The U.S. is home to some of the most amazing natural scenery on Earth. Beautiful mountains, turquoise blue waters and massive canyons are just some of the terrain you can encounter from state to state. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, this means there are plenty of hiking destinations just waiting to be explored. If you’re an avid hiker and are looking to push yourself to the extremes, here are 5 of the most difficult hikes in the U.S. to look into right now. With each hike offering its own unique topography, you’re sure to find a hike that will both challenge and empower you.
1. Skyline/Muir Snowfield Trail (Washington)
● Length: 9 Miles
● Difficulty Level: Expert
Venture out to Mount Rainier Washington, and you’ll find Skyline Muir Snowfield Trail, one of the hardest hikes on the west coast. While the trial is only 9 miles long, it’s easily one of the most difficult trails to traverse thanks to the harsh elements. It’s hard hiking up a mountain in blistering heat, but have you ever tried it during bone-chilling temperatures with the threat of snowfall compromising your line of vision in every direction?
Before you venture up the vertical slope of the mountain, you’ll get a glimpse of the beautiful lakes down below. The meadow at the base of the mountain offers a really nice almost relaxing hike that only foreshadows the terrain that’s yet to come.
As you begin to ascend the 2.2 miles to the snowfield above, the difficulty of the trail will begin to set in. Hiking boots with snow spikes and walking sticks are a must on a trail like this. Once you get to the top, you’ll be 2,800 ft above sea level and will have some of the most picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean. Before you venture up, however, be sure to check the weather because this trial has claimed the lives of 87 hikers.
2. The Maze (Utah)
● Length: 14 Miles
● Difficulty Level: Expert
If you’ve watched the movie 127 Hours, you’ve gotten a glimpse into one of the nation’s most difficult hikes. The Maze is located in Canyonlands, Utah, and is a whopping 14 miles of treacherous heat, rocks, high cliffs, and or course canyons.
The beauty of the area is a nice veil over the difficulty you can expect to face with this hike. If it’s your first time hiking, this is not the place to venture out to. The trails here are designed for expert-level hikers because of how versatile, athletic, and determined you need to be.
To start off on this hike, you’ll need to make your way to the Hans Flat ranger station. From here, it will take you another 3 to five hours to get to the canyons which make up the trail. The landscape can be treacherous, and disorienting so it’s important that you take along a map. GPS signals will often lead you astray and can cause you to be stranded out in the wilderness longer than you may have anticipated.
If you’re not yet ready to tackle The Maze but still want to experience the beauty of the canyon here, you can book a guided hike in Horseshoe Canyon during the spring and fall. As with all hiking excursions, this is a hike where you want to bring along plenty of water, nourishing snacks, sunscreen, and proper hiking gear.
3. South Kaibab Trail/Bright Angel Trail (Arizona)
● Length: 17 Miles
● Difficulty Level: Medium to Expert
The unique topography of the Grand Canyon can sometimes offer you the illusion that you’re on a different planet entirely. That’s how you’ll feel if you go out hiking the South Kaibab Trail in Arizona. The beauty of this trail is that it will take you into the depths of a canyon which you’ll then have to hike back out of. You will literally be immersed in its natural beauty as the sedimentary rock layers of the canyon surround you.
This hike is pretty difficult and rates as a medium to expert-level hike. The descent down does make it a bit easier for those who may not have the best upper body strength. However, the climb back up does the trek justice in terms of challenging those looking for an extreme hike. Rough terrain and exasperating heat are some of the challenging factors you can expect to encounter.
The trail stretches 17 miles and on it, you’ll find some of the most stunning views of the canyon. When you’re on the top, you’ll get some incredible views of what feels like an entirely different planet. Down below, you’ll really get immersed in the canyon as you feel the magnificence of it all. These stunning vehicles are what make this hike well worth the effort.
4. Kalalau Trail (Hawaii)
● Length: 11 Miles
● Difficulty Level: Expert
You can see where paradise meets the mountains on the breathtaking Kahlua Trail in Hawaii. This 11-mile hike is one of the most breathtaking treks in all of the US. However, the nature of the topography here also makes it one of the most difficult and dangerous hikes to set out on.
Throughout your hike, you’ll encounter heart-dropping cliff sides, loose soil, and slippery surfaces, especially if there’s been a rain shower. It doesn’t take much for a slip to turn dangerous, which is why wearing proper hiking boots and using walking poles are a must. This one-way hike is hands down the best way to visit one of Hawaii’s most popular beaches. It will take you directly from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach, a nice reward after a long hike.
Once you start your trek, you can expect to traverse five breathtaking valleys. Because you are going up and down, you won’t really encounter level paths. This constant ground shift will take a toll on your lower body strength over time and you’ll certainly feel the aches the next day. Luckily, the reward of reaching one of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches is certainly something that makes the pain bearable. Once you do reach Kalalau, you will have the option to camp before you head out the next day. However, camping does require a permit. The hike itself does not.
5. Mist Trail – Half Dome (California)
● Length: 14 Miles
● Difficulty Level: Expert
The beautiful views offered at Yosemite National Park make the Mist Trail at Half Dome one of the most popular places to hike. Yosemite’s magnificent Half Dome offers an iconic landscape that only naturally offers a hike worth experiencing.
This 14-mile hike is not for the faint of heart. Especially, if you’re someone who does not enjoy heights. That’s right, the hike will take you right on top of Half Dome where you can have 360-degree views making you feel like you are literally on top of the world.
Altitude sickness, heat exhaustion, and weak knees are all things you can expect out of Mist Trail. The hike starts off rather simple with a trek through the mild meadows down below, but it’s just a facade for what’s to come. There are steel cables that are bolted onto the rock from the bottom all the way to the top. In order to get to your destination, you’ll need to follow the steel cables and hike alongside them. With numbers topping 3,000 visitors a day during weekends in the summer, it’s easy to imagine how busy this trail can be. If you do traverse this trail during peak season, you can look forward to lines along the steel cables with cautious hikers inching one foot forward as they battle their fears. When you do get through the hike and reach the top, you’ll see why this is one of the most popular hikes throughout the nation.
Strap on Your Hiking Boots and Get To Exploring
As you get ready to head out and explore the beautiful outdoors, be sure that you bring along the right gear and plenty of water. While these hikes are undeniably stunning it’s important to remember they are also quite dangerous. Do your research, hike with a buddy, and make sure to always go prepared.
What are some of your favorite but dangerous hikes across the U.S.? Be sure to share with us in the comments section below!
