welcome to mojo travels and today we're counting down our picks for the top 10
hardest hikes in the u.s are you a fan of our videos be sure to subscribe to
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for this list we're looking at some of the most challenging and dangerous hikes in the united
states of america though length can be a factor we're mostly interested in the elevation terrain
and environmental factors that make these hikes such a major accomplishment for any expert hiker
number 10 far trail colorado we're starting things off with a hike like no other bar trail doesn't
seem like one for the record books at only 13 miles long it's one of the shorter journeys on
our list today it can be accomplished in 6 to 10 hours is considered dog-friendly and there are
even camping options for those who want to split the hike into that being said bar trail still will
have you climb 7 800 feet in altitude over the course of the hike as such it's considered to be
among the pikes peak region's most challenging hikes as a general rule only advanced and
expert hikers should attempt the excursion what really earns bartrail a spot on our list however
is the lightning pike's peak is something of a local lightning rod adding a very real sense of
danger to the experience number 9. paintbrush canyon cascade canyon loop wyoming don't let
the pretty name fool you while an undeniably picturesque hike the pairing of paintbrush canyon
and cascade canyon is one that requires you to have your wits about you you need to be in prime
physical shape and come prepared for any number of unique challenges located in grand teton national
park this 19-mile hike is almost completely devoid of shade so you'll need to be loaded
down with plenty of water to stay hydrated as such this is one hike where you'll want to get a
very early start the views at the paintbrush divide will make the challenge worth your while
but it's crucial that you keep track of the time if you're going to hurt yourself it's most likely
to occur on the 11 mile cascade canyon descent in the afternoon so pace yourself and watch your step
number eight great range traverse new york the adirondacks are a great place to go hiking
regardless of skill level there are a wide range of trails to suit just about everyone
from families and beginners to the most seasoned of hikers if you fit into the latter category
however the ultimate test is the grand range traverse living up to its name this hike is
25 miles long and has a total elevation change of 17 600 feet over the course of this arduous trail
you'll be scaling a total of nine peaks the whole thing feels almost like a video game in that it
saves the hardest challenge for the later stages the final peak you'll be scaling mount marcy
is the tallest in the entire state after the seemingly endless ups and downs not to mention
a number of unique terrain challenges you'll be going into it quite tired but there's really no
greater satisfaction than overcoming this boss battle number 7 south kaibab trail and bright
angel trail arizona when embarking on one of the country's most difficult hikes proper planning and
research is essential and that's a big factor in what makes this hike so notorious at a glance the
south kaibab and bright angel trails seem like a walk in the park okay that's an exaggeration but
they do seem deceptively accessible to beginner and intermediate hikers after attempting this
pair of trails however unprepared hikers come back singing a very different tune each and
every year hundreds of hikers need to be rescued after underestimating this journey into the heart
of the grand canyon the issue what goes down must come back up and facing scorching hot temperatures
and limited to the water you bring with you that 17-mile trip can feel insurmountable as such it's
recommended to split the journey into with a stay at the phantom ranch or bright angel campground
number 6. kalalau trail hawaii welcome to paradise the kalalau trail is undeniably one of the most
stunning hikes in the united states and arguably the world but therein lies the issue because
it's such a beautiful environment the kalalau trail often creates a false sense of security
not to mention many distracted hikers and that's when mistakes and accidents happen
the trail itself gets quite precarious at times from crumbling terrain and narrow cliffs
to wet surfaces and steep inclines kawaii's napoli coast is sure to leave a lasting impression on you
just make sure you're up for the challenge that impression should be an incredible travel memory
not a scar or story about needing to be rescued for those who've trained appropriately however
the pristine beaches and unparalleled views are worth the 22 mile round trip number five
timberline trail oregon do you think you have what it takes to conquer the famous mount hood
well it's worth triple checking before setting out on this trail because a 41 mile hike is
not for the faint of heart or the inexperienced circling the base of the iconic mountain in oregon
this trail consists of seemingly endless ups and downs that are quick to sap your strength
over the course of the hike you'll be pushing yourself to the limits of over twelve thousand
feet of elevation change sometimes scaling fifteen hundred feet over as little as three miles adding
to the challenge is the fact that the weather is so temperamental many a hike has gotten off to a
great start only to be undone by heavy rain or even a freak snow storm the sights and scenery
are worth the challenge but only for hikers who can confidently brave ice-cold river crossings
and everything else the timberline trail has to throw at them number four presidential traverse
new hampshire nothing says i'm conquering hiking in america like going up against the gauntlet that
is the presidential traverse at 23.5 miles it might not be the longest hike on our list today
but the 11 peaks that you'll be tackling over the course of the traverse more than makes up
the difference one of the biggest challenges when attempting the presidential traverse
is the confusion that comes above the tree break without a clear path hikers tend to lose their way
at these altitudes the weather is also very unpredictable but for those who are ready it's
worth it in addition to the presidential traverse new hampshire also boasts the pemmy loop in the
white mountains at 32 miles long and covering eighteen thousand feet worth of elevation changes
pemmy loop is another major undertaking for expert hikers number three missed trail to half
dome california there are few natural sights more awe-inspiring in america than yosemite's half dome
alongside the iconic el capitan half dome has made yosemite national park one of the most instantly
recognizable natural spaces in the country scaling the half dome gives you an incredible view of the
area but be forewarned this is not yosemite's version of gazing out over the grand canyon
on average the summit of the half dome gets approximately 2 500 to 3 000 people a day
who must cover 14 miles of challenging terrain along the mist trail to get there here's the thing
though while steel cables have been added to the top of the rock when bad weather suddenly rolls in
the granite becomes extremely slippery don't let the popularity of this hike be confused with ease
number two the maze utah with a name like that you know you're in for a serious undertaking what
makes this such a uniquely difficult outdoor experience is that the challenge goes beyond
physical fitness or knowledge you will need to keep your wits about you as you navigate this
natural labyrinth and considering the astounding otherworldly beauty of the canyonlands it's easy
to wander and lose your way when you're in the thick of it the towering sandstone walls mean that
you have no vantage points from which to reorient yourself then you have the heat and tricky terrain
to take into account water is scarce and the dead ends are numerous as such it's strongly
recommended that anyone no matter how experienced bring both a gps and a topographical map with them
number one muir snowfield trail washington what comes to mind when you think of hiking
chances are that you imagine yourself on a narrow trail surrounded by trees on all sides or maybe
navigating rocky canyon walls perhaps trekking across a vast field of rolling green hills
well the muir snowfield trail is in a category of its own because here harsh conditions aren't
just bad luck they're inherently part of the experience the trail starts innocently enough
amidst a valley of wildflowers and greenery but the muir snowfield true to its name
quickly becomes a world of unforgiving ice and frigid temperatures as you ascend mount rainier
at under 10 miles it's the shortest hike on our list but it requires mountaineering experience
specialized equipment and a specific type of resolve to conquer the muir snowfield trail
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