Kauai, Hawaii
The gorgeous island of Kauai, Hawaii offers picturesque views of tropical rainforests and dramatic cliffs. It’s these reasons that tourists come from all over the world to spend time on the island, but not all of them get to leave. The waters off the coasts of Kauai are known for its strong currents and dangerous riptides, leading to many deaths over the years.
While tourists are strongly advised to stay out of the water, they don’t always listen or understand the warning signs. Large waves can easily sweep someone out to sea or even send them hurling towards nearby rocks. The ocean’s unpredictable ways have led to many injuries and deaths, discouraging even local swimmers from taking the risk.
NASCAR Speedways, U.S.A.
NASCAR attracts fans from all over the country, making their speedways a popular stop for both tourists and locals alike. With over two dozen tracks in the United States and even some in Canada, racing events draw in thousands of spectators each year. Few know, however, that it’s not just the drivers who are risking injury during a race.
Over the years, there have been 47 spectator deaths and far more audience injuries at NASCAR races. Considering the entire sport is based on driving vehicles at unthinkable speeds until ultimately they either crash or cross the finish line, it should come as no surprise. More often than not, this occurred after the safety fences failed and people got hit with debris from an accident. Better than an entire car driving into the stands! However, that happens from time to time as well.
Dalton Highway, Alaska
Dalton Highway is a 414-mile stretch in Alaska that is not only known for its spectacular views but also its winding roads and steep drop-offs. Also known as “Haul Road,” local businesses take advantage of the largely unpaved road to transport heavy loads. As one of the most dangerous highways in the country, most car rental companies don’t allow visitors to drive on it in their vehicles, as they know there’s a slim chance they’ll get their vehicle back in one piece.
In addition to sharp turns, what makes the highway so dangerous is how isolated it is. If there was an accident, it could be days before someone came across it. They have helicopters scoping out the area once a day for just this reason, but Alaska’s harsh weather conditions can make this difficult. From temperatures that drop to -80 degrees, powerful wind tunnels, roaming wild animals, and frequent whiteouts, it’s certainly not the kind of highway you want to get stuck on.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is a popular park in San Francisco, boasting views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists, as on top of offering spectacular views, it’s a great location for swimming, sunbathing, fishing and more. What makes the area so dangerous are the tumultuous currents and strong rip tides.
Visitors don’t expect the waters to be so rough, leading to an average of 85 deaths per year. Standing on nearby rocks doesn’t keep tourists safe either, as the waves are known to be large enough to sweep bystanders out to sea. In only takes a moment for things to turn deadly at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area park!
The Maze, Utah
They don’t call this popular tourist spot 'The Maze' for no reason. As the least accessible district of Canyonlands, it should come as no surprise that it’s more than forty miles away from civilization and takes at least a few days to complete. Visitors require all of the right hiking equipment and enough experience before they can even get near the area.
What makes this trail so dangerous is its remote location, rough terrain, and maze-like surroundings. Even the most seasoned hikers have trouble getting through 'The Maze' without getting lost. You won’t be able to use your GPS to find your way out of this one!