Heights that make your stomach drop. Knife-edge ridges where one wrong step means game over. Trails so wild they blur the line between hiking and sheer survival. These are not your average weekend walks in the woods.
I’ve personally tackled four of these trails, and let me tell you…the adrenaline is real. The others are still on my bucket list, calling me like unfinished business. Each epic hike promises a mix of jaw-dropping beauty and heart-pounding fear that sticks with you long after you’re back on solid ground.
If you’re the kind of hiker who craves danger with your views, this list is your ultimate test. From death-defying cliffside paths to suspension bridges that sway in the wind, here are the world’s scariest hikes…and everything you need to know before daring to step foot on them.
The World’s Scariest Hiking Trails
Are you brave enough to tackle some of the scariest hiking trails on the planet? Read on to discover which trails make the list and what makes each one uniquely terrifying!
Don’t have time to read? Here is a rundown of the world’s most terrifying treks:
- Best Overall Scary Hike: Angel’s Landing, Utah, USA
- Most Challenging Hike: Hua Shan Trail, China
- Most Fun Hike: El Caminito del Rey, Spain
- Best Views: Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
- Best Hidden Gem Hike: The Maze, Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA
- Best Alpine Scenery: Cascade Saddle, New Zealand
- Most Historical Significance: Huayna Picchu, Peru
- Most Remote Adventure: The Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea
- Wildest Weather: Mount Washington, New Hampshire, USA
1. Angel’s Landing, Zion National Park, Utah, USA
Angel’s Landing isn’t messing around. This 5-mile hike with 1,488 feet of elevation gain will test every ounce of courage you’ve got. The final half-mile is what separates the thrill-seekers from the sane, where you’ll grip chains bolted into rock while navigating a spine-tingling ridge with 1,000-foot drops on both sides. I’ve done plenty of scary hikes, but nothing quite prepares you for that moment when you realize there’s literally nothing between you and the canyon floor except your own grip strength.
Here’s the deal – since 2022, you need permits for the chain section, and they’re not kidding about enforcement (fines up to $5,000). Permits cost $3 per person plus a $6 application fee, available through seasonal lotteries or day-before lotteries on Recreation.gov. The seasonal lottery happens quarterly, but weekend permits sell out fast – honestly, your best bet is aiming for weekdays. You can hike to Scout Lookout without a permit, but the real action starts beyond that point.
Start early (like really early) to beat crowds and heat, especially in summer. The hike typically takes 3-5 hours round trip, and trust me, you don’t want to rush the chain section when it’s packed with other hikers. Bring way more water than you think you need, grippy shoes are absolutely essential, and don’t even think about attempting this in winter without traction devices – ice on those chains is basically a death wish.
- Read next: Beautiful Spots in Zion National Park
2. Hua Shan Trail, Huayin City, China
Mount Hua (Huashan) is absolutely insane, and I mean that in the best possible way. This sacred mountain features the legendary plank walk – a 130-meter section where you’re literally walking on wooden planks bolted to a vertical cliff face over 2,000 meters above sea level. The round-trip hike to all five peaks covers about 12.5 miles with a brutal 5,400-foot elevation gain, typically taking 6-8 hours for the full experience.
The plank walk itself costs an extra 30 yuan (about $4) for the mandatory safety harness, and honestly, that’s the best money you’ll ever spend. Only people between 15-55 years old and over 1.6 meters tall are allowed on the plank section – they’re pretty strict about this. I found the age restriction a bit annoying since plenty of fit older folks could handle it, but rules are rules in China.
Getting there from Xi’an is way easier now than it used to be. High-speed trains run every two hours from Xi’an North Station to Huashan North Station (38 minutes, around 100 yuan), then free shuttle buses take you to the visitor center. You can take cable cars to either North Peak or West Peak – the West Peak cable car gets you closer to the action but costs more (140 yuan one-way). The mountain’s open year-round, but late May through September offers the best weather conditions for hiking.
- Read next: Most Beautiful Places to Visit in China
3. El Caminito del Rey, El Chorro, Spain
El Caminito del Rey is basically Spain’s answer to the ultimate cliff walk, and after major renovations in 2015, it’s way safer but still delivers serious thrills. This 7.7-kilometer linear trail takes you along suspended walkways 100 meters above the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge – imagine walking on what feels like a narrow sidewalk in the sky with absolutely stunning views of the Guadalhorce River below.
The trail takes about 3-4 hours to complete and costs just 10 euros per person (18 euros for guided tours). Here’s the catch though – tickets sell out weeks in advance, especially for spring and fall when weather’s perfect. You absolutely have to book online at caminitodelrey.info, and kids under 8 aren’t allowed at all. I’d honestly recommend booking as early as possible because showing up without tickets is pretty much guaranteed disappointment.
You’ll park at the north entrance (2 euros for the day), then take a shuttle bus to the starting point (2.50 euros round trip – cash only, which is annoying). The trail itself is pretty straightforward with some steep sections, but nothing too technical. Summer can be brutally hot – if you’re visiting July through August, definitely go for the earliest time slot possible. The whole experience feels like you’re walking through a movie set, especially when you hit the famous suspended bridge sections.
- For more epic hikes: 13 EPIC Hiking Locations that Belong On Every Bucket List
4. Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
The Kalalau Trail along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast is hands-down one of the most spectacular (and sketchy) coastal hikes you’ll ever attempt. This 11-mile trail to Kalalau Beach covers 22 miles round trip with about 5,000 feet of elevation gain, and typically takes two days if you’re doing the full route. The trail literally hugs cliffsides hundreds of feet above the Pacific Ocean, and when it’s muddy (which is often), those narrow sections become seriously dangerous.
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You absolutely need permits well in advance – day hiking permits for the first two miles to Hanakapi’ai Beach aren’t required, but anything beyond that needs overnight camping permits. These permits cost around $35 per person per night and sell out months ahead, especially during peak season. I learned this the hard way and had to wait nearly a year to get permits for the dates I wanted.
The trail conditions change constantly depending on weather – Hawaii’s tropical climate means sudden downpours that turn the red clay trail into a slip-and-slide nightmare. Stream crossings can become dangerous flash flood zones within minutes, and several people die on this trail every year. Pack serious rain gear, extra food, and way more water than you think you need. The isolation is both the trail’s biggest draw and its greatest danger – cell service is nonexistent, and rescue operations are extremely difficult.
- Read next: Beautiful Places in Kauai That Feel Unreal
5. The Maze, Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA
The Maze in Canyonlands National Park is basically the ultimate test of backcountry navigation skills wrapped in some of the most remote and rugged terrain in the United States. This isn’t really a single trail but rather a complex network of slot canyons, mesas, and rock formations that’ll have you questioning your life choices and GPS skills simultaneously. Getting there requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and about 46 miles of rough dirt roads from Moab – the drive alone takes 2-3 hours and beats the hell out of your vehicle.
Once you’re in The Maze, you’re truly on your own. There are no marked trails, limited water sources, and cell service is absolutely nonexistent. Most people spend 3-5 days exploring the area, and you need serious desert camping experience plus advanced route-finding skills. I spent four days there and barely scratched the surface – the landscape is mind-blowing but unforgiving.
You’ll need permits for overnight stays (free but required), and honestly, don’t even think about attempting this without GPS, physical maps, and someone knowing your exact itinerary. Water is scarce, so you’re looking at carrying multiple gallons per person. The nearest help is literally hours away even if someone could reach you. Spring and fall offer the best weather, but even then, temperature swings can be extreme. This is definitely not a place for beginners or anyone who gets anxious when they can’t see another human for days.
- Read next: 30-Day Utah National Park Road Trip
6. Drakensberg Grand Traverse, South Africa and Lesotho
The Drakensberg Grand Traverse is an absolute monster – 230 kilometers of high-altitude hiking that typically takes 12-14 days to complete, spanning the border between South Africa and Lesotho. You’re looking at roughly 9,000 meters of total elevation gain across some of the most remote mountain terrain in Africa. This isn’t a marked trail but rather a challenging route that requires serious navigation skills and expedition-level preparation.
I attempted this traverse and honestly, the logistics alone are intimidating. You need to be completely self-sufficient for nearly two weeks, carrying all food, camping gear, and emergency supplies. Water sources exist but aren’t always reliable, and weather can change from pleasant hiking conditions to life-threatening storms within hours. The route crosses multiple international borders, so passport requirements add another layer of complexity.
The best time to attempt the traverse is during South Africa’s summer months (October through March), but even then you’re dealing with afternoon thunderstorms and potential snow at higher elevations. You’ll need permits for both countries, and I’d strongly recommend hiring a local guide familiar with current border crossing procedures and water source conditions. Physical fitness requirements are extreme – this is seriously one of the most demanding multi-day hikes on the planet, and rescue options in remote sections are basically nonexistent.
7. Cascade Saddle, Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Cascade Saddle in Mount Aspiring National Park is New Zealand‘s answer to epic alpine hiking with a healthy dose of “holy crap, am I really doing this?” thrown in for good measure. This 11.5-mile track involves 6,234 feet of elevation gain and typically takes two days with an overnight stay in one of the mountain huts. The route features some seriously exposed sections that become downright dangerous in bad weather. And trust me, weather changes fast in the Southern Alps.
The track starts from the Dart River and climbs through diverse terrain from rainforest to alpine zones. I hiked this in shoulder season and encountered everything from brilliant sunshine to near-whiteout conditions within the same day. The final approach to the saddle involves scrambling over loose rock with significant exposure – definitely not a place you want to be if clouds roll in and visibility drops.
Hut bookings are absolutely essential during peak season (October through April) and can be made through the Department of Conservation website. The Dart Hut costs around $35 NZD per night, and honestly it’s worth every penny for a dry place to sleep at altitude. You’ll encounter kea (mountain parrots) that are hilariously curious but will absolutely destroy your gear if given the chance. Weather can shift from perfect conditions to dangerous storms within hours, so pack for all possibilities and don’t hesitate to turn back if conditions deteriorate.
- For more hiking destinations, check out: Epic Bucket List Hiking Locations Around the World
8. Huayna Picchu, Peru
Huayna Picchu is the iconic needle-shaped peak looming over Machu Picchu. And climbing it involves tackling the infamous “stairs of death” – ancient Inca stone steps that are steep, narrow, and absolutely terrifying when wet. The 2.4-mile round trip hike involves 1,115 feet of elevation gain and typically takes 2-4 hours, but honestly, most of that time is spent carefully navigating centuries-old stone steps that were clearly built by people with zero fear of heights.
Here’s the thing that’ll really mess with you – daily visitor numbers are strictly limited to just 400 people, split between morning (7-8 AM) and afternoon (10-11 AM) time slots. Permits cost around $75 and must be booked months in advance through the official Machu Picchu website. I tried booking last-minute and ended up waiting three months for available dates. The permits are date and time-specific, so missing your slot means no refund and no climbing.
Altitude is a real factor here – Machu Picchu sits at 7,972 feet, and Huayna Picchu summit reaches 8,924 feet. I felt the elevation even though I was already acclimatized from time in Cusco. The ancient stone steps become incredibly slippery when wet, and afternoon thunderstorms are common during rainy season (November through March). Start your Machu Picchu visit early, bring good grip shoes, take your time on the steeper sections, and honestly, the views from the top make every terrifying step worth it.
- Read next: Best Things to Do in Peru
10. The Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea
The Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea is a 60-mile historical trek through dense jungle and rugged mountain terrain that’ll push your physical and mental limits to the absolute breaking point. This 8-10 day expedition involves significant elevation changes reaching 7,185 feet at its highest point, with humidity levels that make every step feel like you’re breathing through a wet blanket.
Licensed guides are mandatory – no exceptions – and honestly, you wouldn’t want to attempt this without local expertise anyway. Guide services typically cost $3,000-$5,000 per person and include permits, village fees, camping equipment, and meals. I found the physical preparation requirements are no joke – we’re talking months of training to handle the humidity, elevation changes, and carrying a full pack through muddy, slippery conditions.
The track holds serious historical significance as the site of World War II battles between Australian and Japanese forces, and local guides share incredible stories about the campaign. Rainy season (December through March) makes the track nearly impassable with river crossings becoming dangerous and muddy conditions turning the trail into a slip-and-slide nightmare. Best hiking season is May through September, but even then you’re dealing with tropical conditions, river crossings, and extremely remote terrain where medical evacuation would be a major operation.
- Continue your hiking adventures: World-Class Trekking Destinations for Your Bucket List
11. Mount Washington (via Tuckerman Ravine Trail), New Hampshire, USA
Mount Washington via Tuckerman Ravine Trail is where weather goes to practice being absolutely insane. This 7.4-mile round trip hike with 4,169 feet of elevation gain features some of the most unpredictable and dangerous weather conditions on Earth. The summit holds the world record for surface wind speed at 231 mph. And honestly, even summer conditions can turn life-threatening within minutes.
The Tuckerman Ravine Trail starts at Pinkham Notch and involves steep, rocky terrain that becomes increasingly exposed as you climb toward the Alpine Garden and summit. I’ve hiked this multiple times and been shocked by how quickly conditions can deteriorate – brilliant sunshine at the base can mean snow, ice, and hurricane-force winds at the summit even in July.
Weather preparation is absolutely critical here. Full winter clothing is recommended year-round above treeline, including insulated layers, waterproof shells, hat, gloves, and emergency gear. The Mount Washington Observatory provides detailed summit forecasts that you should absolutely check before starting. I’d recommend starting early (before 6 AM) to maximize daylight hours and weather window. If conditions look questionable, turn back – this mountain has killed more people than you’d expect for something in New Hampshire. The summit facilities provide emergency shelter if needed, but getting there safely is entirely on you.
