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.
Everglades National Park, Florida
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.
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.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Few tourists know that Mount Rainier in Washington is actually an active volcano. While it has been over 1,000 years since it last erupted, the park still has a deadly history. The area is cold all year round. Combining that with its narrow hiking trails and frequent avalanches, taking on this mountain just might be the last thing you do.
The most dangerous part of the mountain is Liberty Ridge, where 25 percent of the park’s fatalities occur. Even the most experienced of hikers have found themselves in trouble on this trail. Fortunately, the Mount Rainier National Park makes sure visitors know how dangerous Liberty Ridge is, and now only two percent of hikers choose to take that route.
The Berkeley Pit, Montana
Started in 1955, the Berkeley Pit was an active copper mine until 1982. Located in Butte, Montana, the area was considered an essential part of the mining boom in the 19th century and even went on to earn itself the nickname of the “richest hill on Earth.” After the pit was shut down, the miners took their water pumps with them, ultimately leaving the pit to fill up with groundwater.
This isn’t your typical groundwater though. Due to the pollution caused by years of mining the area, as well as natural minerals in the ground, the water that ended up filling the pit is extremely toxic. Full of nasty chemicals and heavy metals, the water often appears discolored. The color tends to change from black, to red, and sometimes even an unnatural blue. Visitors can check out the Berkeley Pit from a viewing platform and even take a tour of the mines. It’s fairly safe as long as you don’t drink the water!