The 50 Hard to Impossible Hikes in America, Ranked
Setting out on a challenging hike is more than just a physical endeavor; it’s a journey into the heart of adventure. The trails featured in this article are not just walks in the park. They are tests of endurance, skill, and spirit. These hikes encompass everything from daunting elevation changes and grueling distances to technical maneuvers pushing you to your limits. These 42 trails are a call to those who don’t just hike for leisure but for the thrill of conquering the unbeaten path. So, if you’re ready to challenge yourself and reap the extraordinary rewards these trails have to offer, read on. The wilderness awaits, ready to test your resolve and show you wonders that few have witnessed. Ranked according to the US System (Yosemite Decimal) – Class 1 (moderate-hard hiking) to Class 5 (hardest, technical rock climbing).
50. South Kaibab Trail/Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon, Arizona
The trail is rated as Class 1
The South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails in the Grand Canyon offer a dramatic descent into one of the world’s most famous natural wonders. This 17-mile journey is a rigorous test of endurance, characterized by steep descents, intense heat, and a scarcity of water sources. These factors contribute to its nickname, “the death zone.” Numerous hikers face dehydration and exhaustion yearly, leading to over 250 rescues.
The trail provides an unparalleled view of the Grand Canyon, a privilege few tourists experience. Key details: The trail’s challenges, including extreme temperatures and a grueling return ascent, require hikers to be well-prepared and vigilant. It’s a hike that demands respect and offers awe-inspiring rewards for those undertaking it cautiously and prepared.
49. Artists Bluff Trail, Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire
The trail is rated as Class 1
Artists Bluff Trail is a 0.5-mile roundtrip hike in Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire. Despite its moderate-to-hard difficulty, the trail presents a steep ascent, gaining 200 feet in elevation. Renowned for its spectacular view over Echo Lake, especially during the fall foliage, the summit of Artists Bluff is a favorite among photographers.
Key Details: The hike can be combined with an adjacent trail to Bald Mountain for added scenic views. This trail is perfect for those seeking a rewarding hike without a significant time commitment, offering some of the most stunning vistas in New England.
49. Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii
The trail is rated as Class 1
The Kalalau Trail, an 11-mile trek on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, is a breathtaking yet perilous journey. Renowned for its stunning coastal views, the trail is infamous for its hazardous conditions, including unstable beds, steep cliffs, and slippery slopes. Essential info: Rainfall transforms the path into a dangerously slick trail, heightening the risk near 295-foot-high cliffs above the ocean.
Despite these challenges, the trail remains popular, leading hikers to Kalalau Beach, a surfing paradise and one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. This trail is not just a hike; it’s an adventure that tests hikers’ limits against a backdrop of tropical beauty.
47. Huckleberry Mountain, Glacier National Park, Montana
The trail is rated as Class 1
Huckleberry Mountain in Glacier National Park uniquely blends natural beauty and wildlife challenges. Spanning 14 miles, the trail is situated in an area with one of the highest bear densities in the lower United States. With an estimated 550 bears in the park, encountering these majestic yet formidable creatures is a real possibility.
Hiking here requires physical stamina, thorough preparation, and bear safety knowledge. The beauty of the trails and the refreshing mountain air are juxtaposed with the constant vigilance required in bear territory. Essential info: Hikers need to be well-equipped with bear spray and awareness, making this a hike where the beauty of nature meets the thrill of the wild.