El Caminito del Rey (Malaga, Spain) ranks 2nd in 5-10 deaths | Photo: dziewul/shutterstock
The coastal mountain paths, where the sturdy summits meet the wild seas, offer spectacular views, but fatal. We ranked the top five most dangerous on the basis of death, danger, traffic and safety, defining “coast” as the steep roads that are within 50 miles of the ocean and “mountain” as high and steep roads.
1. Short Product (Naala East Coast Fast: Hawaii): This 22-mile trail along the Kauai cliffs has claimed more than 15 lives since the 1970s. It’s the most fatal as it lacks thin 300-foot drops, flash floods and guardrails. Permission is required, but rescues are done frequently.
2. – The King’s Kaminito (Malaga, Spain)Once “the most dangerous in the world” this 7.7-km canyon trail was a canyon 25 miles from the Mediterranean, killing 5-10 people before 2000. From 2015 onwards, guardrails and helmets guarantee zero deaths, but height is 350 feet tall and thrill.
3.-Mount Kinabalu (Saba, Malaysia): The 8.5 km climbs 30 miles from the South China Sea to 13,435 feet, 30 miles, and seven people were killed in the 2015 earthquake. The steep slabs and monsoons challenge hikers, but the guides help with safety.
4.-Tongariro Alpine Lossing (New Zealand): A volcanic trekking 30 miles from the Tasman Sea has killed two or three people since 2000 from falls and hypothermia. High traffic (100,000/year), scree increases risk.
5.- Lion’s Head (Cape Town, South Africa): This 3-mile Atlantic Coast climbing has resulted in 1-2 deaths. Windy cliffs and chain ladders test thousands of tests each week with minimal safety precautions.
Tip: Check the book permits, weather and wear sturdy boots for Kalalau and El Caminito. El Kaminito’s safety appeals to thrill seekers near Malaga, but Kalalau demands extreme caution.
