Some hiking trails are peaceful and relaxing — but others can make your heart beat faster for a different reason. Around the world, there are places where steep cliffs, narrow paths, and dizzying heights turn a simple walk into a thrilling adventure. We’ve picked a few hiking trails that look a bit scary with dizzying drops, dramatic cliffs, and mysterious landscapes, but they’re unforgettable once you dare to walk them.
Angels Landing, USA
If you’re not afraid of heights, the Angels Landing trail in Zion National Park is one of those hikes you’ll never forget. It starts calmly, winding through the valley, but soon climbs steeply up a series of switchbacks carved into the red rock walls. The higher you go, the narrower the trail becomes — until you reach the famous ridge. In some parts, the path is so narrow that only one person can pass, with sheer drops on both sides. A metal chain helps you keep balance as you move slowly toward the top.
At the summit, all the tension fades away. You’ll stand high above Zion Canyon, with the Virgin River winding far below and the red cliffs glowing in the sun, a view that feels both peaceful and wild at the same time.
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Source: https://www.utah.com/destinations/national-parks/zion-national-park/places-to-see/angels-landing/
El Caminito del Rey, Spain
How about following a trail that was once called “the world’s most dangerous walkway”?
El Caminito del Rey in southern Spain hangs high on the cliffs of El Chorro Gorge, far above the turquoise river below.
It was built more than 100 years ago so workers could reach a nearby dam. Years later, the path began to fall apart — wooden planks broke, railings disappeared, and holes opened in the walkway. Some hikers even lost their lives, which made the place sound even scarier.
Today, the trail is rebuilt and safe to walk, but it still feels thrilling. Some parts have glass floors, so you can look straight down into the deep canyon. For hikers looking for a mix of adrenaline, history, and dramatic scenery, El Caminito del Rey is truly unforgettable.
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Source: https://www.spain.info/en/hiking-trails/caminito-del-rey-hiking-in-spain/
Huayna Picchu, Peru
You’ve probably heard about the famous Inca Trail in Peru, the one that brings thousands of visitors to the ancient city of Machu Picchu every year. But there’s another adventure waiting just behind it. Huayna Picchu, the steep mountain that towers above the ruins, is a real challenge for anyone who dares to climb it.
The trail goes up about 250 meters along old Inca steps carved into the rock. They’re so steep that people call them the “Stairs of death.” The climb isn’t very long, but it’s tough. The stones can be slippery, and there are no handrails, so every step feels like an adventure.
Only a limited number of people are allowed to hike Huayna Picchu each day, so once you reach the top, the view feels even more special. From there, you’ll see Machu Picchu spread out below, surrounded by mist and green mountain peaks. It’s a view that makes every bit of effort worth it.
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Source: https://www.ticketmachupicchu.com/tour-huayna-picchu/
GR20, France
If you’re looking for a trail that will test both your body and your nerves, the GR20 in Corsica is the one to try. Often called one of the toughest long-distance hikes in Europe, it winds through the island’s rugged mountains, with rocky paths, steep ridges, and dramatic drops.
The trail stretches about 180 kilometers and climbs more than 12,000 meters in total, so every day is a mix of physical challenge and mental focus. Some sections run along narrow ridges where one wrong step can make your heart race, while others require scrambling over boulders or navigating loose scree.
The GR20 isn’t a technical climb, but the exposure, isolation, and sudden changes in weather make it a nerve-testing adventure. Hikers are rewarded with stunning views of jagged peaks, deep valleys, and wild Corsican landscapes that few trails can match. It’s a hike that pushes you, thrills you, and leaves a lasting impression on anyone brave enough to complete it.
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Source: https://gr20-infos.com/en/stages/
The Trift Bridge, Switzerland
The Trift Bridge in Switzerland is not for those afraid of heights. It’s one of the longest and highest suspension bridges in the Alps, hanging 100 meters above the Trift Gorge and surrounded by steep rocky cliffs. Below you can see the stunning Trift Lake, formed by the meltwater of the nearby Trift Glacier. Every step feels exciting as the bridge moves slightly in the wind.
The trail to reach the bridge takes you through rough alpine paths and offers views of snowy peaks along the way. It’s a hike that combines beauty, challenge, and just the right amount of fear to make it unforgettable.
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Source: https://www.grimselwelt.ch/ausfluege/wanderung-triftbruecke/
While following these trails you might find yourself balancing on a narrow path, climbing old stone steps, or crossing a bridge that moves just a bit too much. These hikes are not only about the views but also about the feeling they leave you with — a mix of fear, excitement, and pure wonder.
