If you’re someone who laughs in the face of danger or at least hikes toward it,these insane hiking trails are kind of wild. From death-defying cliff walks to multi-week treks through unmarked wilderness, these extreme hiking trails aren’t for the faint of heart. They’re for thrill-seekers chasing the raw edge of the earth.
Ready to add some serious adrenaline to your bucket list? Here are the most dangerous, unbelievable, and downright epic treks on the planet.
1. Huashan Plank Walk, China
This legendary hike on Mount Huashan is one of the world’s most dangerous hikes, thanks to its literal planks bolted onto a vertical cliff face, 2,000 feet above ground. With only a harness and heart-pounding courage, you’ll traverse narrow wooden boards with sheer drops on all sides.
🧡 Don’t miss: The Taoist temple at the summit, floating above a sea of clouds for that spiritual-meets-survival moment.
2. Drakensberg Grand Traverse, South Africa
No marked trail. No facilities. Just 230 km of remote ridgelines, chain ladders, and mist-shrouded cliffs. This extreme trek demands serious backcountry skills and a thirst for true wilderness. You’ll camp in caves and navigate high passes rarely touched by humans.
🧡 Don’t miss: A glimpse of Tugela Falls, the second-highest waterfall in the world, cascading from the clouds.
3. Kalalau Trail, Hawaii, USA
This 22-mile trail along Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast is a tropical beauty with a vicious bite. Slick mud, flash floods, and exposed sea cliffs make it one of the most insane hiking trails in the U.S. You’ll earn every step of paradise.
🧡 Don’t miss: The remote Kalalau Beach, accessible only by foot and well worth the effort.
4. Canyonlands National Park, USA
Welcome to one of the most remote and confusing landscapes in North America. Aptly named “The Maze,” this backcountry trek requires expert navigation, desert survival skills, and days of food and water. It’s a mental and physical puzzle you won’t forget.
🧡 Don’t miss: The rare, ancient petroglyphs hidden deep within the sandstone walls.
5. El Caminito del Rey, Spain
Once considered the world’s most dangerous trail, this former worker’s path hugs the vertical walls of El Chorro Gorge in Andalucía. Though restored, the narrow walkways suspended hundreds of feet in the air still offer adrenaline in full force.
🧡 Don’t miss: The glass viewing platform for heart-racing photos straight out of a dream (or nightmare).
6. The Snowman Trek, Bhutan
Remote. Ruthless. Majestic. This 25-day trek crosses 11 high-altitude passes in the Himalayas, many over 16,000 feet. Often cut off by snow and storms, it’s one of the most epic trekking routes in the world.
🧡 Don’t miss: The untouched mountain villages and monastery visits which gives pure cultural immersion at the roof of the world.
7. Aonach Eagach Ridge, Scotland
This knife-edge ridge in the Highlands offers no easy escape. You’ll scramble across jagged stone with gut-wrenching drops on either side and unpredictable weather as your companion.
🧡 Don’t miss: Glencoe Valley’s cinematic views that look straight out of a fantasy film.
8. Mount Roraima, Venezuela
Towering above the jungle, this flat-topped mountain is surrounded by sheer cliffs and mystical cloud forests. Trekking here feels like stepping into another planet, with bizarre rock formations and endemic plants.
🧡 Don’t miss: The summit’s alien landscape and views that inspired The Lost World.
9. Via Ferrata Ivano Dibona, Italy
In the heart of the Dolomites, this secured alpine route blends hiking, climbing, and World War I history. You’ll traverse rickety bridges, vertical iron ladders, and exposed ledges with a safety harness as your best friend.
🧡 Don’t miss: The Ponte Cristallo suspension bridge, equal parts terrifying and beautiful.
10. Gothics via the Cable Route, Adirondacks, USA
This brutally steep route in upstate New York is notorious for its bare rock scrambles, icy patches, and metal cables installed for handholds. It’s a hidden gem for those who want their hike with a side of grit.
🧡 Don’t miss: The summit’s panoramic views of the High Peaks wilderness in full 360-degree glory.
11. Mount HuaShan Death Stairs, China
Beyond the famous plank walk, Huashan also features narrow stone staircases that zigzag vertically up the cliffs. Thousands of ancient, worn steps make this a grueling ascent, mentally and physically.
🧡 Don’t miss: Watching the sun rise above the mountains from one of the most surreal perches on Earth.
12. Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand
Stretching over 3,000 km from top to bottom of the country, this life-changing trek is one of the longest hiking trails in the world. Expect river crossings, long days through remote bush, and wildly changing terrain.
🧡 Don’t miss: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a volcanic, otherworldly section straight out of The Lord of the Rings.
Travel Tips for Tackling Extreme Hiking Trails
- Train Like It’s Game Time: Many of these hikes require endurance, strength, and balance. Do elevation training, stair climbing, and long-distance treks to prepare your body.
- Gear Up Right: Don’t skimp on the essentials. High-traction boots, trekking poles, headlamps, satellite GPS, and extra layers can be lifesavers.
- Know the Risks: Research trail conditions, permits, weather windows, and rescue protocols. Some trails have narrow hiking seasons and zero room for error.
- Leave No Trace: These remote landscapes are often fragile ecosystems. Carry everything out—including waste—and follow local guidelines.
- Respect Altitude: For high-altitude hikes like Bhutan’s Snowman Trek or Mount Roraima, acclimatization is crucial. Ascend slowly and hydrate constantly.
Final Thoughts
Extreme hiking trails aren’t just about pushing your limits, they’re about stepping outside your comfort zone and into a world that few dare to explore. Whether you’re clinging to a cliff in China or navigating a maze of canyons in Utah, these wild hiking adventures will challenge you, humble you, and leave you in awe.
Your next epic trek starts with a single step. Which one’s calling your name?
