The Slick Rock Biking Trail in Utah offers views that have helped it earned worldwide fame. Tourists come from all over the world to bike the trail, even though it has a reputation for being extremely difficult. The one-of-a-kind 10.5-mile trail takes riders on a ride over hardened sand dunes and the eroded remains of ancient sea beds.
Known as one of the most difficult mountain biking trails in the area, it requires both physical and technical skills. Most of the hills are so steep that 98% of visitors end up walking their bikes up them. Without water available along the trail, it becomes dangerous when visitors aren’t prepared. The wide-open space leaves those biking or hiking the trail vulnerable to the sun’s heat, occasionally leading to dehydration, heat-stroke, and exhaustion.
Pikes Peak, Colorado
Pikes Peak, Colorado is home to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, also known as The Race To The Clouds. The annual high-speed race attracts professional drivers and motorcyclists who compete to reach the top of the mountain. Considered incredibly dangerous, the race track runs 12.42 miles and has over 150 twists and turns.
Over the years there have been many injuries and several deaths during the race, but that’s not what makes this mountain so dangerous. Those who attempt to hike the steep trail find themselves in the most trouble. Even the most experienced hikers have difficulty making it to the top, and tourists who fail to bring the proper equipment often get hurt or worse.
Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
The Carlsbad Caverns of New Mexico have impressive icicle-shaped mineral deposits that emphasize both the cave’s size and beauty. Hundreds of thousands of visitors stop by each year to tour the caverns or partake in one of their bat flight and star parties. It wasn’t until recently that an invisible threat was putting guests in danger.
With dozens of rooms for tourists to check out, one might assume that the most dangerous thing about the Carlsbad Caverns would be getting lost. However, that’s not the case. The caverns occasionally release poisonous gases, including radon, which has been linked to lung cancer. While these gases form in the depths of the cave, they occasionally reach the caverns, affecting anyone who is in them at the time.
Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming
Taking a trip to the hot springs at the Grand Prismatic Spring in Wyoming is entirely safe if warning signs and advice given by Park Rangers are obliged. Unfortunately, not everyone listens which has led to many injuries and over 20 deaths. Social media has only made it worse as the desire to get the perfect picture often causes tourists to neglect common sense.
All of those who have died at the Grand Prismatic Spring, unfortunately, fell into the boiling waters. Injuries occur more often than not when a visitor lets curiosity get the best of them. It’s not uncommon for tourists to test out the water temperatures by sticking their hand in, despite the warning signs not to do so. This results in severe burns that will put a quick end to anyone’s vacation.
Appalachian Trail, Tennessee
The average person takes between five and seven months to hike the entire Appalachian Trail. Certainly, some experience would be required to even attempt such a feat. However, even a day trip to these trails can turn out to be deadly. Experts say that getting lost on the Appalachian Trail would be the least of your problems if you chose to take on this dangerous natural trek.
What makes the area so dangerous are the viruses, parasites, and pathogens that are commonly contracted by visitors. If they get under your skin and into your bloodstream, the damage can be permanent and even deadly.