11 Most Dangerous Hiking Trails in California
California is a hiker’s paradise with diverse terrains and stunning landscapes. Its rugged coastal cliffs stretch to its soaring mountain peaks, with a trail for the beginner who wants a casual walk, and for the seasoned adventurer who dreams of a more challenging and memorable hike. Some of these trails, however, are not for the faint of heart.
These test your endurance, they push your limits, and they are a reminder as to why prep works so well when venturing into nature’s playground.
Half Dome — Yosemite National Park
Half Dome’s granite crest is iconic. The last 400 feet are scaled with steel cables and have steep inclines. Storms make it an ever slick slide and every step is a gamble. Yosemite reports dozens of injuries annually on this challenging trail. The breathtaking view is worth every ounce of effort, but preparation is necessary.
Mount Whitney
In the lower 48 states, Mount Whitney is the highest peak at 14, 505 feet. The 22-mile round trip is expected to bring hikers altitude sickness, unexpected snow, and biting winds. In summer, temperatures near the summit can even fall. In fact, only about 30 percent of permit holders reach the top, often giving up due to weather or fatigue, a Sierra Club report says.
Mist Trail Yosemite National Park
The Mist Trail is refreshing and risky. Vernal and Nevada Falls are beautiful but their mist soaks the granite steps, making them slippery hazards. One misstep in spring, and you’re in serious trouble. Your balance and your ability to ignore the views are challenged by the trail.
Palm Springs: Cactus to Clouds
This is not a normal day hike by any stretch of the imagination. Cactus to Clouds is one of the toughest trails in the country, and starts in the desert, climbing 10,000 feet up to the top of Mount San Jacinto’s summit. It can go from mountain snow to sizzling hot. Dehydration and exhaustion, the Desert Sun reports, is why this trail often features in search and rescue missions.
Devil’s Backbone, Mount Baldy
The challenge is obvious from the name. Awesome views from the narrow ridge captivate hikers, but drop-offs on both sides will leave your palms sweating. The trail is especially dangerous on windy days. Mount Baldy trails have had multiple fatalities, including hypothermia.
Lost Coast Trail
This remote coastal hike is a beauty and a beast. That’s what attracts people to the trail. Hikers could get stranded as the trail has no cell service to call for help, so tide schedules must be respected. California State Parks say that this trail is underestimated by hikers and that the difficulty often results in emergency rescues.
Mount Shasta
For those who love snow-capped peaks, Mount Shasta is a bucket list climb. Not forgiving is its glacial terrain. Climbers face dangerous crevasses, falling rocks, and sudden storms. Rescues here are common, however, the Shasta Trinity National Forest reported that many hikers underestimate the mountain’s technical challenges.
Bridge to Nowhere
The trail is bizarre and it leads to an abandoned bridge deep in the San Gabriel Mountains. It’s a quirky adventure, but it’s dangerous with uncertain river crossings, lots of rocks, and the risk of flash flooding. Hikers can get caught off guard, local authorities warn, as conditions can change quickly.
Tunnel Falls to the Eagle Creek Trail
It’s a famous Oregon trail with waterfalls and narrow ledges and a favorite of California adventurers. The path from the cliffs is treacherously slick after rain. It’s a test of courage and caution, and sometimes the only thing that keeps you from a sheer drop is one handhold.
The Narrows in Zion National Park
Californians also love the Virgin River Narrows — wade through the Virgin River as canyon walls tower over your head. It’s a real and constant danger. The trail can be a life-threatening experience in sudden storms upstream, so a weather report is your best friend.
Point Reyes Coast Trail
The views along this coastal hike are jaw-dropping, but the hike is dangerous. After storms, trails can erode into narrow paths that need to be walked carefully. There are also very steep cliffs and strong winds, but the risks are such that hikers need to be sharp and on alert.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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