Everyone enjoys a leisurely stroll through the woodland or along the shore. Some of us go a step farther and hike trails to push ourselves to our physical limitations to see how far we can go. The adrenaline rush of a hazardous trek gets the blood pounding and the adrenaline flowing in your veins. Some treks are so dangerous that if you miss a step, you may fall and suffer a severe injury as a result. The fact that we persevere and reach the summit of some of them is a reward in and of itself!
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Here are ten dangerous hiking routes from across the globe that are not for the faint of heart and should not be tried by beginner hikers, according to the author.
1. The Maze in the United States
The Maze, which is a section of Canyonlands National Park in Utah, is very difficult to traverse due to the fact that the whole area is a maze of dead ends. Hikers need to be rescued on a regular basis in this location. The interconnected valleys and tiny tunnels are very difficult to navigate without getting lost. Even experienced hikers are baffled by the extreme isolation of the Maze, despite the fact that it provides an unforgettable experience. Furthermore, water sources are difficult to come by. When looking for springs with drinkable water, a map and a compass are very helpful. Every year, only around 2,000 people attempt to hike this route, which gives you a sense of how isolated it really is.
2. Mount Huashan
Many people believe that this is the most hazardous trek on the planet. The hiking path on Mount Huashan, which was originally intended for pilgrims travelling to the temples at the summit, is today frequented by visitors from all over the globe who come to experience the 'plank walk in the sky.' It is recommended that you avoid this walk if you are scared of heights since it meanders over thin wooden boards that are connected to the mountainside.
For hikers to get to the planks, they must climb a steep vertical stairway carved into the rocks, with only rusted chains for support, in order to reach them. In other places, the wooden planks are gone, and the only thing left are foot supports cut into the rocks, which necessitates cautious navigation. The vista at the conclusion of the journey is breathtaking, offering a panoramic picture of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
3. Spain's El Camino del Rey
This walk, which translates as "The King's Path," is considered to be one of the most difficult in Spain. The two-mile path, which was built more than a century ago to provide a way to a hydroelectric facility, soars 100 metres above the surrounding landscape. Hikers can traverse limestone cliffs on narrow wooden pathways that are a little narrow. The route was blocked to hikers in 2001 after five individuals died when they plunged into the river below the cliffs above. El Caminito Del Rey reopened in 2015 after undergoing renovations that included the installation of fences along the route. The walk now offers vistas of blue rivers and beautiful valleys and is much safer than it was before.
4. The Drakensberg Traverse
The beginning of this 40-mile walk through Natal National Park is the most difficult portion of the journey. Two chain ladders will be required to access the trailhead, which is well-known for the breathtaking views that may be enjoyed along the way. Before 1985, the Drakensberg Traverse was reported to have claimed the lives of about 55 individuals, after which the figures were no longer kept track of. You can picture the risk that one could face on this path, given the presence of animal footprints and rock scrambles that make up the whole of the walk. However, the vistas more than compensate for the fact that this is one of the most hazardous routes on the planet.
5. Cascade Saddle
The hiking path Cascade Saddle is one of the most popular in New Zealand, and it is one of the most popular hiking trails in the nation. The 11-mile journey takes almost two days to complete and provides hikers with some of the breathtaking scenery featured in the “Lord of the Rings” film trilogy.
The most dangerous aspect of the route is the terrain, which is slippery and unstable, especially when it is raining, making it extremely hazardous. Several hikers have been injured, and some have even died as a result of their efforts. According to a local coroner, there have been "far too many fatalities" on the Cascade Saddle route in recent years. Hikers may get sidetracked by the breathtaking mountain vistas, which further complicates their task.
6. The Kalalau Trail is located in Hawaii
This 22-mile coastal path in Kalalau, Hawaii, will lead you to one of the world's most beautiful beaches, where you may swim and snorkel. As you make your way through the thick forest, keep an eye out for the treacherous waterfalls and stream crossings that have claimed the lives of many people in the past. Regular rains make this route more hazardous, and one incorrect step may send you sliding over the brink of a precipice, where you will almost certainly die or be badly wounded even if you don't lose your life. You should check the weather forecast before embarking on this trek if you want to participate.
7. Angels Landing
Angels Landing is a 2.5 mile path located inside Zion National Park in Utah that is quite easy to navigate for most of the way. However, the last half mile is what makes Angels Landing one of the most hazardous trails in the world. As you begin your journey, you will see the layers of rock formations that are millions of years old. During the last half mile, you'll be walking over a narrow and steep slope with hazardous drop offs on both sides of the trail. The only thing that stands between you and the cliff's edge are chains and guardrails that are connected to the cliff. Even with these safety measures in place, the route may be scary, but if you can persevere and make it all the way to the end, you will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful vistas you have ever seen.
8. Peru's Huayna Picchu
This path in Peru, known as the 'Hike of Death,' takes the life of a handful of people each year. Leading up from the renowned Inca site of Machu Picchu, the route is composed of granite steps that quickly ascend 305 metres in as little as a half hour. Hiking on this path is very dangerous due to a lack of appropriate footwear and equipment, as well as the fact that a portion of the trail is crumbling away. When the steps get wet, they become very treacherous, forcing the authorities to shut the facility every year as soon as the rainy season begins.
9. Aonach Eagach
The Aonach Eagach path in the Scottish Highlands, which is six miles long, is not for the faint of heart. It is impossible to walk back down the knife-edge ridge without placing your life in danger, therefore once you begin your journey, you will not be able to return. The route is very difficult, and reaching the top will take stamina and hard effort, as well as some significant climbing skills and experience. This should only be attempted in favourable weather circumstances, as you do not want to be fighting against strong gusts while trailing along a precarious ridge. The vistas from the summit will take your breath away.
10. Half Dome
The challenging 16-mile Half Dome route in Yosemite National Park will take you through some breathtaking scenery, including the Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, and the Yosemite Valley. A busy day brings hundreds of hikers up the path, despite the fact that many individuals have lost their lives there. A steel cable system has been installed to help hikers up the rock wall, and this will be your only mode of transportation up to the top. When it rains, the wires become very slippery, and this, along with the regular lightning strikes, makes climbing Half Dome a nightmare. This trek should only be undertaken if you are in excellent physical condition and are nimble.
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