Tourists love to go to the Everglades National Park in Florida in hopes of getting a glimpse at some of the area’s rare and endangered animals. These include Florida panthers, leatherback turtles, and West Indian manatees, all of which rarely make an appearance for guests. Visitors are far more likely to encounter the reptiles who thrive in the swampy lands.
A trip to the Everglades practically guarantees a run-in with a crocodile or an alligator. With the ability to run at speeds up to 20 miles per hour and jaws designed to tear flesh apart, they make the area very dangerous for guests. For this reason, the park recommends that people stay at least 15 feet away from any of the animals they come across, but even that won’t do much to save guests from a hungry croc.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is home to hundreds of wildlife varieties. Everything from elks and moose to black bears and cougars lives within the 265,461 acres of land. That’s not what makes the park so dangerous though. Rockslides are a common yet unexpected occurrence which has led to many injuries and some deaths over the years. But that’s not all.
Lighting strikes are unusually common in the park and are often deadly. As they are both unexpected and unavoidable, there’s little that can be done about this. Inexperienced hikers who wander around Rocky Mountain National Park without the proper equipment are far more likely to fall victim to these natural circumstances.
Lost Lake, Alaska
Sitting between two massive glaciers, the Lost Lake in Alaska has become a popular tourist spot in the spring and summer. The warm weather attracts people from all over who are there to check out the area’s natural beauty, including the overgrown wildflowers, reflective pools, and active water life. However, in recent years, the area has been attracting more and more fearless snowmobile riders who enjoy taking on the steep and icy terrain.
While fun, even the most experienced thrill-seekers have found themselves in trouble. Unpredictable weather conditions can lead to harsh winds and whiteouts, making it nearly impossible to see. Getting lost in the area will likely mean being stuck out in the cold for days, if you ever get found at all. Only highly experienced and prepared explorers should even attempt to visit Lost Lake during the colder months.
Death Valley, California
As one of the hottest locations in the world, it’s no coincidence that Death Valley is named after kicking the bucket. The desert reaches temperatures so high that heatstroke and dehydration are a common occurrence. In fact, even driving by the area is known to lead to death. People often pass out behind the wheel, causing a surprising number of deadly car accidents.
In addition to the heat, tourists have to be able to navigate the area’s rocky terrain and watch out for a number of venomous animals. A highly experienced tour guide is not just recommended, it’s necessary for anyone considering a trip to Death Valley.
Barrow, Alaska
Utqiagvik is a town in Northern Alaska formerly known as Barrow. Home to the Iñupiat indigenous group for more than 1,500 years, the area is only accessible by plane or boat. Residents find themselves in the dark from November to January, but that’s not what makes this remote town so dangerous to tourists.
Those who visit Barrow are strongly encouraged not to wander too far from the town. With temperatures below freezing all year round, being caught outdoors without a hat or gloves will guarantee a trip to the emergency room. Frostbite is the biggest threat for tourists who dare to venture to this remote village.