the view of Manitou Springs can make the trek worth it, this isn’t for the novice hiker. There is an elevation change of nearly 7,500 feet on this 12-mile trail. It takes skilled hikers roughly 10 hours to complete this portion of Pikes Peak.

13. Presidential Traverse — New Hampshire

White Mountain National Forest is one of the most visited national forests in the country. An 18-mile-long hike on the Presidential Traverse has an elevation gain of 18,000 feet. The most dangerous part of this trail is how quickly the weather can change. Unless a hiker is prepared for anything from snow to rain, things can turn grim rather quickly.

14. Rover’s Run — Alaska

Located in Anchorage, Rover’s Run was originally a game trail and was home to several brown bears. Everything from the elements to fatigue to wildlife can put hikers at risk here. Due to the amount of non-fatal brown bear attacks, many locals have voted to close the trail for good. To this day, Rover’s Run remains open.

15. The Incline — Colorado

Even though The Incline is just shy of four miles long, this three-hour-long hike is quite deceiving. The main attraction is the 2,700 stairs that many people attempt to climb. Although the steep incline brings danger, the altitude sickness that often comes with it is the main cause of concern. 

It is best to travel on The Incline during the summer months, as snow can make the path even more treacherous.

16. Grinnell Glacier Trail — Montana

Glacier National Park is one of the most scenic areas in the country. There are 153 trails in the park and Grinnell Glacier Trail is one of the most dangerous hikes in the U.S. The entire route roundtrip is 10 miles and takes the average hiker roughly five hours to complete. 

The dangers presented to you here are steep, vertical climbs, slippery landscapes, and plenty of wildlife.

17. The Notch Trail — South Dakota

South Dakota is an incredibly underrated state, especially in terms of the stunning outdoor environment. Badlands National Park is a popular tourist attraction and the Notch Trail is one of the most popular hikes. 

The trail is 1.5 miles long, yet still packs quite a punch. Hiking on Notch Trail during the summer can easily lead to heat stroke or dehydration if precautions aren’t followed. There is no tree coverage or shade along the route, making hikers completely exposed to the elements. 

In the winter, the path can become icy and can lead experienced outdoor enthusiasts to slip and break a bone.