Aside from being able to enjoy the outdoors in a unique way, hiking can provide a wealth of benefits to your mind and body. Regular hiking can keep stress and chronic diseases at bay, and help you gain friends along the way. While some people choose to hike just to experience these benefits, others do it to experience the adrenaline. If you’re one of the latter, let this article provide ideas on where you should hike next.
The world’s destinations are diverse, making it easy for adrenaline-seeking hikers like you to find a trail that fits the bill. You’ll have access to steep hiking trails, high altitudes—some requiring days to trek—and many other types of trails you can possibly think of.
If you’re searching for a thrilling adventure, check out these three extreme hiking spots below. Once you’ve picked your destination, you can visit Outdoorcommand.com for comprehensive and helpful hiking guides.
Here are some of the most extreme hiking spots in the world:
1. West Coast Trail in Vancouver Island
If you’re willing to climb more than 100 ladders while bringing all of your stuff in your backpack, go through hip-deep waters, and stomp on deep mud, the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island should be on the top of your list.
Originally, the West Coast Trail was part of the padding routes and ancient paths used by the first inhabitants of the island for travel and trade. Fast forward to the 21st century, and this location is now considered one of the most challenging hiking trails in the world. Completing this hiking trail will require the right equipment, along with mental and physical preparedness.
The West Coast Trail is a 46-mile trail that requires 5-7 days to complete. During the hike, you’ll come across plenty of rugged paths and muddy trails. And since most of the trail requires you to go through steep slopes, you need to be prepared to climb rock formations and old wooden ladders in forests.
2. Mount Huashan in China
Mount Huashan, or Mount Hua, as some would call it, is a sacred mountain in China and was categorized as a national monument. This location is still considered by the locals as a pilgrimage destination as it holds religious significance to the Chinese community. But these aren’t the only reasons why locals and tourists are choosing to hike on the mountain.
If being in high places excites you, Mount Huashan in China is the perfect choice for you. With about 2,154 meters in height, Mount Huashan is one of the most dangerous hiking trails in the world. You’ll have to pass five peaks on the mountain before you can successfully hike this trail. Depending on your experience, you’ll need about 24 hours to hike all of the peaks of the mountain.
Unlike other hiking trails, Mount Huashan is known for its wooden plank walk. This hiking trail is mostly composed of wooden platforms that are carved into the mountainside using bolts. If you decide to take on this trail, expect to be dangled around 600 meters in the air while attempting to traverse narrow wooden planks. Some of these planks are old and small, making it hard for even one person to pass safely. Once you make it to the peak, you’ll be rewarded with breath-taking views of sacred mountains and valleys below.
3. El Caminito del Rey in Spain
Spain is famous for different things. Aside from offering the best beaches to tourists, Spain is also known for its music, dance, and bullfights. The country is also a paradise for art enthusiasts because renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali all came from Spain. But aside from these, are you aware that Spain also offers some of the world’s most extreme hiking spots?
The El Caminito del Rey is situated in the province of Malaga, Spain. The destination draws hikers from different parts of the world. Locally known as the King’s Little Path, the El Caminito del Rey was originally built to help workers cross from different hydroelectric power plants. The original path was made of steel rails and concrete, but since these materials deteriorated over the years, expect to walk through open-air gap bridges and steel beams for support.
The length of the El Caminito del Rey is about 7.7 kilometers. When you decide to take this trail, expect to go through a combination of walkways—from a boardwalk, valley, and back to a boardwalk again. The concrete path you’ll walk through hangs vertically on the cliff, offering a thrill of a lifetime for hikers and adventure seekers.
Take note that the El Caminito del Rey is closed during extreme weather conditions (strong winds and rain), so it’s best to schedule your tour days ahead of time.
Safety First
Successfully completing any of the hiking trails in this article can be a fulfilling experience. However, remember that your safety should be your top priority when hiking. Make sure that you’re physically prepared, hydrated, and well-fed before going on your next extreme hiking trip. Bringing the right packing essentials also goes a long way. Researching on the hiking trail and knowing if there are any specific precautions can also help.
