The World’s Most Dangerous Roads

99-Bend Road to Heaven, China

Image Source/ Dangerous RoadsThis little section of the Tianmen Mountain National Park in China is jam-packed with steep cliffs and bends built 3,800 feet in the air. The elevation, the curves, and the complete lack of anything to prevent you from falling to your death make 99-Bend Road one of the world's most perilous roads.

Atlantic Road, Norway

Image Source/ Culture TripDon't be fooled by the picturesque appearance of this winding thread of coastal concrete.  Due to the abrupt bends, curves, and twists, driving along it will give you the impression that you are on an amusement park rollercoaster. Vision may vanish quickly in poor weather, which is common in this part of the world. Then there are the enormous, roaring water walls that frequently break over the road's barricades.

Bayburt-of Road D915, Turkey

Image Source/ KAMA3This route is in Black Sea region and is extreme because there are no guardrails to keep you from a plunge. Only experienced drivers should drive here, but the photographic potential is rewarding. Derebaş Turns is its most recognisable section. In under three miles with a high slope of up to 10%, it features 13 hairpin turns that will have you rising from 5,617 feet above sea level to 6,677 feet above sea level.

BR-116 (“Rodovia da Morte”), Brazil

Image Source/ Viagens e CaminhosThis 2,790-mile highway, which runs from Fortaleza in the north of the country to the southeast corner at the Uruguayan border, is the second-longest in Brazil. While it is entirely surfaced, most of BR-116 is in disrepair.  Major accidents are caused by unstable weather and cliffs, and because the Highway of Death runs through some of Brazil's poorest regions, it attracts gangs.

Butcher of the Extreme, France

Image Source/ Dangerous RoadsThere are other different logging roads around the world, some of which are unpaved and some of which are only wildlife tracks. In any case, if driving on this route is any indicator of what this line of work involves, then the logging truckers undoubtedly deserve compensation for their risky duty!

Canning Stock Route, Australia

Image Source/ RACThere aren't many sights along this route, for sure.  You'll need three weeks to complete this 1,150-mile route in Western Australia, which is considered the world's most isolated road. The intense heat makes it nearly difficult to complete the road trip during the summer, and drivers are encouraged to travel in convoys of several vehicles.

Col du Chaussy, France

Image Source/ Dangerous RoadsLocated in the Rhône-Alpes area of southeast France is a high mountain pass. It is 5,029 feet above sea level. Only roughly 2 miles long, this treacherous road has 17 hairpin twists as you ascend a cliff. As you zigzag uphill, there is a little concrete barrier, and while being beautiful, the route is undeniably among the world's most hazardous.

Commonwealth Avenue, Philippines

Image Source/ MediumThis route isn't positioned next to a collapsing bridge or poised on the brink of a mountain like some of the other roads and highways on this list. Instead, it's a 7.5-mile-long, 18 lane wide urban roadway nicknamed "Killer Highway" because of the huge amount of accidents and fatalities that occur, as well as the poor drainage that causes flooding on the avenue.

Cotahuasi Canyon Road, Peru

Image Source/ ALPAMAYO PERUNear the city of Arequipa, the Pan American Highway is where the Cotahuasi Canyon Road begins. A bus ride takes 10 to 12 hours on the highway. Only four-wheel drive vehicles should be driven on this bumpy and treacherous section of road since it is unpaved and highly dangerous beyond Chuquibamba.

Dalton Highway, Alaska

Image Source/ The New York TimesThis freezing sliver of road, one of the most remote in the world, was constructed in 1974 as a supply route for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. There are only three settlements along the 666-kilometer road, one of which is called Deadhorse, so you'll need to have lots of supplies if you attempt it.

Fairy Meadows Road, Pakistan

Image Source/ Dangerous RoadsThis route, which starts at the Karakoram Highway and goes to the settlement of Tato, may only be 10 miles long, but it is incredibly terrifying. Unpaved and poorly maintained, the path is only about the width of a Jeep Wrangler. Instead of guardrails, there is a multi-thousand-meter drop to a valley below. The route includes several terrifyingly high stretches since the roadway ascends over 8,000 feet quickly.

Federal Highway 1, Mexico

Image Source/ Passports SymphonyThis Mexican Highway is a true nightmare due to its winding roadways, dramatic drops into the sea, and reckless drivers that are constantly in a hurry. The route also has several blind curves, which makes the high accident rate even worse. Also, to make matters much worse, six Mexican states don't require any examinations to obtain a driver's licence.

Guoliang Tunnel, China

Image Source/ RedditThis tunnel, which is 3/4 miles long, has an entrance that is just 16 feet tall and 13 feet wide. Thirteen people built it in 1977, but it took five years to complete since some villagers lost their lives while working on it. There are 30 rock "windows" that have been chiselled, however we don't suggest stopping to take a picture.

Kahekili Highway, Hawaii

Image Source/ The Van EscapeThis 20-mile, one-lane road is bordered on one side by mountain peaks and on the other by abrupt cliff drops. For anxious drivers travelling from Kapalua to Wailuku, it is equally beautiful and scary. The infamous Kahekili Highway is well-known for its winding curves and confined spaces.

Karakoram Highway, between China and Pakistan

Image Source/ China DailyThe Karakoram Highway, which links China and Pakistan, is the world's highest main road and sits at 15,400 feet above sea level. A total of 82 people lost their lives while working on the project, the majority of which were caused by rockslides, which are still a constant danger.

Karnali Highway, Nepal

Image Source/ IdealAround 50 people die each year on the 155-mile Karnali Highway in West Nepal's Himalayas. Even when it's not monsoon season, this road is among the most hazardous in the world due to its highly dusty surface which reduces sight, narrow portions, landslides, falling boulders, flooded areas, potholes, enormous drops from steep cliffs, and severe bumpiness.

Killar to Pangi Road via Kishtwar, India

Image Source/ Travel the HimalayasOnly those with steely nerves and a love of driving in the highlands should attempt this nerve-racking road. This rough, gravelly route is around 70 miles long and is particularly dangerous in a six-mile section where rocky overhangs seem ripe for the taking.

Kolyma Highway and Lena Highway, Russia

Image Source/ EurasiaOverlandSiberia is usually difficult to cross. This Siberian route from Magadan to Never, known as the "Road of Bones," twists through one of the world's most freezing zones. It is made up of the R504 Kolyma Highway and the A360 Lena Highway, two roadways that share the same risks (though the R504 is better maintained).

Le Passage du Gois, France

Image Source/ Florian Pépellin CC by SA 3.0The government only allows access to Le Passage du Gois for a short period of time each day because it is extremely hazardous.  This route remains submerged in water for the duration of the day. The tunnel, which connects the island of Ille de Noirmoutier to the mainland, lacks any safeguards for the cars because the route is frequently under water.

Los Caracoles Pass, Chile

Image Source/ Planet RideThere are several steep, disorienting turns mixed with blind corners every few hundred metres along the Los Caracoles Pass. Even worse, the route is situated at a height of 3,176 metres and has no safety barriers as all. Buses carrying tourists and several people still utilise the route, with the exception of the winter when it is totally covered in snow.

North Yungas Highway, Bolivia

Image Source/ Adventure HowStuffWorksUnbelievably, this winding path that clings to the side of a Bolivian mountain was originally the major access point to La Paz, the nation's capital and the highest city in the world. The countless shrines in memory of victims who died here are very unsettling.

Pasubio Road, Italy

Image Source/ Italy MagazineThe Government has attempted to close Pasubio, a historic route, multiple times. However, the locals aren't ready to give it up. The 52 hand-carved tunnels you'll see along the journey are what make this road so renowned, combined with some of the most breath-taking vistas of the Alps. It goes without saying that driving here demands extreme caution.

Pokhara to Jomsom to Mujtinath Road, Nepal

Image Source/ Travel LexxThe Gandaki River flows through three of the highest peaks in the world - Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna I - and is followed by this picturesque but deadly Himalayan highway. The scenery on this route is nothing short of breath-taking and is definitely worth a photo.

Ring Road, Kabul to Kandahar

Image Source/ WikiwandThe Ring Road, which runs 1,400 miles across the heart of Afghanistan, connects Kabul to Kandahar. Although this part of the ring road is usable, it has several deep potholes from improvised explosive devices and drone attacks during the 20 years that the US military ruled the nation.

Sichuan-Tibet Highway, China

Image Source/ Dangerous RoadsMixing the threat of rock slides, mudslides, and avalanches, with treacherous switchbacks on cliff faces and twisting through peaks, you get the 1,330-mile Sichuan-Tibet route that connects China with Tibet. The fatality rate on this route, which was built over three miles above sea level in the early 1950s and passes by Buddhist monasteries and herds of yaks, is startling, with 75 of every 1,000 people dying on it.

Skippers Canyon Road, New Zealand

Image Source/ Stuff.co.nzSince it was cut into the side of a New Zealand mountain 140 years ago, this uneven road is now so hazardous that it isn't covered by typical driver's insurance. If you run into another car, you'll probably have to go backward for up to two miles before you can locate a passing place.

Taroko Gorge Road, Taiwan

Image Source/ Arnold ClarkTaroko Gorge Road is one of the world's most hazardous highways since it is fashioned out of a mountain and also passes through one.  Thanks to the magnificence of this almost 12-mile stretch of road in Taiwan, you can anticipate a flood of tour buses, vehicles, scooters, bikers, and walkers who are all attempting to navigate the same congested roadway's scary turns and blind corners.

Tizi-n-Test, Morocco

Image Source/ TripAdvisorThe Tizi-n-Test is a small, meandering route clinging to the side of Morocco's Atlas Mountains. It's recommended to avoid if you have vertigo because of the sheer slopes, and local drivers have a reputation for driving dangerously fast while disobeying international traffic laws. It should only be done in the daylight because there are no barriers, and in the winter landslides and avalanches happen virtually every day.

Trollstigen, Norway

Image Source/ Life in NorwayThe Trollstigen Road appears to be the results of a child's drawing at a bird's-eye view, yet it is a real road. The Troll Ladder is the name given to it by the locals. The route is filled with sharp cliffs and twisting turns, and the winter months, when big sections of the road become frozen, make it considerably worse.

Zojila Pass, India

Image Source/ Tour My IndiaThis Himalayan highway, which is 5.6 miles long and 11,500 feet above sea level, connects Kashmir with Ladakh. Due to the uneven road surface and since this route is particularly challenging in the winter months due to wind, snow, and rain, it is only genuinely suitable for off-road vehicles.

How about some of the most dangerous hiking trails in the world? Mount Huashan, China

image source: wiredforadventure.com

We don't even know if this can be considered a hiking trail as it's basically just planks of wood going up the side of the mountain that is supposed to function as a ladder - but that terrifying idea definitely hasn't deterred the walkers who try to make this 'hike' to tick off their bucket lists! The trail originally was for local people to get to the temples, which is why it's definitely not built for tourists looking for sight seeing. But if you were to look... probably best not to look down. These wooden planks are seriously narrow and sometimes just small holes to place your feet or grab hold onto.

El Caminito Del Rey, Spain

image source: blog.fuertehoteles.com

If this picture alone isn't enough to deter you, then the fact that it wasn't originally open to the public or hikers might do. This pathway was originally built as a way for workers to get to the hydroelectric plant, but then it became an open path for walkers who wanted to risk it and take the hike! It's definitely one people take if they want an adrenaline rush rather than a relaxing hike, and you definitely don't want to look down while you're doing it - not that you have much choice because the track is so narrow and there are gaps between the boards...

Angel's Landing, Utah

image source: theworldtravelguy.com

The name of this particular trail is quite a mix of emotions, seeing as it sounds like something quite inviting with 'angel' conjuring up positive images, but it gets a bit more dark when you find out that people have actually fallen over the edge to their deaths. The course of this hike doesn't have anything preventing people from slipping and falling over the side, and the dangerous height is enough to let you know you have an unlikely chance of surviving. While this walk is actually just a short distance, it's more the fact of what can go wrong during that short distance...

Drakensberg Traverse, South Africa

image source: hikingsouthafrica.com

This is beyond expert walking level, because it can't even be considered walking - more like clambering for your life. Any trail that starts off with a near vertical chain rope is enough to tell you what to expect from this one. And it doesn't even start out flat while eventually getting higher and higher - these chain ropes are the first thing you're faced with, and it doesn't get any easier after that, either. Rather than a standard hiking trail, you'll be expected to scramble up rocks and navigate rough trails that haven't been designed for human feet.

Maroon Bells South Ridge, Colorado

image source: 14ers.com

This trail in Colorado does actually offer a number of different routes you can take up this mountain, but that doesn't mean that some of them are better than others. All of them are dangerous, and all of them are difficult. When you're standing at base level looking at it, you might think it looks easier than it actually is. But when you're walking any of these trails, you'll need to know ahead of time just how dangerous, steep and curvy this walk is going to be, because you need to prepare yourself for that. The trail is going to be crumbling rock that can shift under your feet at any moment.

Via Ferrata, Italy/Austria

image source: euronews.com

A via ferrata is known as a way for hikers and climbers to get through a particular route, usually with harnesses, ladders or anything else fixed to the rock or mountain face. This particular one through Italy and Austria is one of the most dangerous in the world. It's not so much a hiking trail as just a way to hang in mid air and be terrified for your life. The good thing about this 'trail' is that it is well looked after so you can feel more confident about using it - but that doesn't mean it's going to be easy, and you actually have to grip onto the side of the mountain face to make it around.

Rover's Run Trail, Alaska

image source: anchoragedailynews.com

There's one particular danger about this trail, and it's not actually the level of difficulty of the trail itself, or the terrain. If it wasn't for the fact that there are a ton of brown bears wandering about, you'd probably enjoy this trail at a leisurely pace. Bears on this trail are known to be aggressive, and especially when protecting their young, and it's never certain whether you'd end up facing one or not on this trail. All you can do is look out for the danger signs posted which are usually updated with the latest on sightings or - worse - accidents that have happened.

The Canyonlands Maze, Utah

image source: insidersutah.com

The fact that this is a maze should be enough to put you off - even a small maze in a safe area like a fairground or the local park is enough to see you get lost and not be able to find your way back, so imagine a maze out in the wild in a canyon filled with death. You need to know exactly where you're going with this one, to have any hope of making it back, and all the time you're trying not to get lost, you're also faced with potential rockfalls that could hit you, as well as the reality that this spot is prone to flash floods.

Stairs of Death, Peru

image source: ticketmachupicchu.com

We all know that must-do travel destination of Machu Picchu in Peru, and these are actually the steps you're going to have to traverse if you want to make it to the ancient city - which a lot of people forget about, or don't even know before they go. This hiking route is known as the Inca Trail which leads to the city, and it's made up of rough granite steps that are steep and mismatched - not to mention the amount of people trying to pass each other on it. As well as being a seriously challenging climb, some people have actually died trying to climb it.

Mount Washington, New Hampshire

image source: newhampshiremagazine.com

Mount Washington is a mountain that most hikers and climbers will have on their 'must-do' list, and the thing about this particular mountain is that its deceptively small. Because it's low in height and nowhere near the tallest climb in the world, people misunderstand how dangerous it can actually be. Some people have died trying to climb this small peak, and one of the main dangers is bad weather that can come out of nowhere when you're up at height, including storms and winds that can easily sweep you off. It's even nicknamed "home of the world's worst weather".

Taghia Rock Wall, Morocco

image source: touchstoneclimbing.com

If it's called a 'rock wall', it's pretty clear where we're going to go with this one! If for some reason the idea of a hiking trail that's basically a wall in the side of a rock mountain is your idea of a good time, then maybe you'll want to try this one (at your own risk). This isn't really one for someone afraid of heights, with a sheer drop you can see beneath the 'path'.

Cascade Saddle, New Zealand

image source: stokedforsaturday.com

New Zealand is one of the number one spots in the world for amazing hikes, but that also includes some seriously dangerous one. Cascade Saddle in particular is one that results in absolutely stunning views - but you have to work for it! To reach this spot, you have to commit a whopping four day hike, and that includes unstable ground and the potential of death.

Devil's Path, New York

image source: mountain-hiking.com

The one good thing about certain dangerous hiking trails is that they're usually named as a hint - Devil's Path is no different. This hiking trail is one of the ones that are a little higher up, therefore more dangerous, and this one includes rock scrambling that you'll definitely need to be experienced to even attempt because it's deceptively difficult.

Aonach Ridge, Scotland

image source: visitscotland.com

When something is called a 'ridge', you know it's going to be pretty dangerous - and pretty high. This one in Scotland - which is home to stunning (and much safer) hikes - is located in the Highlands, and you need some serious climbing skills to have any hope of getting to the top. You'll also be faced with potential bad weather that can change at a moment's notice.

GR 20, Corsica

image source: hikingblog.com

Known as one of the 'great hike' trails through Europe, this one located on the island of Corsica in France is one of the most dangerous. One of the main threats of this hiking trail is the everchanging weather, and while the climb up is difficult enough, it's the climb back down that's the most scary. You need cables and the right equipment to have any hope of getting back down.

Kalalau Cliffside Trail, Hawaii

image source: backpackers-review.com

Trails located on cliffsides can be some of the most exciting with the most spectacular views - if it's not a sheer drop and you're at a safe distance. For this trail in Hawaii, you're faced with a very unsteady ground on the edge of the cliff, and a trip or injury is often very likely if you're not careful with your footing - not to mention the potential to fall right over the edge.

Kokoda Trail, Papua New Guinea

image source: intrepidtravel.com

When you look at this picture, you might wonder what's so dangerous about it when you only see a lush green hiking route. The dangers of this route lie with the changing weather and the dangers you face in terms of changing temperatures. People walking this route - which absolutely needs a guide to navigate the greenery and forests - will be subject to freezing temperatures at night, extreme heat during the day and the prospect of malaria.

Pacaya Volcano Trail, Guatemala

image source: viator.com

Anything that's a trail around a volcano tells you all you need to know! While you might think it's a good thing you're allowed to hike over it - must be safe, right? - the truth is, you're not allowed! This trail has now been closed off but some determined hikers still manage to get through. This is still an active volcano, and the ground being hot ash is likely to not provide very stable footing...

Yosemite's Half Dome, California

image source: wikipedia.org

Yosemite in California is known for some amazing hikes and climbs, and while this one is very popular, it's very dangerous - and extremely challenging. You'll be faced with a very demanding climb up, as well as down, meaning beginners are going to be in serious trouble. You have to hook yourself onto the cable provided to have any chance of getting up.

Striding Edge, UK

image source: mountainjourneys.com

Striding Edge? More like 'don't look over the edge'. This one of the most challenging climbs you'll find in the Lake District of the United Kingdom. This hike sees an extremely narrow trail on the top of a mountain, so as you can imagine... it's high up, and it's scary. You need really good balance to have any hope of getting across, and you also need to be careful of slippery terrain after wet weather (which is likely).