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The Most Challenging Hiking Trails in the U.S.
Calling all the extreme adventurers out there, are you up for the hiking challenge? If you think you’ve traversed a couple of regular hiking trails and want your adrenaline pumping for even more, then you’ve come to the right place.
Remember that these challenging trails are catered for the hardcore hikers. But, if you dare to navigate the most challenging hiking trails in the U.S., then get ready for an adventure of a lifetime.
Muir Snowfield Trail, Mount Rainier, Washington
Hiking trails can be so tough especially when extreme weather conditions are present. Take for example the Muir Snowfield Trail in Mount Rainier, by the name itself. At first, you’ll be greeted with flora and mild meadows, but don’t be fooled, you know how slippery and awfully frosty it can be similar to arctic. Experience in alpine climbing and wearing the Best Trekking Shoes are a must if you want to traverse this trail and reach the top. Another thing, Mount Rainier is considered an active volcano, so watch out.
The Maze, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Have you watched the movie 127 Hours? If you have, you may be familiar with The Maze at Canyonlands with its 14-mile expansive views and colorful sandstone. You’re also well aware of what happened to Aron Ralston on his solo venture to the canyons, falling in an accident, leaving him stranded and needing to cut his arm off to survive and escape. This is not to tell you not to go there but to caution you of the dangers of tackling the Redrock labyrinths, toasty temperature, lack of water source, dead-end canyons, and high cliffs by yourself, without anyone while on your journey, any knowledge of the area, a map and GPS Device, Stainless Steel Water Bottles, and other gears you need.
Slickrock Creek Trail, Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness, North Carolina
Surrounded by forests, streams, and remarkable wildlife and bears, the 3-mile Slickrock Creek Trail of 13.2-mile Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness is definitely a luscious landscape, but a challenging one, too. Along the trail, you’ll be greeted with high waters, notorious stepping-stones, slick moss-covered rocks, root matrix, fallen trees, with an ascend of almost 5,000 feet.
South Kaibab Trail/Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon, Arizona
One of the biggest challenges while traversing the 17-mile South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails of Grand Canyon, though it offers magnificent canyon wall views, is a steep bottom hike through a huge hole and dehydration. According to reports, yearly there are more than 250 hikers who experience exhaustion and dehydration from boiling temperatures of 50 degrees Celsius or above. In short, there’s almost no water to be found so make sure to carry a Hydration Pack so you can store a huge amount of liquid.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
From Paintbrush Canyon to Cascade Canyon Loop, this 18-mile backcountry hike on the Grand Teton National Park will stun anyone with its enormous views and magnificent peaks. The colorful rock walls, splendid canyons, and striking wildlife are a refreshing sight, but first, you have to go through some of the most challenging hikes of your life. There are twists and turns on the loops with a vertical route of 4,000 feet, and thinning air as you go along, surrounded by unexpected wilderness. You can complete the trail in about 2 days.
Devil’s Path, Catskills, New York
The name Devil’s Path is just fitting for a hell of a trail across Catskills in Upstate New York. Considered as one of the most challenging hiking trails that can’t be completed in a single day, you will be met with 24.2 miles of thick vegetation and vertical slippery rocks. The prize for your difficult journey will be uncovering the unspoiled woodlands, mesmerizing waterfalls, and the panoramic view of the whole state. To gain some control and be as comfortable as your feet can be, you should wear a pair of Top Hiking Socks.
Kalalau Trail, Kalalau Valley, Hawaii
A breathtaking sight of stunning beaches, waterfalls, mountains, and valleys greets you if you navigate one of the popular, most challenging hikes in Hawaii, the Kalalau Trail. The slippery slopes, crumbling trail, dangerous cliffs, and the views of turquoise waters smashing the rugged boulders, and the surrounding nature are what makes this 11-mile journey from the Pacific shores to the Kalalau Valley difficult and exciting.
Longs Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular hiking destination for many with its magnificent landscape and snow-capped mountains. But, have you navigated the 7.5-mile Longs Peak with its 5,000-feet elevation gain, continuous narrow ledges, steep vertical rugged rock drops, and loose rocks? At pre-dawn, make sure to equip yourself with the Best Headlamp as you embark on Keyhole Route.