Philips ConnorThe most dangerous hikes in the US are not those that people want to stay away from; they are the ones that many daring hikers love to brave. Hiking is fun and challenging, and it comes with a sense of fulfillment. Perhaps that explains why there are so many people continuing to undertake these risky adventures.
These trails are so popular that people actually travel from far and wide to visit, and to take up and the challenge. These are the most dangerous hikes in the U.S., known for their treacherous terrain, extreme weather, and high fatality or injury rates.
Most Dangerous Hikes In The USA
1. Angel’s Landing – Zion National Park, Utah
Angel’s Landing is one of the most iconic and thrilling hikes in Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah. Known for its breathtaking views and adrenaline-pumping final stretch, it’s a bucket-list adventure for many hikers.
Why it’s dangerous: Narrow ridges, sheer drop-offs (over 1,000 feet), and high winds. This hike has seen at least 17 deaths since 2000. Notable hazards: Crowds make it more dangerous; chains are the only support on exposed sections.
2. The Maze – Canyonlands National Park, Utah
The Maze is the most remote, rugged, and challenging district of Canyonlands National Park, located in southeastern Utah. It’s known for its wild, otherworldly landscape, solitude, and difficult access—ideal for seasoned backcountry adventurers seeking a true wilderness experience.
Why it’s dangerous: Extremely remote, hard to navigate, and limited water sources. Fatalities at this hike may be low but rescue is incredibly difficult; a small mistake can be fatal.
Notable hazards: Navigation, dehydration, flash floods.
3. Mount Washington – New Hampshire
Mount Washington (6,288 ft / 1,917 m) is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States and the crown jewel of the White Mountains. It’s known for its notoriously extreme weather, breathtaking views, and rich mountaineering history.
Why it’s dangerous: Home to some of the world’s most erratic weather; wind chills can be deadly. Fatalities: Over 160 recorded deaths. Notable hazards: Hypothermia, avalanches, sudden whiteouts.
4. Denali (Mount McKinley) – Alaska
Denali (Mount McKinley) is the tallest mountain in North America, standing at 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) above sea level. Located in south-central Alaska within Denali National Park and Preserve, it is renowned for its massive vertical relief, rising approximately 18,000 feet (5,500 meters) from base to summit, making it the highest land-based vertical rise on Earth.
Why it’s dangerous: Highest peak in North America (20,310 ft), extreme cold, and altitude. Fatalities: Over 100 climbers have died. Notable hazards: Altitude sickness, avalanches, crevasses.
5. Kalalau Trail – Kauai, Hawaii
The Kalalau Trail is one of the most iconic and breathtaking hikes in Hawaii, traversing the rugged cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast on the island of Kauai. Known for its dramatic coastal views, remote beaches, and lush valleys, this trail is as rewarding as it is challenging.
Why it’s dangerous: Narrow, slippery coastal path with steep drop-offs and unpredictable flash floods. Fatalities: Numerous drowning and fall-related deaths. Notable hazards: Flash floods, rockfalls, and isolated conditions.
6. Bright Angel Trail – Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Bright Angel Trail is one of the most popular and well-maintained trails descending into the Grand Canyon, offering spectacular views, access to the Colorado River, and a close-up experience of the canyon’s layered geology. It’s a favorite for both day hikers and overnight backpackers.
Why it’s dangerous: Extreme heat and steep elevation changes. Fatalities: Many heat-related incidents annually. Notable hazards: Heatstroke, dehydration, underestimating the hike back up.
7. Mount Rainier – Washington
Mount Rainier (14,411 feet / 4,392 meters) is the highest peak in the Cascade Range and a prominent icon of the Pacific Northwest. A glaciated stratovolcano located in Mount Rainier National Park, it draws climbers, hikers, and nature lovers year-round with its alpine meadows, expansive glaciers, and rugged beauty.
Why it’s dangerous: Glaciers, crevasses, and rapidly changing weather. Fatalities: Over 400 people have died trying to summit. Notable hazards: Falls, exposure, and rockslides.
8. Capitol Peak – Colorado
Capitol Peak (14,137 ft / 4,309 m) is one of Colorado’s most iconic and dangerous 14ers, famed for its knife-edge ridge, dramatic exposure, and rugged beauty. Located in the Elk Mountains near Aspen, it is considered one of the most difficult and technical non-technical (Class 4) climbs among Colorado’s 58 fourteeners.
Why it’s dangerous: Infamous “Knife Edge” ridge with a 1,500 ft drop on both sides. Fatalities: Dozens of fatalities, especially from falls. Notable hazards: Loose rock, exposure, poor decision-making in high-stress terrain.
9. Half Dome – Yosemite National Park, California
Half Dome is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the United States and a bucket-list hike for adventurers. Towering at 8,839 feet (2,694 meters), it rises nearly 4,800 feet above Yosemite Valley and is famous for its sheer granite face and thrilling cable route near the summit.
Why it’s dangerous: Steep granite dome with cables; slippery when wet. Fatalities: Over 20 known deaths; many more injuries. Notable hazards: Falls from cables, thunderstorms.
10 Havasu Falls – Havasupai Reservation, Arizona
Havasu Falls is a stunning turquoise waterfall located deep within Havasu Canyon, a side canyon of the Grand Canyon, on the land of the Havasupai Tribe. With its vivid blue-green water, lush oasis-like setting, and dramatic red rock backdrop, it’s one of the most sought-after wilderness destinations in the U.S.
Why it’s dangerous: Remote with flash flood risks. Fatalities: Multiple from drowning and exposure. Notable hazards: Heat, dehydration, flooding.
Summary
The most dangerous hiking trails in the US are selected because of the number of incidences that occur in those places every year. Regardless of this list, it seems at least possible that some of these hiking trails can be safely completed if hikers take extra care.