The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is a popular park in San Francisco, boasting views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists, as on top of offering spectacular views, it’s a great location for swimming, sunbathing, fishing and more. What makes the area so dangerous are the tumultuous currents and strong rip tides.
Visitors don’t expect the waters to be so rough, leading to an average of 85 deaths per year. Standing on nearby rocks doesn’t keep tourists safe either, as the waves are known to be large enough to sweep bystanders out to sea. In only takes a moment for things to turn deadly at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area park!
Dalton Highway, Alaska
Dalton Highway is a 414-mile stretch in Alaska that is not only known for its spectacular views but also its winding roads and steep drop-offs. Also known as “Haul Road,” local businesses take advantage of the largely unpaved road to transport heavy loads. As one of the most dangerous highways in the country, most car rental companies don’t allow visitors to drive on it in their vehicles, as they know there’s a slim chance they’ll get their vehicle back in one piece.
In addition to sharp turns, what makes the highway so dangerous is how isolated it is. If there was an accident, it could be days before someone came across it. They have helicopters scoping out the area once a day for just this reason, but Alaska’s harsh weather conditions can make this difficult. From temperatures that drop to -80 degrees, powerful wind tunnels, roaming wild animals, and frequent whiteouts, it’s certainly not the kind of highway you want to get stuck on.
Kauai, Hawaii
The gorgeous island of Kauai, Hawaii offers picturesque views of tropical rainforests and dramatic cliffs. It’s these reasons that tourists come from all over the world to spend time on the island, but not all of them get to leave. The waters off the coasts of Kauai are known for its strong currents and dangerous riptides, leading to many deaths over the years.
While tourists are strongly advised to stay out of the water, they don’t always listen or understand the warning signs. Large waves can easily sweep someone out to sea or even send them hurling towards nearby rocks. The ocean’s unpredictable ways have led to many injuries and deaths, discouraging even local swimmers from taking the risk.
The Maze, Utah
They don’t call this popular tourist spot 'The Maze' for no reason. As the least accessible district of Canyonlands, it should come as no surprise that it’s more than forty miles away from civilization and takes at least a few days to complete. Visitors require all of the right hiking equipment and enough experience before they can even get near the area.
What makes this trail so dangerous is its remote location, rough terrain, and maze-like surroundings. Even the most seasoned hikers have trouble getting through 'The Maze' without getting lost. You won’t be able to use your GPS to find your way out of this one!
Times Square, New York
Crime in New York City has certainly decreased since the ‘80s, however, that doesn’t mean it’s a safe haven. Tourists especially are at risk when visiting the Big Apple, and no trip to New York is complete without a walk through Times Square. Unfortunately, predators know this and see this area of the city as easy pickings.
Tourists are most likely to be targeted by pickpockets and thieves, as they tend to walk around with a lot of cash and don’t know to keep their phones and electronics hidden. In 2019, crime rates spiked in New York City, as more murders, robberies, and assaults were reported. As long as you keep your eyes open and don’t parade your money around, visiting Times Square doesn’t have to be dangerous!