Back in 2014, Outside Magazine listed the 20 most dangerous hikes in the world, and one trail in Arizona made the list. It may come as a surprise that the AZ trail that made the list isn’t a real technical feat to accomplish. There are no rickety ladders to climb, ropes to hold as you scale a big boulder or anything of the sort. The dangers on this trail are of another kind; take a look, and then think carefully about whether you have what it takes to finish one of the most dangerous hikes in the world.
The Bright Angel Trail originates near Grand Canyon Village.
Side Glance/AllTrails
From the rim of the canyon, visitors can see the swarms of Grand Canyon tourists making their way down into the canyon along this popular trail.
Jared/Flickr And even though signs are posted everywhere about the dangers of this hike, many people simply overestimate their own abilities, while underestimating the higher temps found within the canyon, and the steady uphill climb on the return trek. This trail is one of the few that have water available on the trail, as well as restroom facilities.
The hike itself is absolutely breathtaking, and many tourists and natives find themselves becoming so awestruck by the sights that they simply don’t heed the dangers until it’s too late.
J.Karl Sanchez/AllTrails
One source cites this trail alone has an average of 200 rescues that are initiated each year.
J.Karl Sanchez/AllTrails Bright Angel Trail has four major places to rest before reaching the bottom of the canyon; some have water and restroom facilities. Along the way, though, is a miles-long winding trail with several switchbacks that keep dropping hikers further and further into the canyon.
Since the first part of the hike is all down hill, it’s easy to lose sight of how quickly you’re dropping and how difficult it will be to get back UP that trail.
Robert Williams/AllTrails
Additionally, since the trail is very crowded, there are dangerous spots where a wrong move by you (or a hiker passing by) could spell disaster.
Grand Canyon National Park Service/Flickr
Another unforeseen issue: trying to find a safe way to pass the mules on the trail!
Wasif Malik/Flickr
But, if you have what it takes to conquer this trail, then you’ll have completed a journey you’ll never, ever forget.
Paula Mraz/AllTrails Just remember the temps down in the canyon are generally 20 degrees warmer than up on the rim. Start early in the day and bring lots of water (and salty snacks to help retain some of that fluid). Always hike with a buddy, and good luck.
That first rest house is just ahead at the 1.5 mile mark!
J.Karl Sanchez/AllTrails
The trailhead for the Bright Angel Trail is located in the Grand Canyon Village just off Village Loop Drive. Have you conquered this or any of the other “most dangerous” hikes in the world? The list above has seven that are in the continental U.S. alone! We’d love to hear all about your hike – and see your photos!
Side Glance/AllTrails
Jared/Flickr
And even though signs are posted everywhere about the dangers of this hike, many people simply overestimate their own abilities, while underestimating the higher temps found within the canyon, and the steady uphill climb on the return trek. This trail is one of the few that have water available on the trail, as well as restroom facilities.
J.Karl Sanchez/AllTrails
Bright Angel Trail has four major places to rest before reaching the bottom of the canyon; some have water and restroom facilities. Along the way, though, is a miles-long winding trail with several switchbacks that keep dropping hikers further and further into the canyon.
Robert Williams/AllTrails
Grand Canyon National Park Service/Flickr
Wasif Malik/Flickr
Paula Mraz/AllTrails
Just remember the temps down in the canyon are generally 20 degrees warmer than up on the rim. Start early in the day and bring lots of water (and salty snacks to help retain some of that fluid). Always hike with a buddy, and good luck.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Bright Angel Trailhead, 15 Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Most Dangerous Hikes in Arizona December 18, 2021 Tori Jane What are some of the most dangerous hikes in Arizona? Arizona is a state that’s beyond beautiful; it frequently tops “best of/most beautiful” lists you’ll find all over the internet, and it’s really no secret. Unfortunately, many people set out to Arizona every year hoping to make a legendary hike happen, not aware that it’s one of the most dangerous you can do in the entire state (if not the entire southwest). Some of the most dangerous hikes in Arizona include the hike to the summit of Brown’s Peak, at Four Peaks, which comes in at an impressive 7,657 feet in elevation and can wipe out even the most experienced of hikers. Many folks have also died trying to traverse the Superstition Mountains, many of whom thought they might find the fabled Lost Dutchman’s treasure trove (which probably doesn’t even exist). Quite honestly, almost any trail in the state can be dangerous if one fails to plan for weather and/or water needs (and it gets remarkably hot here in the summer, too, which kills many hikers every single year). Of course, it’s thought that the single most dangerous hike in Arizona is that of Bright Angel Trail. Interested in a little more dangerous Arizona? Check out this list of some of the most dangerous towns in the Copper State! Where is Bright Angel Trail in Arizona? Bright Angel Trail is a stunningly beautiful and super-popular hike in the Grand Canyon that millions of people attempt every year. It’s a challenge, coming in at more than 15 miles in length, and although countless people attempt to conquer each year, very few actually do. Dehydration is a very common ailment suffered by inexperienced hikers, or folks who have been lured to the trail with promises of its wild beauty without understanding the extent of the challenge ahead of them. Sure, it may be located in northern Arizona, but summertime temperatures can still be quite hot (and winter temperatures often dip below freezing), resulting in temperatures many fail to plan for.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Most Dangerous Hikes in Arizona
December 18, 2021
Tori Jane
What are some of the most dangerous hikes in Arizona? Arizona is a state that’s beyond beautiful; it frequently tops “best of/most beautiful” lists you’ll find all over the internet, and it’s really no secret. Unfortunately, many people set out to Arizona every year hoping to make a legendary hike happen, not aware that it’s one of the most dangerous you can do in the entire state (if not the entire southwest). Some of the most dangerous hikes in Arizona include the hike to the summit of Brown’s Peak, at Four Peaks, which comes in at an impressive 7,657 feet in elevation and can wipe out even the most experienced of hikers. Many folks have also died trying to traverse the Superstition Mountains, many of whom thought they might find the fabled Lost Dutchman’s treasure trove (which probably doesn’t even exist). Quite honestly, almost any trail in the state can be dangerous if one fails to plan for weather and/or water needs (and it gets remarkably hot here in the summer, too, which kills many hikers every single year). Of course, it’s thought that the single most dangerous hike in Arizona is that of Bright Angel Trail. Interested in a little more dangerous Arizona? Check out this list of some of the most dangerous towns in the Copper State! Where is Bright Angel Trail in Arizona? Bright Angel Trail is a stunningly beautiful and super-popular hike in the Grand Canyon that millions of people attempt every year. It’s a challenge, coming in at more than 15 miles in length, and although countless people attempt to conquer each year, very few actually do. Dehydration is a very common ailment suffered by inexperienced hikers, or folks who have been lured to the trail with promises of its wild beauty without understanding the extent of the challenge ahead of them. Sure, it may be located in northern Arizona, but summertime temperatures can still be quite hot (and winter temperatures often dip below freezing), resulting in temperatures many fail to plan for.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Arizona is a state that’s beyond beautiful; it frequently tops “best of/most beautiful” lists you’ll find all over the internet, and it’s really no secret. Unfortunately, many people set out to Arizona every year hoping to make a legendary hike happen, not aware that it’s one of the most dangerous you can do in the entire state (if not the entire southwest). Some of the most dangerous hikes in Arizona include the hike to the summit of Brown’s Peak, at Four Peaks, which comes in at an impressive 7,657 feet in elevation and can wipe out even the most experienced of hikers. Many folks have also died trying to traverse the Superstition Mountains, many of whom thought they might find the fabled Lost Dutchman’s treasure trove (which probably doesn’t even exist). Quite honestly, almost any trail in the state can be dangerous if one fails to plan for weather and/or water needs (and it gets remarkably hot here in the summer, too, which kills many hikers every single year). Of course, it’s thought that the single most dangerous hike in Arizona is that of Bright Angel Trail. Interested in a little more dangerous Arizona? Check out this list of some of the most dangerous towns in the Copper State!
Where is Bright Angel Trail in Arizona?
Bright Angel Trail is a stunningly beautiful and super-popular hike in the Grand Canyon that millions of people attempt every year. It’s a challenge, coming in at more than 15 miles in length, and although countless people attempt to conquer each year, very few actually do. Dehydration is a very common ailment suffered by inexperienced hikers, or folks who have been lured to the trail with promises of its wild beauty without understanding the extent of the challenge ahead of them. Sure, it may be located in northern Arizona, but summertime temperatures can still be quite hot (and winter temperatures often dip below freezing), resulting in temperatures many fail to plan for.
