20 Most Dangerous Hikes with Incredible Rewards

The Grampians are known for rugged peaks, steep climbs, and slippery paths, with hidden dangers like loose rocks and sudden weather changes. The climb to the summit of Mount Stapylton or Mount Rosea can be tricky.

Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail offers incredible landscapes, from volcanoes to glaciers, but the weather can change rapidly, making the hike dangerous. Rivers to cross, shifting volcanic sands, and the potential for hypothermia add to the challenge.

Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, offers a challenging hike through jungle terrain and up to its crater lake, Segara Anak. The steep ascent, altitude, and unpredictable weather make this a hazardous climb for those who are not well-prepared.

The W trek in Torres del Paine National Park is a demanding route that offers spectacular views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and jagged peaks. The weather can be unpredictable, and sections of the trail can be difficult due to strong winds and challenging terrain.

The Haute Route is a high-altitude trek connecting Chamonix in France with Zermatt in Switzerland. Spanning across glaciers, rocky terrain, and high mountain passes, this hike requires good physical preparation and some mountaineering skills.

A multi-day trek across the Italian Dolomites, the Alta Via 1 offers stunning alpine scenery but also tough terrain and unpredictable weather. Snowfields, steep climbs, and the risk of rockfalls make this a challenging route for experienced hikers.

The hike to Trolltunga, a dramatic cliff that juts out over a deep fjord, is long (around 10-12 hours) and physically demanding. The trail includes steep climbs, rocky terrain, and potential dangers from exposure and weather changes.

The Via Ferrata routes in the Dolomites provide a challenging climbing experience. Though some sections are more like walking paths, others require traversing rock faces with the aid of iron rungs and cables. The exposed nature of the route, along with unpredictable weather, can make it dangerous.

This multi-day trek through the dense Colombian jungle takes hikers to the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida), an ancient indigenous settlement older than Machu Picchu. The trail is grueling and often muddy, with dangerous river crossings and thick jungle to navigate.

While not an extreme technical climb, the trek to Mount Everest Base Camp is still one of the most dangerous hikes in the world due to the risk of altitude sickness, freezing temperatures, and extreme weather. The path takes you through remote villages and alpine forests, offering the chance to see the world’s highest peak from up close.

The Aletsch Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in Europe, and the hike across it is both spectacular and treacherous. Crevasses and shifting ice make the route dangerous, and hikers are required to have glacier travel experience and guides for safety.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a bucket-list destination for many, but the climb is challenging due to the high altitude, steep terrain, and extreme weather conditions. The summit, Uhuru Peak, is a massive achievement, but the risks of altitude sickness and exhaustion are high.

As North America's highest peak, Denali attracts mountaineers from around the globe. The ascent is grueling, with extreme cold, high winds, and the ever-present risk of avalanches. Climbing Denali is reserved for experienced mountaineers, as the route requires advanced skills in ice climbing, crevasse rescue, and survival tactics.

While the Annapurna Circuit is one of Nepal's most popular trekking routes, it’s also known for its challenging conditions. The route takes you over the Thorong La Pass, one of the highest trekking points in the world, where altitude sickness, landslides, and unpredictable weather can pose risks.

Famous for its rugged beauty, the trail to the base of Mount Fitz Roy is challenging due to unpredictable weather, steep terrain, and a sometimes slippery path. It’s an arduous climb, especially in winter months, but the rewards are breathtaking.

Once known as the "world's most dangerous hike," this path was built along a cliffside in the early 20th century. Although it has been renovated, it still offers thrilling views and heart-stopping moments as hikers walk along narrow ledges with sheer drops to the river below

This 11-mile trail along Kauai's Napali Coast is known for its steep, muddy, and often dangerous conditions. Frequent rain can make the trail slippery, and some sections require hikers to scale rock faces or cross streams. The trail ends at the secluded Kalalau Beach, one of the most beautiful and remote spots on the island.

Mount Huashan's famous "Plank Walk" is not for those with a fear of heights. This perilous trail is carved along the side of the mountain, with just a few wooden planks to keep hikers from falling to the valley below.

The Narrows is one of Zion National Park's most famous hikes, but it's not for the faint of heart. Hikers wade through the Virgin River, surrounded by towering canyon walls. Flash floods can make this trail particularly perilous, but when conditions are safe, the surreal beauty of the narrow canyon and clear waters is unparalleled.

The Drakensberg is known for its dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and often unpredictable weather. Trails like the Chain Ladders route require climbing iron ladders and tackling steep slopes, while the extreme altitude can also cause issues for unacclimatized hikers.