7 of North America's Hardest Hikes

From Washington to New York, what are the best hikes to tame a wild spirit? Here are a few

Grace Stevenson

October 25, 2021

As we look back on the last year and a half we can find trends of people being stuck inside and aching to be in the outdoors. Being cooped up for so long caused an overflow of restless spirits and uncontrollable hair-pulling. To solve this ever-growing problem, hiking is where many people turned to bring themselves back down to Earth. For many, however, the desire for adventure did not stop there. Here are seven of North America's most difficult hiking trails for the hard core outdoor enthusiast.

The Maze

The Maze trail is located deep in Canyonlands National Park, Utah. It is one of the least accessible trails in the park. This hike is filled with breathtaking rock formations and gorgeous landscapes. While this trail is only classified as a moderately difficult hiking trail, what makes this hike so extreme is the windy pathways that are renowned for getting hikers lost. To be able to successfully hike this trail, self-sufficiency is a must. Hikers often spend over five days traveling through The Maze. While on the trail, hikers do not have access to additional food, water or rescue services. You must have access to adequate hiking gear, as well as self rescue equipment.

Kalalau Trail

Any list of the hardest hikes in the United States would not be complete without the Kalalau Trail. Located on the island of Kauai, the Kalalau Trail spans 11 miles along the Na Pali coast line. This picture perfect hike is known for its gorgeous scenery and perilous pathways. Its tendency for flash floods often leaves hikers stranded for days deep within the jungle. The narrow trails along steep cliffs that drop off into the ocean are the turn back point for many people. However, the pain is worth the gain. When you reach the end of the hike you will find a jaw-dropping white sands beach.

Bright Angel Trail

Look over the ledge of the Grand Canyon and you will find the Bright Angel Trail. This trail spans 17 miles and is rated as difficult. It offers an up close and personal look at the heart of the Grand Canyon that few tourists can say they have experienced. That being said, this trail is extremely dangerous. It is home to what's known as the "death zone". Temperatures within this area can reach a boiling 122 degrees Fahrenheit. This combined with the lack of water on the trail is a recipe for disaster for hikers. More than 250 hikers have to be rescued from this trail due to heat exhaustion and dehydration every year.

Muir Snowfields Trail

The breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier are only stunted by the frigid cold while on the Muir Snowfields trail. This 9 mile stretch of land, located in Washington State, is a serious mountaineering trek that should only be attempted by experienced hikers. Sections of this trail are covered in ice year-round and require the use of an ice-axe and crampons. To complete this trail, hikers must travel up over 4500 feet of elevation gain. The struggle is worth it in the end, however; at the end of the trail the hiker is rewarded with the spectacular view of an icy blue glacier.

Mist Trail

The Mist Trail, also known as the Half Dome Cable Route, is easily one of the largest slabs of granite you will ever see. The 17 mile hike contains near vertical inclines, as you pull yourself up 8,900 feet of towering granite. As you follow the trail leading you towards half dome, the steep drop offs and careening waterfalls make this trail unlike any other. Half Dome can be found in Yosemite National Park in California.

Devil's Path

If you ever find yourself in New York, do not forget to make a trip to the Catskill Mountains. Deep within the forrest of the Catskill Mountains, you can find one of New York's most acclaimed trails: the Devil's Path Trail. Spanning 24 miles, Devil's Path takes you over 5 peaks of the Catskill mountains. This trail has earned its name; there are several points during the hike where you are climbing straight up the rock faces to reach the top of the mountain. This trail certainly is not one to miss if you are looking for a bucket-list hike.

Mt. Mckinley Trail

Mt. Mckinley, also known as Mt. Denali, is one of the coldest mountains in the world. Temperatures on the mountain can reach a staggering 40 below, with wind speeds reported up of 100 miles per hour. On this frigid rock,you can find the Mt. Mckinley trail. The freezing temperatures combined with the huge vertical climb at the top make this hike a trek for even the most experienced hikers. Mt. Mckinley can be found in Alaska, just outside of Anchorage.