Every person who loves hiking understands that it’s not just about the thrill, it’s about the adventure. But what is an adventure without any risk involved? For first-time hikers or beginners, it is often advised that you start with the simplest trails, trails without much work or detail to enjoy the scenery.
As you gain more experience in the hiking game, you start expanding the horizon and going on to harder trails. Not all hard hiking trails are dangerous but all hiking trails are dangerous. Often people get confused between the two. The most important thing to do is to do your research first, you want to know exactly how long the trail is, how tricky the trails are, and all the essentials you need to carry on your way to hiking.
In this article, we will explore the seven most dangerous trails in the world. All the daggers and the tricks you will need as you prepare for your hike. We will also discuss the dangers of hiking, generally and alone.
7 Most Dangerous Hiking Trails
1. Angels Landing: Zion National Park, Utah.
The peak is about 5,700 ft. to the peak and has claimed several lives in the past year. The 5-mile path is quite narrow and although it has been well maintained and even paved on some paths, the last accent is what is very scary, with a slippery spine of sandstones that drops off on both sides. There are no guardrails to hold on to.
You have to be extra careful with this trial. The shoes for hiking have to have very firm spikes for better grip, do not look down, if you do, you might lose your grip and maybe fall off. You may also want to avoid this trail alone, the more people you have on the hike with you, the better for self-confidence. At the peak, the trails provide a tremendous view of Zion canyon.
2. Huashan , Huayin city, China.
This is considered the most dangerous hike in the world. It has wooden platforms bolted on the mountainsides. The trains are very steep. It is as if you are doing a vertical climb on the mountains at some point, the trekkers use small divots curved on the mountains because the wooden platforms eventually disappear.
There are also some iron chains to hold on to during the climb. The whole purpose of the climb is because of the temples at the summit of the mountain. It is estimated that at least 100 people per year die in this deadly hike.
3. Huayna Picchu, Peru.
Many tourists on these trails often go unprepared in terms of shoes and water. The hike is not very tough at the beginning and the deadly trail begins after the Mythical city, Huayna Picchu. It has also been labeled the hike of death, claiming several lives every year.
The trains are considered dangerous because of the loose rocks on the path. It also has very sharp and exposed corners, the Inca staircase is carved out of granite and climbs about 1000 feet in less than a mile, a very steep climb. Gong up is not as tough as coming down.
Most hikers are often paralyzed by the height because of the steepness. The trick is to hold on to the steel cables. The hike is worth it because, at the top, you get to enjoy the spectacular view of Machu Picchu.
4. El Caminito del Rey, Spain.
This grail was constructed over 100 years ago, with the intention for maintenance of the hydroelectric power plant in the region. Since it has been open to the public, several hikers risk it all and follow the trail. The two-mile trail is built on a steel path, at some point, the steel path disappears and the hikers have to do the Spiderman act to get across the 10 feet missing patch.
5. The Maze, Canyonland, Utah.
This trail is full of dead ends. It is impossible to reach and very hard to navigate. It is full of gullies and very prone to flash floods. It is estimated to receive about 2000 visitors per year. The trail is also characterized by rockfalls, scaring away any potential hikers.
6. Drakensberg Traverse, South Africa.
This is a 40-mile trek in the Natal national park. The most dangerous part of this trail is the beginning, hikers have to use two chain ladders. After this hard climb, the hikers are exposed to wild animal Attacks. There are also herding trials and rock scrambles.
7. Kalalau, Hawaii.
This trail is along the Napali coast of Hawaii. The trail is in the jungle and will end up on an undeveloped beach. This is an 11- mile trip or a 22- mile round trip and could last up to 2 days. The dangers include flash floods, attacks from wild animals, the area is also characterized by volcanic activity and landslides. Statistically, the trail has over 100 fatalities.
How to prepare for a Risky trial of Hiking:
1. Research– When you know you’re about to go and Risley hiking trails. It is important that you first ensure that you have done the necessary research required. Go on the internet and try to find out different experiences from other hikers who have already been on that trail. you could also contact various hiking companies and make several inquiries about the trail you want to take. Mental preparation is key.
2. Organize a group of hikers– you do not want to go on a risky trail all by yourself. Hiking in numbers is always safe. Ensure that the people you want to take on this trail are also well prepared for the dangers that come with the hike.
3. Exercise– physical fitness is very important. You ought to have exercised. This is not just the easy exercise or the normal body workout. You want to exercise your core first. You should also ensure that you put on muscles for more grip on both arms and legs. These trails are all about energy. And the more grip and muscle you have, the greater your chances of surviving a risk trail.
4. Medical supplies and a first aid kit. The risk involved in trials is not just about injuries but also death. You should ensure that your first aid kit is well stocked with all the necessities required. You should also have an emergency SOS number while on the trail. This ensures that you have rescue anytime you need it.
5. Camping essentials. Which include ropes, proper shoes, poncho, and torch. You want to see where you are walking while on the trail. The touch will ensure that you have great visibility in dark areas and at night. A poncho will protect you from the rains and the proper shoes will help your feet have the required grip. Technical hiking should not be taken lightly by anyone and it is advisable that you tag along with a professionally trained hiker and the hiking company should also be well trained when it comes to first aid and emergencies.
After all the practice and exercise for the hike, you might want to go practice on the real trail. This will shed light on some of the places or body parts you have neglected during practice.
Dangers of Hiking:
You may get an injury. Hiking is quite dangerous and risky, this is because you don’t know what you may encounter and how you may hurt yourself.
The hiking trail may be worse than you expected. When you go into the jungle or up the mountains, anything can change. This may be in terms of weather conditions or the general terrain of the place. This is why you are advised not to go on a hike or a trail alone.
You may get lost. There are stories about how people get lost on trails or hikes. Proper preparations in terms of equipment and company will ensure that even when you get lost, you are found within the shortest amount of time. Ensure that your phone is fully charged and so is your source of light. Also, have a power bank for backup.
Dangers of Human Attack. On trails that are in the interiors or pass through private property. It is only right that you make the vocals aware of the visit. This will help prevent attacks by the locals.
The danger of attack by animals. Most hiking trails are in the wild, which means that animals are in existence, for you to ensure that you get the best adventure on your trails. Try not to spook the animals in the wild in case of any attack, be sure to be loud enough to attract any form of help as soon as possible.
Dangers of hiking alone:
● There is no one to help you in case you get an injury while on the trail. You should take a couple of other hikers with you to keep each other safe
● There is no one to motivate you while on the trail. If you lack any form of motivation, you may not finish even the simplest of trials.
● There is no one to help you with the luggage. You have to carry everything on your back, and your own. You also have to do everything by yourself. Either by setting up or cooking or any other hiking activities. Teamwork is really important in long trials. It makes work easier and more fun.
● Hiking alone is expensive. You have to cater for everything by yourself. As opposed to when you have to share the hiking costs with other people.
● When you are hiking alone, it is very difficult to fight off any attacks from animals or even other humans. When in a group any situation is very easy to handle. The divide and conquer policy is very effective during a hiking trail.
● All in all, regardless of how simple you may think a trail is or how much of an expert you may think you are as a hiker, it is always advisable to take on other hikers on the trail. it is essential to ensure that you are well prepared in terms of body fitness, cardiovascular exercise, and hiking essentials. If you love hiking, regardless of all the dangers of hiking or how dangerous the trail may be, the view of the summit is always worth the pain.