Deadly Hiking Trails from Around the World
Hiking is a wonderful way to explore nature and connect with the outdoors, but not all trails are made for everyone, and some are far more dangerous than they look. While many hikes are famous for breathtaking views and the incredible experiences people have, others are infamous for how dangerous and challenging, (and sometimes deadly) the hiking conditions are. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the deadliest hiking trails from around the world and explore what makes them so dangerous. These are hiking routes that should only be attempted by experts who aren’t scared off by the very real risk of death on these trails.
Mount Huashan, China
Mount Huashan is famous for its dangerous cliffside trails and steep climbs. The most terrifying part of the hike is the Plank Walk, where hikers have to cross narrow wooden planks bolted to steep cliffs with nothing but a harness to keep them from falling. With a history dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 BCE), this trail has become a popular attraction for thrill-seekers from around the world. However, the path is notoriously unreliable, with high winds and unpredictable weather conditions adding to the risk. Despite the dangers, Mount Huashan remains a popular destination, but it’s not for the faint of heart. There are rumors that around 100 people fall to their deaths each year, but that claim has never been verified.
The Death Trail, Guatemala
Located in Guatemala, the Death Trail leads to the summit of Volcano Acatenango, offering stunning views of its neighbor, the active Fuego Volcano. While the views are spectacular, the trail earns its grim name because of the incredibly challenging conditions hikers face along the way. The climb is steep, rocky, and exhausting, with high altitudes that can cause altitude sickness. The risk is made even worse by the threat of volcanic activity from the nearby active volcano—eruption clouds and lava flows pose a very real danger! In fact, as of March 2025, the trail has been closed as Fuego has started erupting. The combination of physical effort and unpredictable volcanoes makes this trail especially dangerous, claiming the lives of six hikers the last time it erupted.
The Inca Trail, Peru
The Inca Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the world, leading to the ancient Machu Picchu citadel. While the trek itself is beautiful, don’t be fooled! It comes with no shortage of dangers. The trail is steep and uneven, with high altitudes that can leave hikers gasping for breath. There are also sections where the trail is narrow and exposed, offering a vertigo-inducing sheer drop to the valley below. Flash floods during the rainy season can also make the path especially treacherous, and overcrowding at busy times of the year increases the risk of accidents. Despite these risks, less than 10 people have died on the Inca trail, meaning it can be done safely with the right preparation.
Mount Washington, United States
Mount Washington in New Hampshire is notorious for having the world’s worst weather. Winds regularly blow over 100 mph, and temperatures can plummet to dangerous levels without warning. Hikers often underestimate how bad the weather actually is, making the trek up this mountain a life-threatening challenge. The weather can quickly change from sunny and mild to freezing and stormy, and many who try to hike this trail without the right gear get hypothermia. While not technically the deadliest trail in the world, it has earned its dangerous reputation due to the extreme conditions and frequent accidents that have claimed over 150 lives.
The Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
The Annapurna Circuit in Nepal is on the bucket list of many hikers who want to see incredible views of the Himalayas. However, it’s also infamous for its dangerous conditions. Avalanches, rockfalls, and blizzards are a constant concern, especially in the higher sections of the circuit. To make matters worse, during the monsoon season the trail becomes slippery and even more dangerous. In 2014, a blizzard swept through the region, claiming the lives of 43 hikers and bringing the total death count up to 72. Though it’s still a popular trek, hikers have been required to hire guides and rent GPS tracking units for safety since the blizzard.
The Drakensberg Traverse, South Africa
The Drakensberg Mountains, known for their dramatic landscapes and steep cliffs, are home to some of the most dangerous hiking trails in Africa. The Drakensberg Traverse takes hikers across this difficult terrain, with sections that see hikers scrambling over rocks and crossing fast-moving rivers. The weather can be unpredictable, and hikers often find themselves caught in thunderstorms no matter how much they prepare. The fact that the trail is so remote also makes rescue operations difficult, and with limited access to medical facilities, any accidents can quickly become life-threatening. It’s a rewarding challenge for those who dare to risk it, but you have to be well-prepared. In 1985 at least 55 deaths had been reported on the Drakensberg Traverse, but the actual number of deaths has never been officially counted.
Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia
Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia, is a popular climbing destination. The trail is well-maintained, but its height makes it a challenging climb, with steep inclines and a high risk of altitude sickness. The summit can be reached by a fixed route, but the climb is exhausting, and temperatures can plummet dangerously in the early morning hours. Plus, the mountain is known for sudden weather changes that can cause visibility to drop quickly, creating disorienting and dangerous conditions for any hiker. Hikers should also be aware of the risk for rockfalls, especially during or after storms. 18 hikers died on Mount Kinabalu after an earthquake hit in 2015, showing how dangerous and unpredictable this hike can really be.
The Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal
While the Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the world, it is also one of the deadliest. The high altitude brings with it a threat of acute mountain sickness (AMS), which can be deadly if not treated fast enough. The trail is long and exhausting, and the weather can change quickly, creating dangerous conditions for hikers. Avalanches and rockslides are common in certain sections, and many trekkers underestimate how difficult the trail will be on their bodies. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey, but only for those who are physically fit and ready for the challenges ahead. Although there is no official statistic, it’s estimated that two to three people die doing the Everest Base Camp hike each year, with twelve to fifteen people dying each year at most.
Hiker Beware!
The hiking trails listed above are just a few examples of routes that have claimed the lives of hikers. Whether it’s the extreme weather of Mount Washington or the altitude of the Inca Trail, these trails can be deadly for anyone going in unprepared. However, with careful planning, proper gear, and the right amount of respect for nature, hikers can still safely explore most of these trails. Remember to always put your safety first, understand the risks, and expect the unexpected so that your next hike isn’t your last.