Hanging bridges,
stone labyrinths
and frozen ridges.
This is not your average
Sunday walking trail.
One misstep here
and you could plummet 100 m (328 ft).
Or into an active volcano.
These paths are for adventure seekers.
Where the possibility of dying is very real.
If you want to test your trekking skills
and visit these deadly places,
you'll want to hear the survival tips
we have for you.
Located along the walls
of the El Chorro gorge,
its name translates to The King’s Path.
This hiking trail was built in 1905
to make a route for workers
to access a power plant.
The path is about 3 km (2 mi) long
and hangs above the ground
at a height of 100 m (328 ft).
Its narrow wooden walkways
and hanging bridge
could be too much for the faint of heart.
Especially if you're afraid of heights.
Between 1999 and 2000,
parts of the bridge
became so deteriorated
that five people fell to their deaths
into the river below.
After a 14-year closure,
the rebuilt bridge opened in 2015
and is now pinned against a narrow gorge.
If you're up to the challenge,
you are now required to wear
a hard hat on the path.
And remember,
once you begin the walk,
you have to finish it.
There's no turning back.
This hike leads
to the South Peak of Huashan,
one of the Five Great Mountains of China.
Its summit stands
at about 2,155 m (7,100 ft),
and the infamous wooden plank walk
that leads to it
makes for a very uneven journey.
First, you'll need to climb down
the steep cliff on metal rod stairs.
Next, you'll have to hook onto a chain
and use a harness to traverse
up and down the mountain.
The scariest part
will be moving your carabiner clip
over those returning hikers
passing the plank
in the opposite direction.
And yes, once you finish the trail,
you'll have to go back the same way.
Patience and cooperation are essential
for everyone to have a safe hike.
Always keep your carabiner
attached to the safety cable,
especially if you want to take a photo.
In 2019 a Chinese student fell to her death
while taking a selfie.
She was not wearing a harness.
This trail is located in the remotest region
of Utah's Canyonlands National Park.
It takes marathon drives on dirt roads
to get to the hike in the first place,
and you usually need to go
for a multi-day trip.
The path will include steep drops
and deep gullies
where you could be at risk of rockfalls
and flash floods.
The Maze is full of dead ends
and narrow passageways
where you could easily get lost.
Before you go,
make sure to tell people
when you'll be there.
Also, chart your route with GPS,
and don't forget some old-school maps.
Just in case.
There aren't many natural springs
in the Maze,
so bring enough water for the trip.
Talk with the park rangers
and let them know your itinerary.
If you become lost,
it could take rescuers
up to three days to find you.
If you fall and hurt yourself,
try to set yourself up in an open area
so you're visible to any helicopters
scouting for you.
This epic 230 km (143 mi) hike
can take up to two weeks to finish.
You'll begin by climbing up
a set of chain ladders
to reach the Drakensberg Escarpment.
With no distinct pathway,
you'll need to use guides to help you
get through the hike,
which is filled with chain ladders.
About 55 people died here
leading up to 1985,
which is when they stopped filing reports
on trail casualties.
You should always go
to the Drakensberg Traverse
with at least one other person.
Written guides and hiking maps
are available for visitors.
Use them.
Don't forget about the weather.
The tall grass in the summer
makes walking difficult,
and the winter can be extremely cold.
Your best bet is to go in the spring or fall.
This sharp mountain ridge
leads to the summit of Helvellyn,
which is the third-highest peak
in the Lake District National Park.
The hike is notoriously dangerous
due to the incredibly fast-changing
weather of the region.
Thrillseekers walk directly on the ridge,
but you can also hike along the paths
on the side.
There are several spots
where you can easily slip
and lose your footing.
Make sure you're taking
steady and careful steps.
Swirral Edge is an extremely slippery
part of the path.
Especially in the winter,
when it's often covered in ice and snow.
In 2013,
a married couple fell about 128 m (420 ft)
from Swirral Edge.
Luckily, a team of 13 rescue workers
was training nearby
and got to the scene within minutes.
Miraculously,
neither of the hikers had any
life-threatening injuries.
This hike takes place on an active volcano
that could erupt at any moment.
It erupted in 2010 and 2013,
and continuously spewed hot ash
between eruptions.
The ground surrounding Pacaya is so hot
that it could melt the soles of your shoes.
The hike can be extremely slippery
when it rains,
so you're better off going in November,
which is Guatemala's dry season.
Bring your best hiking boots
and wear layers,
'cause even though it's a volcano,
the winds can make it very cold.
It's recommended that you spend
at least a week in the area
to get used to the elevation
and avoid altitude sickness.
You'll be able to toast some treats
with the heat of the volcanic rock,
so don't forget to bring marshmallows.
This treacherous hike
is about 96 km (60 mi) long
and takes about two weeks to complete.
The path is full of slippery tree roots
and ankle-deep mud.
You must get a permit to take this hike,
and organizers recommend that you train
for up to a year before
facing this challenge.
The Kokoda is in almost constant sunlight,
so bring sunscreen
and always hydrate yourself
if you feel thirsty.
If you come across any streams,
take a minute and splash your face
and wet your head to cool yourself down.
Remember this is not a race.
Pace yourself and rest if you have to.
If you feel dizzy,
alert your guide
and ask your group to take a break.
When you choose to take a multi-day hike,
it's important to wear the right gear,
be in good shape
and bring plenty of supplies.
Just make sure to take the trash with you
and don't leave any food lying around.
You could attract a hungry animal
to your tent,
including an angry wild pig or two.
This is one of many potentially deadly
mistakes that campers make.
We have a whole list of things
that could get you killed
on your outdoor adventure.
Watch it here.