Some people find their joy in adrenaline pumping. For some reason, the sense of danger and sometimes, death, gets some people going. Others prefer to watch or read about the experience to get their adrenaline dose safely.
It doesn’t matter which one of those two you belong to. If you’re reading this, you’re in the right place.
Today, we’ll show you some of the most dangerous cliffs in the United States, along with some of their kill counts!
1. Kalalau
- State: Hawaii
- City: Kauai
- Exact Location: Nā Pali Coast, from Keʻe Beach to Kalalau Valley
The Kalalau Trail is one of the most famous and dangerous hikes in the United States. Located on the Nā Pali Coast of Kauai, Hawaii, this 11-mile trail offers stunning views of lush valleys, towering cliffs, and the Pacific Ocean. Despite its beauty, the trail is fraught with peril.
Hikers face narrow paths, steep drop-offs, and unpredictable weather conditions that can lead to flash floods and landslides. The trail’s reputation for danger is well-deserved; in 2022 alone, there were 46 search and rescue operations due to injuries or accidents along the trail.
Many hikers have lost their footing on slippery sections or encountered sudden rising waters in the streams they must cross.
Interesting Facts:
- The trail features three major stream crossings that can swell dangerously during rain.
- It is considered a rite of passage for serious hikers but requires a permit for camping.
- The trail includes a notorious section known as “Crawler’s Ledge,” where hikers must navigate narrow paths with steep drop-offs.
Read Next: Interesting Facts about Hawaii You Might Not Know
2. Mist Trail and Half Dome Cables
- State: California
- City: Yosemite National Park
- Exact Location: Mist Trail leading to Half Dome summit, Yosemite Valley
The Mist Trail is one of the most iconic hikes in Yosemite National Park, leading adventurers to stunning waterfalls and the summit of Half Dome. This 7-mile trail takes hikers past Vernal and Nevada Falls, offering breathtaking views along the way.
The dangers of the Mist Trail and Half Dome cables are well-documented. Hikers face risks from slippery granite, especially during wet conditions when rain or mist makes the rock slick.
Accidental falls have led to serious injuries and fatalities; since 1919, at least 26 people have died while attempting to climb the cables.
Interesting Facts:
- The Mist Trail is one of the busiest trails in Yosemite, with over 50,000 hikers attempting to summit Half Dome each year.
- The cable system was installed in 1920 and has been a subject of safety concerns since its inception.
- Hikers are required to obtain a permit for the Half Dome cables during peak season (late May to early October).
Read Next: How to Spend a day in Yosemite
3. Angel’s Landing
- State: Utah
- City: Zion National Park
- Exact Location: Angel’s Landing Trailhead at Grotto
Angel’s Landing is a breathtaking rock formation located in Zion National Park, Utah. Rising 1,488 feet (454 meters) above the canyon floor, this iconic peak offers some of the most stunning views in the park.
The hike to Angel’s Landing is a 5.4-mile round trip that features a challenging ascent with an elevation gain of about 1,500 feet (460 meters). The trail is known for its steep switchbacks, including a section called “Walter’s Wiggles,” which consists of 21 tight turns that lead hikers up the rock face.
The final half-mile of the trail is particularly notorious for its dangers. Hikers must navigate a narrow ridge with sheer drop-offs on both sides, using chains installed along the route for support. This section can be extremely intimidating, especially for those with a fear of heights.
Since the trail’s construction in 1926, there have been at least 18 confirmed fatalities associated with the hike, often due to falls or accidents during adverse weather conditions.
Interesting Facts:
- The name “Angel’s Landing” was inspired by a Methodist minister who remarked that only an angel could land there.
- The hike is classified as strenuous and can take between 3 to 5 hours to complete.
- Spring and fall are considered the best times to hike due to milder weather conditions.
Read Next: Best Things to do in Park City Utah
4. Mt. Rainier
- State: Washington
- City: Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier is an iconic stratovolcano located in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. Standing at 14,411 feet (4,392 meters), it is the highest peak in the Cascade Range and a prominent feature of the Pacific Northwest.
It attracts climbers and hikers from around the world who seek to experience its beauty and challenge themselves on its slopes.
However, Mount Rainier is not without its dangers. Climbing the mountain presents numerous risks, including rockfalls, avalanches, and sudden weather changes that can create whiteout conditions.
Over a century, there have been approximately 425 fatalities recorded in the park, with around 90 of those involving summit climbers. Many accidents occur due to a lack of preparation or poor judgment in rapidly changing conditions.
Interesting Facts:
- Mount Rainier is an active volcano, with the last significant eruption occurring around 1,000 years ago.
- The mountain is covered by over 25 major glaciers, making it one of the most glaciated peaks in the contiguous United States.
- It was designated as a national park in 1899, making it one of the oldest national parks in the country.
Read Next: Best Wineries in Washington State
5. Precipice Trail
- State: Maine
- City: Acadia National Park
- Exact Location: Precipice Trailhead on Park Loop Road, approximately 2.5 miles south of Bar Harbor
The Precipice Trail is one of the most challenging and dangerous hikes in Acadia National Park, Maine. This trail is known for its steep climbs, narrow ledges, and the need for rock climbing skills, making it unsuitable for inexperienced hikers.
The trail covers a distance of about 2.5 miles with an elevation gain of over 1,000 feet, primarily involving a rugged ascent that feels more like climbing than hiking.
Several hikers have fallen from the cliffs, resulting in injuries and fatalities. The trail is particularly hazardous in wet conditions, as rain can make the granite surfaces and iron rungs dangerously slippery.
The National Park Service strongly advises against attempting this hike during or after rain and recommends that those with a fear of heights or who are not in good physical condition skip it altogether.
Interesting Facts:
- The Precipice Trail is often listed among the most dangerous hikes in the United States.
- It features a combination of climbing and hiking, requiring both upper body strength and stamina.
- The trail may be closed during peregrine falcon nesting season from late March to summer.
Read Next: Unique Things to do in Maine
Final Thoughts
The United States’ cliffside trails offer thrilling views and heart-pounding challenges. But from Kalalau’s narrow ledges to Angel’s Landing’s steep drop-offs, these hikes are as dangerous as they are beautiful.
Unpredictable weather, slick rock, and sheer heights have led to countless rescues and serious accidents. Exploring these trails requires real caution and respect, making each a breathtaking test of courage and skill.
Read Next: Most Dangerous Hikes in the United States
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Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.