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Backpacker Magazine – October 2008
America's 10 Most Dangerous Hikes
Like your life and limbs intact? Then you'd better get skilled before visiting these trails.
The Maze, Utah (James Kay)
From a slippery Sierra catwalk to a treacherous Hawaiian paradise, we name the country's 10 most hazardous hikes. Then we break down the dangers and provide local beta for conquering each route.
Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon, AZ
Muir Snowfield, Mt. Rainier, WA
Huckleberry Mtn., Apgar Range, MT
Plus: We map America's hot spots for death by lightning, altitude, extreme weather, and more. And for stats junkies, a look at who's getting rescued in national parks–and why. Read "Diagnosis of Disaster."
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READERS COMMENTS
the chilkoot is fairly easy, well, intermittent. i hiked it with a a family with 4 young teens, and 2 older women, all non-hikers for the most part. there is one part... i have been on some of teh mentioned hikes. if those are the most dangerous, then i am disapointed at the tame wilderness. haah - i know several harder!
Posted: Jan 28, 2009 lina
So is it the Mist Trail or Half Dome that's so dangerous? I've done the Mist Trail many times and Half Dome once, and I'd have to say that lightning and stupidity are what make that hike particularly dangerous. Granted I haven't been on any of the others listed but I'd imagine that they are inherently more unsafe.
Posted: Jan 20, 2009 Jeff
Sitting on my deck looking at Mt. Washington, NH right now covered in snow. The temp at the top is -9 degrees with a wind chill of near -40 below. Just another average December day on "The Rock Pile" Yeah, it's dangerous!!
Posted: Dec 09, 2008 "Willie"
The two on this list that I've done, Buckskin Gulch and Bright Angel, were tip-toes through the tulips next to the last couple of hundred yards of Angels Landing.
Posted: Nov 19, 2008 Cactus Paul
I've hiked angel's landing twice, and to me it's not bad at all! I've hiked stuff in Red Rock Canyon (just outside Las Vegas) that was just as gnarly without any aid of chains or ropes (Bridge Mt. being one of them). However, for a popular hike (one that families and people of all levels have access to and do each week) then yes, it is 'treacherous'. I'd just be careful in saying it's "extremely dangerous" or one of the "10 most dangerous hikes", b/c that might skew the description of some of these others.
Posted: Nov 17, 2008 Jason R
I have hiked 3 of the 10 on this list and totally agree with Michael...Angels Landing is extremely dangerous...like nothing I have ever experienced before or since.
Posted: Nov 14, 2008 Johnnylama
Any 10 most dangerous list without Angels Landing in Zion is a bit suspect!
Posted: Nov 14, 2008 Michael
How about the Chilkoot Trail in Alaska?
Posted: Nov 14, 2008 Sharon
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