Ready to test your hiking skills? These trails are not for the faint of heart. Each one offers a unique set of challenges, demanding physical endurance, mental toughness, and a solid set of hiking skills.
If you’re up for an adventure, here are 15 of the most challenging hikes in the US.
1. Angel’s Landing, Zion National Park, Utah
This 5.4-mile round trip hike features a final half-mile with steep drop-offs and narrow paths supported by chains.
Since 2000, at least 13 people have died on this trail, making it one of the most dangerous hikes in the U.S.
The steep drops and narrow ledges require a head for heights and a steady hand.
2. Capitol Peak via the Knife Edge, Colorado
A 17-mile round trip hike that includes a 150-foot jagged rock edge with sheer vertical drops on both sides.
The Knife Edge section is notorious for its exposure and has claimed several lives. This hike requires technical climbing skills and nerves of steel.
3. The Maze, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Get lost in the labyrinthine beauty of The Maze, where even GPS signals get confused. This remote area is as unforgiving as it is beautiful, with no marked trails and scarce water sources.
It’s a 30-square-mile puzzle of canyons that only the most prepared should tackle. Remember, there’s a reason they call it The Maze—one wrong turn, and you might never find your way out.
4. Presidential Traverse, New Hampshire
Ever wanted to hike through some of the worst weather on the planet? The Presidential Traverse lets you do just that! This 20.4-mile trek through New Hampshire’s highest peaks isn’t just a challenge; it’s a battle against the elements.
With Mount Washington’s record 231 mph winds, you’ll need to brace yourself for a wild ride.
5. Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii
An 11-mile (22 miles round trip) trail along the Nāpali Coast, featuring narrow paths and steep drop-offs. The trail provides the only land access to this part of the rugged coast and requires permits for camping.
The stunning views come with the price of treacherous terrain.
6. Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim, Arizona
A 44-mile round trip hike from the South Rim to the North Rim and back, involving significant elevation changes. This hike can take 12-15 hours to complete in one day, with temperatures that can vary drastically from rim to river.
The grueling distance and elevation changes make this a true endurance test.
7. The Enchantments, Washington
Enter the land of fairy-tale landscapes and leg-burning climbs! The Enchantments’ 18-mile hike through alpine lakes and jagged peaks includes the notorious Aasgard Pass.
With a 2,200-foot climb in under a mile, this hike is as magical as it is merciless. It’s a workout with a view, and the view is spectacular.
8. Telescope Peak from Shorty’s Well, Death Valley, California
Go from the lowest point in North America to one of the highest peaks in the Panamints—all in one hike!
The 11,000-foot elevation gain is a doozy, and with temperatures that can swing wildly, this hike is a true test of grit. It’s the perfect challenge for those who like their adventures extreme and their bragging rights earned.
9. Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California
If scaling a giant granite dome sounds like your idea of fun, Half Dome is calling. This 14- to 16-mile hike features a final ascent up the famous cables, where one slip can mean a serious fall.
Permits and a strong grip are mandatory. It’s a thrilling challenge that rewards climbers with panoramic views and a well-earned sense of accomplishment.
10. Devils Path, Catskills, New York
This 24.2-mile trail is as devilish as it sounds, with steep ascents and descents that will test your resolve. Known for its rugged terrain and relentless elevation changes, Devils Path isn’t just a hike; it’s a battle.
If you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most stunning vistas in the Catskills.
11. Great Range Traverse, Adirondacks, New York
A 19.5-mile hike that traverses several high peaks in the Adirondacks, known for its steep climbs and technical sections. The hike includes summiting peaks like Mount Marcy, the highest point in New York State. The technical terrain and long distance make this a demanding hike.
12. Cactus to Clouds, Mount San Jacinto, California
Starting from the desert floor and climbing over 10,000 feet to the summit, Cactus to Clouds is a brutal 21.2-mile hike. It’s considered one of the toughest day hikes in the U.S., with an extreme elevation gain that will challenge even the most seasoned hikers. Bring plenty of water and a strong will—you’ll need both.
13. Paintbrush Canyon/Cascade Canyon Loop, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
For those who love a good loop, the 19.2-mile Paintbrush Canyon/Cascade Canyon Loop offers stunning alpine scenery and challenging elevation changes. Climbing over Paintbrush Divide at 10,700 feet, this hike is not only beautiful but also demanding. It’s a trek that rewards with views and challenges with every step.
14. Mount Whitney, California
As the highest peak in the contiguous U.S., Mount Whitney’s 22-mile round trip is a must-do for any serious hiker. At 14,505 feet, the altitude alone can be a challenge, not to mention the grueling distance. Permits are a must, as is preparation for altitude sickness. But the views from the top? Simply unforgettable.
15. Pemi Loop, White Mountains, New Hampshire
This 31.5-mile loop takes you through eight 4,000-foot peaks, offering rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas. Often tackled as a multi-day adventure, the Pemi Loop is a serious challenge for anyone attempting it in a single day.
It’s a true endurance test, blending beautiful landscapes with a physically demanding trek.
These hikes are known for their physical and mental challenges, requiring preparation, experience, and determination to complete. Each offers unique rewards, from stunning landscapes to personal achievements, making them bucket-list adventures for avid hikers.
Feeling inspired? Share this list with your adventurous friends and see who’s ready to take on these epic trails!