The Most Dangerous Hiking Trails In America
Вставка
- Опубліковано 27 сер 2020
- Dangerous Hiking Trails are one of many things the United States of America has to offer. While some of you may be beginners to hiking, and others very experienced with backpacking, in any case you'll this video very interesting. We'll talk about the most extreme hikes in the USA.
Many things can make these hiking trails dangerous and extreme: hot summer weather, ferocious animals, unsafe ledges, just to name a few. And one thing is for certain: if you're gonna be camping or going on an adventure soon, this video will help you think of some essentials to take on the trip.
#EveryState #Hiking - Розваги
I feel like a lot of the reasons why some of these trails are labelled as dangerous is due to unpreparedness, inappropriate gear, and overestimation of fitness.
Especially with Mt. Washington, I'd bet 165 of those fatalities are massholes.
and if your not a musk 🐂 or an Eskimo you shouldn't be doing 95% of any of this.
@@markymark5264 There are teenagers I know who HAVE done this, I am one of them lol. But yes, many people are not built to do this kind of hiking.
I definitely have not climbed Denali, but just last year I did an almost 40 mile hike at altitudes from 6000 to 12,441 feet with consistent afternoon thunderstorms (it was monsoon season in New Mexico at the time), while being in a crew consisting of 7 other teenagers and just 4 adults (the adults were ONLY there to make any S&R calls if absolutely necessary, and make sure we flew out and back safely).
I will say that we are all boy scouts (we did this hike at Philmont Scout Ranch, look it up, pretty nice views), so we have a good idea on how to navigate and deal with problems, but we are all teenagers, and it troubles me that teenagers can handle problems up in the mountains better than some adults.
Which is why it’s labeled dangerous 🤦🏻♂️
Agree. It's not the condition of the trail, it's the condition and preparedness of the hiker. Most people are urbanites who have little experience in rural or wilderness areas. Some view wilderness areas like a city park. Once you are a few minutes down any trail you are in the backcountry. Every step you take away from the trail head is a step away civilization and emergency services. A group I hiked with once helped rescue a woman who was hiking alone who fell off a cliff, only a few hundred yards from a road and nearby houses. She was barely conscience when we discovered her. She would have died from her injuries if we had not found her.
It's kind of a stretch to call climbing Mt. Rainier and especially Denali, "hiking trails". 😂
In the same way Everest "just a big hill"
Rainier is one of the easier 14k mountains to summit, from what I've heard. Denali not so much.
Haha I thought the same thing, just a casual mention of Denali at #3… hike, or weeklong mountaineering expedition
@@richm368 one of the easier 14ers? DEFINITELY NOT. Not even close. Unlike most of the Colorado 14ers, Rainier's peak is 40 miles from ocean. Almost all of that 14k is base-to-height vertical gain. It also covers 100 sq mi, 35 of which are glaciers. Summiting Rainier is a two-day hike because of the steep rocks and glaciers. Not to mention, the insane scope of Rainier creates it's own weather system: it gets more snowfall than any place in America and storms can appear out of nowhere.
@@richm368 I just looked it up: the two easiest summit routes on Rainier each gain almost 10,000 ft. The average Colorado 14er route gains about 3000. I've spent extensive time in the Cascades and in the Rockies. Looking at the Rainier's summit from Paradise is like looking at Mt. Elbert from Buena Vista. The scope of Rainier is unimaginable until to witness it
Most of these are only dangerous because they are easily accessible to thousands of unprepared, inexperienced, out of shape people who don't understand what they are getting into. You could throw a dart blindfolded at a map of southern Utah and probably hit a dangerous canyon/hike, just for example. The only reason you don't see a ton of accidents down there is they are super remote and most people can't access them, which is a good thing. The ones that take the trouble to get to them typically know what they are doing. Denali summit should not be on here either. That's not a hiking trail by any stretch of the imagination.
Couldn't agree more. The Bright Angel Trail is the safest R-R trail in Grand Canyon by far. And the Barr Trail to Pikes Peak is one of the safest 14er hikes in Colorado; after all at the top there is a restaurant and gift shop, and at Barr Camp you can sleep indoors and be served dinner half way up, neither of which are mentioned. People basecamp the Maze in a 4x4 with plenty of water and then day hike from their base. The hikes themselves are not dangerous. Mt Washington is only dangerous if you head out in bad conditions. Denali is an expedition not a hike. This video smacks of something created from a data source where the creator has never hiked any of these. Clickbait for hikers. I fell for it, sorry to say.
This video really should be called "The Most Dangerous Tourist Attraction Trails in America." Basing a hike's "danger factor" on the number of people who have had mishaps there, WITHOUT factoring in the sheer number of people who go there, is just statistically dishonest.
This comment 👌
Agree with you completely. I live near Mt. Hood in Oregon and people get in trouble on the mountain a lot. A rescue helicopter even crashed a few years ago trying to rescue climbers on the mountain. Should not be attempted unless you are seasoned and prepared with an experienced guide going out in good weather letting the Rangers know which route you plan on taking and an emergency beacon. Come prepared or prepare to fail. I thought they would have some of the hiking trails in Glacier or people falling off the Grand Canyon from slips.
Eloquent response, I live in Colorado and I can't count how many times I've had to warn inexperienced people. These environments are Russian roulette machines, if you play the game your always taking a risk, if you do please take precautions... many of us do prepare and each careless tragedy is not only sad but takes privilege from experienced backpackers/campers that live locally.
Very surprised Angel’s Landing isn’t on the list. That last portion to the summit is a bit terrifying.
A crazier stat is that, depending on what list you look at, Emerald Pools can have a higher death rate in Zion.
May be if there is fear of heights and you walk off the trail. Otherwise it’s not really dangerous.
@@pk3 I dunno man, I did Angel’s Landing the other day and it was kinda sketch in several spots. The trail itself would have only been a little iffy in a few places if it weren’t for the obscene crowds, but with all those people leapfrogging over each other on the chains, I wouldn’t call it “safe.”
Angels landing is like almost entirely paved. And the last half mile or so, you're literally accompanied by a giant railing and chains completely cemented in the ground lol. It's about as chill as hiking gets. If you're afraid of heights it might feel sketchy but it's very normal to be doing hiking 10x sketchier as a rock climber.
The chains were the scariest hike I’ve ever done.
Half Dome hike in Yosemite can also expose you to severe lightning storms during the summer. I made it to the base but ran out of daylight in late fall, so I trudged back to the valley. On the switchbacks down (very few people on trail) I heard a noise, and sure enough two young bears were coming up the slope. They saw me, and we watched either for a couple minutes, I hiked on to a switchback corner and watched as they made it up the slope to the trail above me. That was about 40 years ago. I still remember that hike.
The state where I’ve seen the most bears is CA.
Half dome hike is the most scared i've ever been on any trail. You are completely exposed to "everything", including every jackazz hiker freaking out... ironically also the only place i've encountered a larger black bear running away from other hikers and directly at me. Hid behind a tree and waited...
Repent to Jesus Christ
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
Isaiah 53:5 NIV
U
And it remembers you.
you must of passed their vibe check.
I can attest to Mt Washington having loss three friends over the years on it. I've climbed it some 96 times including times on search and rescue. You always need to be prepared whenever you are hiking no matter the size or distance of your outing!
I just climbed it myself yesterday. It was crazy seeing people with just shorts and a waterbottle.
@@tinybabygirlmommytt that's me baby. I do it with less and less each time.
96 shit i climbed it 98 in a bikini
You forgot to mention that Mt Rainier is one of the most glaciated mountains in the country which means it’s common to come across massive crevasses. Falling inside one of them is almost always a death sentence.
I didn't know that but based on one of his pictures thought that might be the case.
It's been a few years since I lead climbs on Rainier, but in my 18 years of going up and down the Muir Snowfield you have to trust your instincts on why there's a dip in the snow ahead of you. I've come across many ankle, leg and body biter's on the snowfield. It always amazed me how unprepared some people were going up to Camp Muir for the day. No extra water, no extra food, t-shirt, shorts and tennis shoes. Don't worry kiddo, someone will discover your body about 100 years as you melt out.
Last sentence is not even remotely true
@@parhelions its completely true for a big crevass
Falling inside of one unroped, yes. If in a roped party, not so much.
As someone who’s hiked a lot of trails in the Smokies, Abrams Falls is a joke compared to most of them. Yes, it has technically seen the most deaths, but that’s literally just from people swimming at the falls. Some of the remote trails following creeks on the NC side of the park make Abrams Falls look like a walk in the park (pun intended).
It's a nice easy hike. It's obvious whomever put this list together has never been on these trails.
Agree AF is only 'dangerous' because so many tourists go there and do stupid things. I do this one with out of town visitors or as a break from Spence/Gregory/Leconte.
Yes, that was my reaction too. Even wading below a waterfall like that is dangerous. But, casual hikers might not understand this. Mr. Johnson, what are a few of your recommended 'terrifying trails' in NC?
@@clarkthornton1952 I don’t know if I’d really call much in NC ‘terrifying.’ A few hikes I’ve not personally been on that might fit that description would be things like Slickrock Creek or the route to the base of Wind Falls. As far as what I’ve been on, Eagle Creek is very remote and can be gnarly depending on water levels, and the Black Mountain Crest is certainly a rugged adventure.
Having lived not far from Cades Cove for many years, I've hiked Abrams Falls many times, and never thought of it as dangerous. The water? Really??? No clue dude.
I remember doing Washington, in the middle of the winter. It was my first time on Washington but not the Whites, we previously failed the presidential traverse in October but I wanted to get Washington so I mustered my ounce of mountaineering experience and a friend who was dumb enough to try it. We starting driving to Pickhams notch the day before, 13 hours away. We drove through the night, Swaping roles driving and napping. We pulled into Pickhams notch to tackle the Tuckerman ravine trail and it was eerily quiet. Without a full nights sleep, we made haste and starting the slow hike through the snow, deep enough to bury a knee when stumbling off trail. The way to hermit lake shelter proved difficult as it put us around numerous ski trails I was not familiar with. Just starting off we were lost, but we found our way and made it to the shelter. It was empty, nobody there nor any signs of activity within the last few days. We read the signs and starting our way to Tuckermans ravine. The bowl was far out of sight beyond the thick white clouds. Our second mistake was coming off trail at the frozen water falls. We traversed through 45 degree banks of snow, kicking steps to toward the alpine garden. Once we found ourselves on trail, we checked compasses and maps while being beat with 60-80 mph wind. After confirming that we were headed south/south east onto the ridge, we stopped again for a snack. Yelling through the wind, we exchanged Oreos and I cradled them in my undexterous gloves. After having the only calories available for the next few hours, we went into alpine mode, head down, step by step, from cairn to cairn. I felt heavy, weak, but still calm and determined. The road begin to appear ahead of us and then the buildings started poking through the white out. We slowly, after falling multiple times, got to the top of the stack of rocks that marked the peak. "Is this the sign?" John, my partner, yelling through 100 mph gusts now. I took my axe, struck the rime ice covering it a few times, and like magic it sheered off uniformly. We made it. Exchanging pictures and selfies, we made quick work of documenting our success, but we still needed to get down. We elected to take the sure path of the road, winding down to the glen. The road faced right into the wind, and I began seeing only a haze of rose as my Oakleys froze over. Rime ice was collecting on my goggles now. "JOHN!" I yelled, panicked as his black blob of a figure moved too deep into the white for me to see him. Trained in patrolling, his habitual checks saved me. He looked out at his sector, cover, buddy, 'buddy?' He realized I wasn't behind him and made his way back up. Scrapping the rime ice off before I realized what was happening, he grabbed me and walked me down into cover. We made our way off the mountain slowly, ducking under the wind now, we were thawing out. Our down insulation did nothing to keep us warm now, wet with melted snow. Only our movements kept us alive.
I never enjoyed the summit of mount Washington. I find the scenery so bleak. I think Jefferson or some of the other presidentials are much more worth it. Never claimed the other side though. I would never climb any of them in the winter, so hats off to you!
Jesus I didn’t think you made it out man 🤔 lol
Yeah, people really keep an eye on the weather (which is why there was nobody around. Just curious if you called any of the AMC centers before your hike?)
There were two men from the Boston Athletics Club who (in 1900) hiked up Mt. Washington for a meeting, and froze to death above treeline. The meeting took place on June 30th.
This is a killer mountain.
I used to teach land-nav in the Army. Mt Washington was always my personal training area. I've summited it about ten times. Once we foraged candy bars in the weather station, which was empty, and left a $20 bill on the counter.
What an amazing spot. Bring some type of water purifier and wear multiple layers of thin clothing, regardless of the season.
Do not underestimate this mountain. If you happen to climb it during good weather, consider it one of the opportunities of a lifetime. If you don't understand the weather, get below treeline and find a lean-to and ride it out. If you are above tree-line and things get snotty, either find the road or the cog-rail line and follow it down. Both lead to relative safety, although the road is a better choice.
Born and raised in NH ... always in awe of Washington. We have hiked the presidential range end to end and it's windy and rainy and is miserable in mosquito season. There is a McDonald's in Conway, which is your reward for a successful finish. The hut people don't necessarily welcome random hikers.
I've hiked this, but in the summer the mountain hut by the lake is a nice spot for taking a break. If you talk to the AMC people they may be able to schedule you for an overnight. I understand it's in high demand. If it's not daylight don't hike Tuckermans Ravine. It's to easy to find yourself in adjacent raven that has a higher alert level for avalanches. It sounded like you took the Crawford's Notch to Pinkham Notch, but it's been years now since I did that.
Me, who likes the outdoors and doesn't need any more bad ideas: *clicking on this video as fast as possible*
Lol, I’m like are they near me!!?
Did rim to rim last month. For those that don’t know, it’s bright angel trail, but you go from one rim all the way to the other. 24 miles in around 10 hours, temps reached 106 degrees, and almost two miles of elevation drop and gain. It was absolutely brutal. My brother got wicked heat stroke, and we all could barely walk the next day. One hell of an experience I don’t recommend lol
I live near Mt Washington and hiked it probably about 2 dozen times.. out of those times..i've been in 60 mph winds with about 20 ft visiblilty and some of my fellow hikers kept getting knocked off there feet.. also doing the huntigton ravine one time was a gorgeous day until we got out of the ravine..beginning of august and we had light clothes plus forcasted to be a nice day.. on top of ravine to the summit clouds closed in and it was down in the upper 30's..can't remember what the wind chill was but when we reached the summit we were so cold we couldn't even open a bag of chips in the cafeteria that's at the top... we got lucky that time.. We've mostly had great experiances but those two definitly stand out as not so good.. ..great video ..
The wind is what really scares me on Mt. Wash. There is just no escaping it.
I grew up hiking Mt Washington NH in all seasons. I’d say the many of the people who got in trouble on the mountain were not prepared for any changing conditions.
Did you get to ski Tuckermans Ravine? Now there’s a rush!
Shampoo much?
I do tukermans every year I just did hunting ravine this summer as a split second dision 😏
I love Mt. Wash. I grew in in Whitefield so I have done it many times. I try not to go near it if there's any chance of bad weather. It's just not worth getting up there when you can't see anything. I want to get up there in the Winter so I can see it with out Cog or Auto Road tourists.
Winter is fun did lions head twice 🏔
Back around 2000, my platoon at Ft Carson decided (well, the Captain did) that we would all go hike Pikes Peak. First real hike I'd ever been on. Took a lot out of me, but gave me a love of hiking in return.
Great list! Be sure to check out Angels Landing and the Yosemite Falls trails too. They are dangerous as well.
The "White Mountains" are not nicknamed that for the snow (which is not covered year round); but rather, the high content of mica in the exposed granite across the summits, slides, and various exposed slabs across the range (and region in general) that glisten in the sun.
Like seriously the only one I'm familiar with on this list and have hiked multiple times. if the video has that much crap information about Washington makes me really question the rest of the list!
Yea I don't understand how you can go to make a video and just decide to make shit up. Either that or very poor research.
Lol I was literally there the other day. No snow.
in fact it is called White Mountain (no S)
@@AdamZadra no
I’m surprised the Angel’s Landing hike in Zion NP didn’t make the list
I think the vlogger forgot this one.
Or the virgin river canyon
I have hiked and backpacked many tough trails over the years, the only hike that made me question my sanity was Angel's Landing
My thoughts exactly! It's far more dangerous, IMO, than the trails in the Maze district of Canyonlands (although that is the most remote place in the continental US, apparently). It's gotten far more dangerous in past years due to the huge crowds of inexperienced hikers going up there.
I did Angel's Landing to the top back in 2006, and even with the chains, it's not for anyone with a fear of heights or exposure.
@@stevefoster5169 Did Angels Landing twice this year. Once in May and again with my son In August. Nothing compares to it.
Not at all surprised to see Mt. Washington at the top of the list. Huge number of unprepared hikers. However, even experienced well equipped hikers can get into trouble. I once helped an experience hiker who slipped and fell into a stream. All his gear was soaked and then temps dropped. It was bad.
Rate? You see
I was wondering if Mt. Wash would make the list. I was expecting them to choose a trail not the actual mountain itself.
I helped to carry out an orthopedic surgeon who fell while skiing Tuckerman's Ravine. He had a very bad compound fracture that was sticking out his ski pants. It was not pretty. I hike and ski there often and I have seen some seriously unprepared people over the last 45 years. I backpack the Whites about every other weekend, and I have tried to steer people away who look underdressed or unfit, but they never take any advice. Many people try to hike way further than their unfit bodies will take them. Hell, what would some old man know? People need to learn the hard way.
I'm surprised Central Park New York didn't make the list.
it is about hikes in United States. LOL
It's about Hiking trails, not parks lol
@@thatonedog819 it’s a joke as a reference to fact many people, specifically women, are often kidnapped or assaulted late at night jogging or walking through Central Park
@@frankywilliam8073 assaulted yes but kidnapped in Central Park please. And as far as assaults go that can happen and does happen in any park across the United States. FACTS
@@RichWeigel yeah I agree was just clarifying for the dude
Angel's Landing not being on this list invalidates the entire list.
Seems to be based off of the amount of people that make mistakes, so places with lots of people will inevitably be in this list for example there’s a mountain called capitol peak, and it is without a doubt one of the most if not the most dangerous hikes in the us. And it’s not in here due to very few people going up it
@@chrisrenemans5026 capital peak isn’t even the worst in Colorado. That is little bear.
@@bodyodorop3039 capitol
Done Mt. Washington 3 times. 2of those on complete thru hikes of the Appalachian Trail. Just stay smart and have a good support system. Know your limitations and respect them. Happy Trails
Good video. I hiked the Bright Angel Trail in its entirety, and while you are correct about the heat being the most difficult thing about the trail (it was 120 deg towards the bottom when I hiked it), it is otherwise the easiest, most traveled trail by which to hike to the bottom of the canyon, the Kaibobs being steeper and without available water.
In Grand Canyon National Park there are warning signs all over that tell you that trying to hike down to the river and back up in one day is not a good idea. Years ago I hiked it with a group from rim to rim via the North Kiabab trail and the Bright Angel trail. We spent three days doing it (the max they allow) and I still felt like I was going to die down there.
@@MrMywildside I hiked S. Kaibab down and Bright Angel up in a day (12 hrs.). It was hot, but if you bring plenty of food and water, it's fine. You have to know your limits and not push it.
What time of the year was that?
The Maze in the Canyon lands doesn’t seem dangerous until you are about half way through it. It’s hot. Really hot. There’s no water. They airlift water tanks at certain spots, but they are easy to miss. And there is no guarantee that they will be there. And it is so remote, the quiet is actually deafening. But, it is also breathtaking.
The canyonlands is an incredibly beautiful place I am so grateful I got to visit there.
It does get hot there ! that's why I keep track of my water.
Most amazing place Ive seen in my life.
I was very surprised that the Kalalau Trail along Kauai's Na Pali coast was omitted. I wouldn't attempt any of these trails, but I'd do any one of them before I hiked Na Pali. There are places along that trail that hug the cliff so narrowly and so closely that it's almost like walking a tightrope.
In July 2021 I drove up Mt. Washington and in the visitor's center they had a sign listing all the recorded deaths in the area. I seem to remember there were deaths almost every year since the listing started. The vast majority of the deaths were from exposure including in the summer. There are signs on the hiking trails saying it has America's worst weather.
I summited Mt. Ranier in 1995 with as part of a 7-day course in alpine mountaineering at the climbing school there (I highly recommend them). We had a lot of fun and no problems, but later on I climbed with a guy who survived the avalanche that killed a bunch of climbers on exactly the same route.
I've been up Mount Washington solo in July. Maybe soloing wasn't the best idea, but as far as conditions go, if you go in summer you're mostly safe so long as it's a good weather day and you start before dawn, which I did. The worst thing about it is that the "trail" below the treeline is an old logging road that's washed away to its roadbed, which is just a bunch of boulders. So you're not walking, you're hopping from boulder to boulder (The Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast in Hawaii is like this too, but for different reasons). Above treeline, there's really no trail at all: you just scramble from cairn to cairn and the problem is if clouds close in or there's any precip, you might not be able to see the next cairn, which is how a lot of people get lost.
You might want to check out Hawaii for some pretty dangerous trails. I know the NaPali Coast has seen people get swept out to sea because they come across a lovely beach mid-hike and think they'll go for a dip, then get swept out to sea by unpredictable currents or rip tides.
I've spent many summers on eastern Sierra trails and I always watch the skies. Rule #2 is to get off exposed ridges and trails above the tree line by 2PM. Thunderstorms there are like clockwork in the summer. Spent a few lightning storms in my tent sitting on my air mattress and pack and hoping that was enough insulation from ground strikes. Barr Trail is the same way, get back to the trees by 2PM. Also check for snow levels at higher elevations, even in July!
I’ve done the #2 Half Dome/Mist trail hike alone twice without any problems . It’s a 16 mile round trip with a 4000 foot elevation gain from the valley floor to the top of Half Dome. It ranks #1, as far as I’m concerned, for fun and enjoyment! 😎 The overwhelming sense of accomplishment is well worth the effort.
Several people have in fact died hiking the trail.
I’ve done Half Dome/Mist trail too. So much fun and great views. 😎 Also, Angels Landing in Zion, which should have made the list IMO.
man im just terrified of the cable climb I could never do it
I have done it off seasons when the cables are done. Last part was fun.
I would hardly call Mt. McKinley a hiking trail... 🙄😆
No shit!
You mean Denali*
@@KCCgoKartMAN yes Denali is now the official name. And I say it's about time, especially considering that William McKinley never even visited Alaska at all. I was only using the same name used in the video since the average person probably doesn't know it's also called Denali. 👍
@@chuckderlington7131 sadly you’re probably right about that
Hahaha ... you're right!
I hiked Abrams Falls in the Smokies back before I had any idea what I was doing. Tennis shoes, khaki shorts and a small backpack with essentials. The trail itself is far from dangerous, all the deaths are from drowning swimming near the falls because of the under current. Any hypothermic issues are likely due to unprepared hikers on an insanely busy trail out of an insanely busy part area of the park.
I spent my teen years going there, camping, tubing and hiking Abrams Creek. I was surprised when I was an adult that it was on the danger list! We never swam at the falls though.
I've been on the Bright Angel trail in summer thirty years ago. Half way down the trail it hit 105 degrees. I turned around. When I got back to the top I heard that someone died on the trail the same day.
Never hiked that but on a x country trip from NYC to La ,I went with a friend in a car without AC and went through the Colorado and Nevada deserts and the heat was brutal 115 degrees + had gallons of water and covered the window with shirts and was constantly wetting a sun hat,it was the worst experience ever.😪
My BIL died on that trail.
I did the bright angel in mid-April where the temp was not so hot. I’d rather it be a little chilly than piping hot.
@@mlbrooks4066 oh dear, so sorry to hear that!
@@sauronthegreat5799 I did it in March, down to the river and back. We descent with puffer jackets and had to use micro spikes. Then we take of all layers of clothes off except our bras once we get to the river. It was a long tiring day!
I’m surprised Angel’s Landing in Zion didn’t make the list. It felt so incredibly sketch when I did it, and it wasn’t helped by the line of people behind you hurrying you and sometimes literally pushing you forward while you are trying to watch your step…
I literally said the same thing out loud after number 1. I know it’s one of the sketchiest things I’ve ever climbed
That one and some of the slot canyons in Utah as well, the amount of flash floods they get is terrifying
It is one of the most dangerous hikes many people have died there falling to their death.
I climbed Mt. Washington this past year as part of my 2021 AT thru hike. I was fortunate to have good weather for my Mt. W summit day and the following day so that I had good weather for the 12 mile stretch of AT that runs above treelike before and after Mt W. I can only imagine how difficult that stretch would be in strong wind and snow or rain.
Congratulations on your AT hike. Take care
When you go hiking do you listen to Insane Clown Posse??
I was surprised by Mt. Washington. Nice video!
The Kalalau Trail in Kauai should definitely be in this list. Something like 90 people have died on it. Mt McKinley (properly called Denali) has no business being on a list of hikes. It's not a hike in any way shape or form.
@@pornsakpongthong1092 Try 900,000 what?
@@django02 dead
@@pornsakpongthong1092 What the heck are you on about and what are you smoking?
@@django02 900000 died on kalualua last year.
@@pornsakpongthong1092 I have no idea what "kalualua" is, but I was talking about the Kalalau Trail on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. The correct number of deaths of hikers on that trail is about 90.
I have climbed Mt Washington twice -- once in the summer -- had to change into wind pants and jacket. amazed at the crosses in the ground above 5,000 feet where people got lost in bad weather. There is a sign telling you to turn around if the weather is bad at the sign. The other times was in the winter with a professional guide. There are stories of trucks being blown off the road -- I think the highest wind speed in North America was recorded there. The climb is not for the unprepared or the physically weak.
As a former Colorado resident, the most deadly mountain was Long’s Peak. Mostly because it is so close to Denver and popular. The easiest route know as “The Keyhole” isn’t a picnic and a real lung buster with some crazy exposure through the “Notch”. If you get up early, have good weather and in good shape then no big deal. If you are caught beyond the Boulder Field in bad weather, run out of water, or not prepared for a cold night, then good luck making it out. Other 14ers are far more difficult but they don’t get the crowds, thus the high death rate as Long’s. But if you do make it, totally worth it!
I agree loved doing "The Keyhole" but if you really want to have some fun you have to do "Crestone Traverse" this one will make you wet yourself.
@@Y_Not1 Try the Little Bear to Blanca traverse some time.
Longs is nothing compared to many of the other 14ers, especially Capitol, or any of the great traverses.
@@anthonydeangelis4483 the keyhole ridge (5.6 alpine climb) is legit, though. The ridge isn’t too bad
Long's Peak is child's play.
Great video ❤️ 👍
It was very nice to see you all have a wonderful time and doing many nice activities
As a teenager I did most of #2 when my dad took me and my brothers to California to Yosemite and Sequoia. Like the dummies we are, we climbed up with no gear as far as we could on the waterfalls then we did the trail with the guardrails and got to the top and got in the cold water near the edge of the waterfall. My dad was pissed we were running off. Met some cool squirrels that wanted our granola bars. We did not do the mountain climbing part but we did climb uo the slipper waterfalls a lot. Its a miracle we didn't fall to our deaths.
So many wrong facts listed in this video it's comical.
I’ve done bright angel trail. It’s true it’s very difficult but so are most Grand Canyon trails especially in summer. You really need to heed park service warnings about summer hiking!
That's for sure. I had to turn around because it got too hot; 105 degrees half way down the trail.
My husband has hiked Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon, as well as the whole family hiked the Mist Trail in Yosemite several times. We never tried these in winter though.
I've hiked Mount Washington twice, the first time I went up the Jewell trail and back down via Lake of the Clouds, and the second time we went up Tuckerman's and back down via Lion's head! It was brutal!
Hey, I hiked Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon. Fortunately, September 1, 2021--two short rain squalls; one lasted about 5 minutes, the second lasted about 15 minutes. I would have said South Kaibab Trail is more dangerous. Bright Angel Trail hike is mostly in shade and with relatively gradual slopes, while South Kaibab Trail is in the bright sun, with steep slopes, resembling steps. There is no water available on South Kaibab Trail, till you get to Tip-Off point, and that water has to be treated before drinking.
I hiked S. Kaibab down and Bright Angel up, on June 23, 2007. It was not bad, but the temp at the bottom was around 120º in mid afternoon. I did witness a river rescue for a hiker at the bottom. Bright Angel has water at Indian Wells, and halfway up the canyon, and yes, it is in shade during the late afternoon. I drank about 7 liters of liquid during the entire hike. Its not dangerous if one is prepared and not stupid.
I've hiked portions of both of these, and I would rank Kaibab as more dangerous. It is steeper, which is great in that it gets you deeper into the canyon very quickly, but its danger is getting out. People quickly descend and then realize they don't have energy, water, supplies, time to get out. For every hour going down, it will take you two to ascend.
As someone who has hiked 5 of the listed trails and Mt. Washington 13 times, some basic preparation goes a long way. Mind you, these are not the most difficult trails in American. Tell 100 random people to climb the Grand Teton and maybe 5 will make it down safely whereas ~85 could finish Mt. Washington with only some tired legs. The easy access and lack of knowledge is what makes most of these so dangerous.
To be fair, Mt Washington is just hike. Even the easiest route on the Grand (Owen Spaulding) is low 5th class (technical rock climbing).
Climbing any of the Tetons isn’t a hike, after the approach there’s always at least some technical stretches. And I think everyone of average health would make it up and down mt Washington in summer. Have you every summited in winter? I’m planning to go this Jan for the first time in the winter.
@@themosswillreclaimall8098 I have hiked and (technical) climbed Mt Washington many times in the winter. Lion Head trail is most commonly used. Tough hike but just a hike, though really need crampons and an ice axe for safety. Take plenty of cold weather gear, gusts to 80mph are common. I have not tried the backside in winter, but there are options there as well. Say up to Lake of the Clouds then the ridge to the top. But I have only done that is the summer. There are several gullys Tuckerman’s or Huntington ravine if you want a technical climb. Not super steep, but you will want a rope and belay. The key is paying a great deal of attention to the weather, pick your day carefully. And if climbing, pay attention to avalanche conditions.
@@rodc4334 awesome thank so much for the advice. The white really are such an amazing place with a great mountain culture, can’t wait to ski and climb NH this winter. Hopefully get up there to do a few of the terrifying 25 before the end of fall
@@themosswillreclaimall8098 Best of luck! Wife and I find winter the best season for hiking the Whites. Not for the faint of heart, but with decent gear and picking good days very enjoyable.
It took me 2 years to find this video and as a kid my parents would always take me to the White Mountains and would stay at a lodge in Wofesboro on the lake and as I got older I started going to Moosehead Lake in Maine and that’s how a city boy feel in love with the country !!
Wow. Very intense! Great video
I was hiking on the Barr trail in March back on like 2016 coming down from the incline. It was still very icey and I didn’t have spikes. I slipped and fell, and was exhausted due to the trails zig zag because it’s can’t go straight up due to it being so steep. I almost called search and rescue. But after crying for 20 mins I managed to get myself back up and managed to finish it.
Kalalau trail should be on here. It is the most terrifying hike I've ever done. I thought half dome and Angel's landing were very easy in comparison.
Angels landing, I believe, has the most deaths out of any trail. It’s because of the sheer drop offs in the last .5 mile of the hike.
Thxs these are on my bucket list
May everyone find joy in their outdoor adventures. Personally, mine is at a lake cabin cooking for loved ones in Northern MN. That brings me joys and we do take shorter hikes when the bugs are down. Be safe, enjoy your passions 🌺
The thing that really make trails the most dangerous, is the weather conditions, or danger of leaving the trail I've done a lot of hiking and backpacking. As long as I know my limits and plan ahead its not dangerous
I tried hiking the Barr trail back in 2009 and started seeing clouds forming. I turned around to go back. I was not even above the tree line but did not think it wise to continue on.
wow I feel special since I've climbed #1 three times. It was tough in that it took me a long time. The third time we were pushed off the mountain by downpours and wind. We stayed overnight at the AMC Lake of the Cloud Hut. Gorgeous views of the world!! Those other hikes shown here are way too difficult for me. Maybe if I was a few DECADES younger!!! Maybe!!
I climbed Mt Washington every summer for many years. Went up both sides over a three day visit.
Though I’ve never climbed Denali (The Mountain), I’ve gone hiking in Denali Park 100’s of times. Talk about breath taking views, abundant wildlife, and amazing trails. One of the best perks to living in interior Alaska.
oôi
the park is Denali, the mountain is McKinley.
@@jimleech2364, not since Obama remained it. I know it’s confusing. I’ve lived here for over 40 years.
@@tlewisAK The Obama administration was involved in the execution of the renaming, of course, but the reason it happened (as far as I know) is primarily because Alaskans wanted it that way. And rightfully so.
The top of half-dome is where I acquired my fear of heights. Didn't stop me from doing the Haiku trail in Hawaii though, which WTF how is that not on the list? Just because it's illegal now. Breathtaking beauty and danger.
Do the 100 mile Tevis Ride. It starts over near Lake Tahoe and ends at Auburn California. Horse riders traverse canyon walls at night often at a trot. They condition and qualify to do this ride. The most I did was 50 mile rides. A 25 mile ride just west of Yakima Washington took us up and down the mountains to ride across saddle backs. I’m afraid of heights and sliding your horse down elk trails is not my favorite thing,but I love this sport. The trails the events use can consist of just about any terrain and condition. My average for 25 mile rides was 3 1/2 hours. Fun stuff.
I have hiked Mt. Washington several times and unexpected severe weather is surely a concern. That said viewing some of the other trails covered in this video I would gladly hike Washington again over almost any of these others.
Sometimes it takes being smart to overcome a lot of these obstacles. I was hiking inland in florida in august, with the heat index being at some ridiculous number and the actual temperature close to 100... Combining high temperature and high humidity is more dangerous than a simple high temperature. You can cool down thanks to sweating even some extreme temperatures.
No one was hiking the trail I was on, getting out of the car felt like walking into an oven.
The way I made it was 1) a backpack full of water 2) frequent rests and a deliberately slow pace.
If my pace was faster I'd probably faint due to heatstroke, same if I didn't pack ridiculous amounts of water.
Pushing any kind of physical limit can end in death, it's not very smart.
I am surprised the “little Grand Canyon” and “Pomona natural bridge” trail isn’t on here. It’s a fairly short trail but it’s not marked and really easy to get lost. It sits in the middle of Shawnee national forest, larue Pine Hills, and Illinois state forest. If you end up lost you can get so deep into the forest you can’t get out. College kids go out there all the time in workout clothes and with only a bottle or two of water and end up getting air lifted out.
Spent 4 days in Yosemite in July! The mist trail is amazing! Half done on the other hand was tough an sketchy as hell it was with out a doubt worth it in the end but it's not for the faint of heart!
Mt Washington in the winter is a lot of fun. Go up at least once a year. Either as a hike or as a technical climb of one of the ice gulleys. 60mph is a good day in the winter. Have to pay a lot of attention to the weather and avalanche conditions and pick your days carefully.
I've done 4 of these. One they left off is the trail to Angel's Landing in Zion National Park. Another is the Precipice Trail in Acadia National Park in Maine.
I’m guessing that they made the list based on accidents, SAR, and deaths. I can only find deaths on Angels Landing. Death wise they are equal. But the Mist Trail thrown together with Half Dome makes the accidents, SAR and deaths go up more.
Though the rock formation, known as Half Dome, has become one of Yosemite's most iconic symbols, it's also one of the most dangerous hikes in the US. From 2005 to 2015, Half Dome's perilous climb has prompted at least 140 search-and-rescue missions, 290 accidents, and 12 deaths.
Those stats are old.
Precipice is fun the last time I went some one took there dog up it 🤣🤣
I am surprised Angels Landing was not on the list. Precipice is one of my favorites.
"As the state of Colorado has the highest elevation of any province in America..."
1.) False. That would be Alaska.
2.) We don't call states provinces in America.
CO does have the highest AVERAGE elevation
Colorado does have the highest average elevation of all 50 states.
My dad hiked Mt Whitney several years ago, & we hiked the Mist Trail as a family when I was 12 & my little brother was 10. My dad & brother also hiked the Grand Canyon together, but idk which trail(s) they took. My brother got himself in some trouble on that trip b/c he didn't follow my dad's instructions about hydration & also hiked a bit ahead of him with his friend. My dad caught up to them & my brother ended up in the hospital due to dehydration & heat exhaustion. He's okay now, of course. Stay safe out there, y'all!!
Nice video. Helps to plan our trip.
I’ve done half dome, upper Yosemite and angels landing are probably the hardest I’ve done so far. Mist trail was easy in my opinion. I’ll be don’t 93 miles around mt rainier on the wonderland trail in a few months.
Why is upper Yosemite one of the hardest?
The Mist Trail was beautiful. Don’t do anything stupid and you are ok. I was there last year. Yosemite opened June 5th 2020. Wilderness permits only. No one was there. Well, maybe 15 people at most. Where I was at least.
It was weird how it worked. It just happened to be Yosemite opened when my permit was scheduled and I would have only cancelled at the last minute to save the plane tickets.
But Half Dome was easy. Going down in good conditions was sketchy. The granite has been so highly traveled it is slick without water even if you have good shoes or boots. I went down face first. I’m guessing that if one backs down you’d have a better center of gravity. But what fun is that.
I've been non of it. Hopefully I can start checking them out. Thanks 😊
Interesting list, no mention of the Zion's Angels landing or the narrows. Or even Palm Springs Cactus to Clouds.
Also Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley, it is wrongly referred to this video) is not a hiking or backpacking trail, it is a mountaineering route. There are major differences, including technical equipment and training, that put this in a different category then a hiking trail.
I've hiked the Knifes Edge on Mt Katadin in Maine. It's only a quarter of a mile long. So what's the problem? The shear drop offs on the left and right side of the trail. You will walk this ridge keeping your eyes forward, looking to the left and right makes you realize how high up you are. I was severely scared of heights before I walked this. Funny but I lost that fear. This trail is considered the toughest on the East coast.
I’d swap out the Barr Trail on Pikes Peak for The Keyhole Route (or any other route, really) on Longs Peak. Longs faces many freak weather patterns, like Pikes, as both are situated in the Front Range. In addition though, the proximity to Denver and residing in Rocky Mountain National Park makes it an attractive hike for many inexperienced climbers. However, it is a very long and technical hike that many are not prepared for. These factors have led to Longs Peak claiming more lives than any other 14,000 ft peak hike in Colorado.
I'll second your thoughts on Longs Peak replacing Pike's Peak on the list. Any mountain you can summit by driving a car doesn't quite cut the mustard over a mountain that offers a difficult 16 mile 'hike' on one route only for about one month of the year, the rest being reserved for serious higher-altitude mountain _climbing,_ including the 1000' vertical "Diamond" wall on its east face. Anyone who wants a taste of brutal winter climbing with hurricane-force winds can go to Longs Peak and train up for a future technical climb of Ranier or Denali. Lots of Colorado's fourteeners are much harder than Pike's Peak, but hey - why not take on a mountain that's proven its ferocity? In 2016 a military Green Beret Special Forces team training on Longs Peak needed rescue by Search and Rescue helicopter. On Pike's Peak, flatlanders just drive their Honda Accords.
Wow! Me and some buddies did the Abrahams trail on a whim. We just saw there was a trail inside of cades cove so we figured we would try it. We went in with NOTHING not even realizing the hike we had ahead. Plus we all had on was regular street clothes and some nikes. But let me tell you it was a experience I would never forget man… the walk was beautiful and not as dangerous as this video makes it out to be 😂
this was an awesome video!
I live in Alaska and yeah Denali is dangerous. (McKinley we changed the name back to honor the native Alaskans) A hiker just went missing 3 days ago and his body was just found. The park service up here said it will be at least a week before they can go retrieve it.
My son and I hiked up to Vernal then Nevada Falls and that was treacherous enough especially the stone steps going down. One wrong move and that would be it. Incredibly beautiful and breathtaking.
Yea it is, but even with the wet stones there surprisingly not to slippery. I don't know if it would be the end falling off those, but anything can happen especially hitting your head. You'd most likely slip down to the edge of the river and have to get rescued. Hopefully not when it's crazy wet or maybe then you'd get swept away for sure. Went in 2019 and 2021 at 13 and 15. Such an amazing hike though! Moved at a really quick pace too though as an active kid lol passing everyone and no one passing me.
Just really started getting into hiking again and now especially backpacking. Preparing to do Mt. Whitney next summer 2023 with my friend!! Already getting stuff ready and preparing for that. Acclimating to 8,000 for the first night, then heading up to trail camp and spending a night. Then summiting the next day and coming back down to stay another night at trail camp! Then go all the way back down. Pretty excited and decided to make sure to get used to the altitude by staying the 3 nights instead of doing it in one day. Why not enjoy the time you're there!
Barr trail is awesome! I love that hike. I always stay at Barr camp when I do it, great community hostel type environment. The lightning storms are true. Last time I did it we were well above tree line about 1-2 miles from the summit and storms coming in with hail and lightning. My girlfriend was dragging and wouldn’t let me carry her pack to hurry up. I thought we were dead. Obviously, I didn’t die but it was scary.
I really want to do the half dome in Yosemite. I think I have it in me but I'm just not very experienced yet so I'll work up to it
It was with great curiosity that I watched this video. I couldn't believe that one of the trails I've been on numerous times was considered to be one of the 10 most dangerous hiking trails in America. I couldn't wait to find out what made it so dangerous, because I've been oblivious to that danger every time I was on it. I realized I never hiked it to the end. Maybe that was it. I knew it gained elevation after the point that I usually turned around, but I never heard of anyone falling. Maybe it has something to do with the abundance of rattlesnakes and scorpions that are native to the area. Maybe it has something to do with part of it being right on the border with Mexico. If that's the case, it sure has changed a lot since my last visit 2-1/2 years ago. Imagine my disappointment when I got to the end of the video and never saw a story about the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, in Big Bend N.P. So it wasn't really a dangerous trail after all. Thinking back, it's really just a trail from the parking lot down to the banks of the Rio Grande, with a fork going up one side of the canyon to an overlook. Most of the time the water is shallow enough to walk across to Mexico. But I guess it should get some kind of recognition for being selected as a thumbnail to represent the 10 most dangerous trails in America. No bear spray required, but don't forget your sunscreen.
I thought exactly the same thing!
@@NeoMaximuz Exactly? Come on.
@@sascotttx5145 I mean, maybe not the same words, but the same idea. I've been to Santa Elena, I know it's a short hike, so how could that be one of the most dangerous trails? Maybe it's click bait, but they put the OML on the list, that I could believe. Or maybe like you said, there's a longer part of the trail that I was unaware of in Santa Elena. Like you mentioned, you can cross right into Mexico, but the border there isn't dangerous at all, violence wise.
I know a man died falling off the top years ago, but he wasn't doing the Santa Elena trail, he had climbed up from Lajitas. So after watching the video and being disappointed that none of these was the case, I read your comment and had to agree with you.
@@NeoMaximuz I was just messing with you. I couldn't believe that there were two people just alike. But we do have something in common... That trail that starts at the end of the road that runs right down the middle of nowhere. Gas up at Panther Junction and drive till you run out of road. Beyond there be dragons.
I tried to hike Santa Elena trail a couple of months ago and it was flooded. You had to swim through the current to get to the trail head. Other than that, the heat can kill you in the summer months. But, maybe 1 out of 10,000 succum to heat at BBNP
I started to take a casual stroll (not even a hike) in Canyonlands and came across a set of fresh lion prints. I am allergic to cats, especially to large cats that might look on me as dinner. That was the end of that.
Great info .thanks
Hiked Washington two winters ago, once we got above the tree line the wind chill was insane had to turn back
Just finished Barr trail in Colorado on Wednesday true what is said here near the top of the tree line there’s a section we’re I would say at least 70% of the trees been hit by lightning
I’m surprised Barr trail on Pikes Peak is on this list! I’ve hiked it several times and it feels like one of the safest trails I’ve been on haha storms are a real thing, but you just have to make sure you start early 🤷🏽♀️🤍
One can even DRIVE to Pike's Peak which is the only 14er as such.
@@HighSpeedNoDrag Evans too
Silverton falls near Salem Oregon is a long but beautiful hike!
Interestingly enough, I did Abrams Falls. I didn't get into the water, so I didn't have any issues, but it surprised me to have one on this list that I did.
The Mt. Whitney trail can be dangerous when climbing up the switchbacks plus the real possibility of lightning strikes on the ridges during the summer months and surprise snow storms at other times of the year. But, what would life be like without a few challenges?
This is where skill and training come into play.
I've done that one three times once coming up from guitar lake from the backside
Agree. I lost a friend on Whitney.
Very sorry to hear that.
Angels Landing? Precipice Trail in Acadia?
I did the Bee Hive. Too scared to do precipice.
ANgel landing is not scary just too crowded.
I remember Precipice for a couple years had multiple fatalities each season. They almost shut it down completely but opted to shut it down for part of the season every year to allow for the Falcons that nest on it to be left alone.
Those trails aren’t dangerous unless your inexperienced or dumb. Borderline intermediate trails
Precipice was easy?
5:25 Ive taken that trail many times. Its usually people who dont hike very often, go all the way to the bottom, and realize that they still have to hike back out.
I'm soloing #5 this year. Shooting for early summer, then doing the NPT later in the summer.
I have hiked most of these and enjoy challenging trails. I know this list is compiled from data but that is based by those who are unprepared. Angels Landing should be #1. The Precipice in Acadia could be on the list as well as Buckskin Gulch in Utah. Please comment with recommendations of any other challenging trails. Always looking for new adventures!
Before I began watching the video I also thought they'd mention Angel's Landing.
I was surprised by Mist Trail being in the list and at #2 at that. Sure, people have died but it's because they purposely go in the water when there are signs saying you will die if you do. The trail itself is not bad.
Angel’s Landing should be on here.
The Kalalau trail in Kauai is a good one I hear
If someone think Angels Landing is #1, that person should be well prepared for Majestic Half Dome!
Maybe this should be Titled "Most Popular Dangerous Hiking Trails in America", Bright Angel trail in the Grand Canyon aint even close to being considered a "Most" dangerous trail. It's a corridor trail, yes its right in the village so lots of tourists who probably know little about canyon hiking see it and decide to walk down it, only to go way to far and also don't realize whilst mornings on the rim can be cool it can hot up pretty fast as the day goes on the more you descend. Even the other South Rim corridor trail is more dangerous South Kaibab, no water, no shade, no campgrounds to you hit the bottom. Nankoweap Trail could possibly be the most dangerous, even Escalante, Tanner, and New Hance are more dangerous than Bright Angel. It's also quite possible that even some of the even more remote trails are more dangerous yet.
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
It is definitely referring to common trails, thankfully haha, glad these others aren't as known!
Having hiked, run, and/or backpacked all of these trails, and then some, I also found it puzzling that the BA trail made this list, but I think it's because of the sheer volume of inexperienced hikers on it that go down in the middle of the summer. But yeah, SK is worse for the reasons you mention, and it gets a lot of traffic as well. Boucher down to Santa Maria spring is probably okay for most fit hikers with no GC hiking experience (not in the summer, though!).
Tanner and Nankoweap have definitely resulted in several deaths (unprepared Boy Scout troops), and both are rough, long and have sections that are often washed out. New Hance is steep and brutal, and is more of a route than a trail. I did N Bass 2 yrs ago after having not done it since probably 2002, and it's so overgrown in sections now that it's more of a route, and clearly not maintained at all by the NP. Didn't go down past the top of the Redwall, so don't know how it was past there. All these should only ever be attempted by those with a lot of canyon hiking and route finding experience and know their physical limitations. Thankfully, most are either remote, like N Bass and Nankoweap, or purposely not well-signed.
The only thing I miss about not living in Flagstaff anymore is the proximity to Big Ditch hiking 😁.
Hiked down Bright Angle trail in July. Only did 2 miles down. The hike up is all up hill. We were prepared with plenty of water sun screen and long sleeves and hat even though it was in the 80 degree range.
Very nice and informative video.
Just hiked Mt. Washington this past weekend and didn’t expect to see it on this list! Makes sense if the weather is lousy I guess, but I’ve also done Angel’s Landing and THAT’S a dangerous hike.
I was wondering if it would make the list. Huntington Ravine might make the list but they put the whole mountain on the list, for some reason.
I have done two of these trails - BA numerous times and Mt. Washington. While Grand Canyon hiking does have some inherent danger the problem is unprepared hikers. Angels Landing in Zion on the other hand is inherently risky with extreme dropoffs exacerbated by too many hikers and should be #1
Angel's Landing has 14 deaths in the last 21 years. Grand Canyon averages 12 deaths per year. I understand the Grand Canyon is a whole park compared to one hike, but Angel's Landing is not a difficult hike, merely scary for those with a fear of heights.
The big question is how you want to measure danger. Is it net deaths? If so, then places like the Grand Canyon and Halfdome are high on the list. Is it deaths/capita? Then you're looking for mountaineering spots like Denali
Woderful view I like it, even it's dangerous hiking, be careful anyway
Very surprised about Mt. Washington. I've hike it 3 times. It was a challenge but never felt in danger.
Most of these are not dangerous except when your unprepared, out of shape and the weather is bad. When I was young and foolish, I had a close call on Mt Washington. I went up in terrible weather and the only thing I did that was smart was turn around.
Luckily Rainier's not going to erupt without warning. The reason it's considered to be so dangerous is because it'd just be impossible to evacuate all the people in the danger zone even with warning, and because of all the essential infrastructure that would be destroyed. That said, wherever you hike, do your research, and be prepared. Have the equipment and supplies you'll need, and consider potential accidents and emergencies before you go!