Yellowstone, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
As one of the most beautiful areas of the country, Yellowstone National Park attracts tourists from all over the world. Well-known for its wild terrain and ample hot springs, the park can also be dangerous for visitors. Taking on Yellowstone is no walk in the park and going there unprepared can prove to be deadly.
There is no one specific area in Yellowstone National Park that causes injuries or death, as it’s multiple things that are the issue. Since the park sits on a supervolcano, boiling geysers and hot springs are commonly found by tourists. Those who ignore the warning signs may end up severely burned or boiled to death. Other injuries occur when visitors slip on the steep hiking trails, fall while mountain climbing, or drown in one of the many water holes.
Great Dunes National Park, Colorado
Known for its picturesque sand dunes and hiking trails, the weather at Great Dunes National Park in Colorado varies greatly depending on the time of the year. When it’s warm, however, the sand can reach temperatures of more than 150 degrees Fahrenheit making it unbearable to walk on. Those who dare risk melting their shoes, severe burns, dehydration, and heatstroke. That’s not the only danger that this park possesses though.
Those who can stand the heat and dare to hike the park’s trails have a few more hazards to look out for. Inexperienced hikers have fallen victim to quicksand and pitfalls along the paths, unfortunately losing their lives. As one of the hottest places in the world, it’s not the ideal tourist destination for everyone.
Half Dome, California
The Half Dome can be found in Yosemite National Park and has some of the most intense hiking trails in the world. If you enjoy hikes that can take over 10 hours each way and require some serious climbing equipment, then this might just be a tourist attraction for you. Trails have cable wires running throughout to lend hikers a hand, but they’re hardly capable of saving lives.
More than 60 people have fallen to their deaths after slipping on the trail, but that hasn’t deterred tourists from giving it a go. The Half Dome welcomes millions of visitors each year, many who choose to tackle its deadly trails. Those who’ve lived to tell the tale say the views are well worth the risk!
Corbet's Couloir, Wyoming
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort attracts some of the best skiers in the world, all who wish to take on Corbet's Couloir. As one of the most dangerous ski slopes in the world, being able to tackle it is certainly a major feat. However, not all who attempt to make it down this slope are experienced enough to get to the bottom safely.
In addition to it being incredibly steep, Corbet’s Couloir is littered with obstacles like trees, boulders, and sharp turns. Over the years it has earned the reputation of America’s scariest ski slope, and rightfully so! While no one has died attempting to get down the slope yet, there have been countless blown-out knees, broken bones, and fractures. It’s so dangerous, in fact, that skiers require permission from the Ski Patrol to attempt it.
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.