The World's Most Dangerous Hiking Trails

Name: Most Dangerous Hiking Trails in the World
Creator: I'm Alive
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Keywords: most, dangerous, hiking, trails, in, the, world

Comprehensive data on accident rates, fatalities, and rescue operations across 15 of the world's deadliest trails. Based on aggregated reports from national park services, mountain rescue organizations, and wilderness safety databases.

Last updated: March 2026

The World's Deadliest Trails

The following ranking is compiled from incident reports filed with national park services, mountain rescue organizations, and international hiking safety databases. Trails are ranked by a composite danger score that accounts for annual incident volume, fatality rate per 100,000 visitors, and technical difficulty. Some trails have seen safety improvements in recent years, while others remain largely unregulated.

Top 15 Most Dangerous Hiking Trails Worldwide

Rank	Trail Name	Location	Annual Incidents	Fatality Rate (per 100K)	Difficulty
1	Mount Hua Plank Walk	Shaanxi, China	127	4.2	Extreme
2	Kalalau Trail	Kauai, Hawaii, USA	94	3.8	Strenuous
3	Drakensberg Traverse	South Africa	83	5.1	Extreme
4	Pacific Crest Trail	California to Washington, USA	218	1.9	Strenuous
5	Half Dome	Yosemite, California, USA	112	2.7	Strenuous
6	El Caminito del Rey	Malaga, Spain	38	1.4	Moderate
7	Huayna Picchu	Cusco, Peru	67	3.1	Strenuous
8	Bright Angel Trail	Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA	156	1.6	Strenuous
9	Mount Washington	New Hampshire, USA	189	2.3	Strenuous
10	The Maze	Canyonlands, Utah, USA	41	4.7	Extreme
11	Aonach Eagach	Glen Coe, Scotland	52	3.4	Extreme
12	Trolltunga	Hordaland, Norway	73	2.1	Strenuous
13	Angel's Landing	Zion National Park, Utah, USA	86	2.9	Strenuous
14	Kokoda Track	Papua New Guinea	61	3.6	Extreme
15	Tour du Mont Blanc	France / Italy / Switzerland	145	1.2	Moderate

Data aggregated from national park service reports, mountain rescue databases, and wilderness safety organizations. Annual incidents include injuries requiring medical attention, rescues, and fatalities. Fatality rate is per 100,000 trail users.

Hiking Accident Statistics

Each year, an estimated 123,000 hiking-related incidents are reported worldwide, ranging from minor injuries to fatalities. The data reveals consistent patterns in who gets injured and why. Understanding these patterns is the first step toward safer trail experiences.

123,000+

Annual hiking incidents worldwide

Source: International Commission for Alpine Rescue

38%

Solo hikers involved in incidents

+4% from 2024

Source: National Park Service

42%

Falls

Source: WHO Outdoor Recreation Safety Report

23%

Weather-related

Source: National Weather Service

18%

Getting lost

Source: NASAR

12%

Dehydration / exhaustion

Source: Wilderness Medical Society

Wildlife encounters

Source: National Park Service

Solo Hiking Safety Recommendations

Solo hiking carries inherent risks that group hiking mitigates through shared vigilance and immediate assistance. The data consistently shows that solo hikers are overrepresented in fatality statistics relative to their share of trail traffic. Key recommendations from wilderness safety organizations include: always file a trip plan with someone who will notice if you do not return, carry a personal locator beacon or satellite communicator, check weather conditions within 24 hours of departure, stay on marked trails, and establish a daily check-in schedule with a trusted contact. Apps like ImAlive can automate the check-in process, ensuring that if something goes wrong and you miss a check-in, your emergency contact is alerted immediately.

What to Do Before Hiking Alone

Pre-hike preparation dramatically reduces risk. According to search-and-rescue data, hikers who filed a trip plan were located an average of 9.7 hours faster than those who did not. The following steps are recommended by the American Hiking Society and National Park Service: Research trail conditions and recent closures. Tell at least two people your exact route and expected return time. Carry the Ten Essentials (navigation, headlamp, sun protection, first aid, knife, fire, shelter, extra food, extra water, extra clothes). Download offline maps of the area. Set up an automatic check-in with ImAlive or a similar service. Charge your phone fully and bring a portable battery. Know the nearest trailhead with cell service.

Sources

National Park Service Incident Reports
International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR)
National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR)
American Hiking Society
WHO Outdoor Recreation Safety Report (2025)
Note: Some figures are estimates based on aggregated data from multiple reporting agencies. Individual trail statistics may vary by year.

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Hiking Fatality Statistics Safest Cities for Solo Travel Essential Safety Habits Digital Nomad Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most dangerous hiking trail in the world?

Based on composite danger scores that account for incident volume, fatality rate, and technical difficulty, Mount Hua Plank Walk in Shaanxi, China ranks as the most dangerous. However, trails like The Maze in Utah and Drakensberg Traverse in South Africa have higher fatality rates per visitor due to their remote, unregulated nature.

How many people die hiking each year?

Approximately 1,000 to 1,200 hiking-related fatalities occur globally each year, based on aggregated data from national park services and mountain rescue organizations. The actual number may be higher, as many countries lack centralized reporting.

Is solo hiking more dangerous than group hiking?

Statistically, yes. Solo hikers represent about 25% of trail traffic but account for 38% of hiking incidents. The primary risk factors are delayed rescue response and the absence of immediate first aid from companions.

How can I stay safe while hiking alone?

File a detailed trip plan, carry a satellite communicator, set up automatic check-ins with a service like ImAlive, stay on marked trails, and check weather forecasts. The single most impactful action is ensuring someone will notice quickly if you do not return.