The Most Dangerous Mountains To Climb In The U.S.

There is little doubt that mountain climbing is one of the most dangerous sports only true thrill seekers should attempt. However, you need to be more than an adrenaline junkie if you want to properly climb mountains. The terrain, combined with the unpredictable weather and the skills of the climbers involved, make climbing a mountain an incredibly challenging activity to partake in. While Europe has its fair share of dangerous hikes, it is sobering to remember that some of the most dangerous mountains in the world are right here in the U.S.

From the woods of New England to the wilds of Alaska, American mountain ranges vary in size and geology. Some are covered from base to summit with greenery. Others are walls of sheer rock. There is friendly competition among hikers as to the trueness of a mountain based on how high it reaches. However, some of the most dangerous peaks don't actually reach all that high. 

The following list is a compilation of what we consider to be the most dangerous mountains to climb in the United States. Whether by nature or human error, several hundred lives have been claimed by these mountains. None of them, regardless of location or elevation, should be tackled lightly.

"Nature was here something savage and awful, though beautiful." Other than a few parking lots and established trails, very little about Mount Katahdin has changed since Henry David Thoreau wrote those words in the 1840s. Towering like a sentinel over the expansive North Maine Woods, Katahdin – meaning "Greatest Mountain" in Penobscot – is the most iconic peak in Maine.

Mount Katahdin holds the distinction of being the northern terminus of the longest hiking-only footpath in the world: the Appalachian Trail. At 5,270 feet, the mountain is high by New England standards and treacherously steep. The elevation gain towards the summit is roughly 4,000 feet. With virtually no tree cover (which is unusual for a New England mountain) the winds here can very easily make you lose your footing. 

Another important characteristic, as Thoreau noted, is that Katahdin is virtually all rock. The famous Knife's Edge trail is a perfect example of the mountain's difficulty. A term beginner hikers should know, a knife's edge is a thin trail that is exposed on both sides, leaving a hiker at the mercy of the elements and their own skills. A single slip-up could cost your life, as it has for many other hikers. According to the Bangor Daily News, more than 60 people have died climbing Katahdin since record-keeping began in the 1930s. It's not known how many lives were claimed beforehand, though we wager it's a high number.

There are quite a few factors that play into Mount Rainier being one of the most dangerous national parks in the United States. First off, Rainer itself is an active volcano! Granted, she hasn't erupted since 1450, but the fact that she could at any moment should be cause for concern to anyone climbing Rainier. Those who remember the eruption of Mount Saint Helens in 1980 understand the utter devastation volcanic activity can bring.

The second, and more immediately concerning danger, is the fact that the weather on Mount Rainier is notoriously unpredictable. Hikers should always remember that the temperature and weather conditions at the summit will never be the same as those at the base. On Mount Rainier, this is true in the extreme.

Snow, freezing winds, ice, rain, earthquakes, avalanches, and slippery footings have likely been the cause of the over 400 lives claimed on Mount Rainier since 1897. Approximately 125 of those deaths were climbing related, including, most recently, 80-year-old solo climber Dawes Eddy, who fell to his death in June of 2023, according to the National Park Service. At over 14,000 feet and as unpredictable as ever, the greatest caution must be taken when summiting Mount Rainier.

Author interjection, here. Speaking as a lifelong New Englander and New Hampshire resident, I must issue a warning. Anyone who underestimates the dangers of hiking Mount Washington is making an enormous mistake. This mountain, the tallest in New England standing at 6,288 feet, is a legend across the region. For 60 years, it maintained the record for highest wind speed ever recorded – 231 mph in 1934. However, Mount Washington has become infamous as a mountain many hikers start, but never quite reach the top. 

While they've never reached the same speed as in 1934, the winds of Mount Washington present a real danger. Arctic gusts hurtle across the mountainside, throwing hikers off-balance and creating drastic drops in temperature, sometimes reaching as low as minus 40 Fahrenheit. Many hikers have underestimated this severity and have frozen to death after becoming lost or trapped. This was almost the fate of Cole Matthes who, in February 2024, nearly died in a blizzard while attempting to summit the mountain, per NHPR. 

In total, around 150 people have died on Mount Washington. An average of 25 rescues are required on a yearly basis. Again, I would strongly advise anyone, especially those who underestimate New England peaks, not to make the kind of thoughtless mistakes that have the very real chance of resulting in death. Mount Washington is a peak that deserves both respect and fear.

Alaska is its own animal. By far the largest U.S. state by land area, and one of the least populated, Alaska is thought to be the last true wilderness left in North America. Known for its stunning glacial vistas, abundant wildlife, beautiful (but unforgiving) tundra, and one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, anyone who lives or adventures in Alaska needs to be made of stern stuff. Yet, only the most experienced and determined of climbers go anywhere near Mount Saint Elias.

Straddling the border between Alaska and Yukon Territory, Canada, Mount Saint Elias rises 18,008 feet into the air, making it the second highest peak in the United States. The thing about this mountain is that it is tricky to gauge. The remoteness, lack of a direct route to the summit, unpredictable weather, and steep, loose terrain has made Mount Saint Elias a prize among mountaineers, many of whom have not returned to share their experiences. In 2002, a group of climbers attempted to summit Saint Elias. As reported by the Tahoe Daily Tribune, two of the four never made it home.

As of this writing, only 43 known climbers have attempted Mount Saint Elias; 10 have been successful. This could well be considered an Everest-like summit, with a difficulty level that extends to maximum. Perhaps it is best to admire this peak from a distance.

Why are there so many active volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest? Blame plate-tectonics. Without going into too much detail, the pushing together of continental plates, which creates mountains in the first place, causes activity beneath the earth's crust and pushes it towards the surface in the form of volcanic eruptions. This is something to keep in mind should you consider to climb Oregon's Mount Hood.

Standing at over 11,000 feet, this active volcano in northern Oregon is considered a hazard even for those who don't climb it. Its activity has resulted in floods, landslides, and several other natural disasters over the years. Yet, it remains one of the most popular and most climbed mountains in the northwest.

Mount Hood holds a record of 130 people killed while attempting summit, 46 of which have been since 2002. Avalanches, rock falls, wind, snow, freezing temperatures, mudslides, and other factors all combine for one tricky mountain to climb. 

From this point onwards, our list will be zigzagging between three states: Colorado, California, and Alaska. Kicking things off in California is the iconic Half Dome. Located in Yosemite National Park – which should be on every outdoor lover's bucket list – Half Dome is one of a number of different mountains that require a permit to climb. Only 300 permitted hikers are allowed to summit Half Dome on a daily basis, and it is easy to see why.

Half Dome happens to be one of the most technically challenging (and most dangerous) climbs in the United States. This is due to the mountain's own geology. The summit is a steep rise of 400 feet of sheer rock, into which a steel and wire staircase have been hammered. Climbers must ascend single file, and at a leisurely pace, which isn't easy considering the grade, or the patience level of fellow hikers.

The 8,800 foot Half Dome does offer some truly astounding views of the surrounding park, as well as the rest of the Sierra Nevada range. However, a combination of wetness, climber fatigue, and impatience have led to a fair share of accidents on the trail. Half Dome has claimed approximately 60 hikers, the most recent of which was college student Grace Rohloff, as of this writing. According to SFGate, the 20-year-old slipped and fell 250 feet from one of the cable steps during a thunderstorm in August 2024. Vigilance, patience, sure footing, and a good deal of lucky timing are needed to successfully climb this peak.

In local parlance, Colorado's Longs Peak is known as a 14er. Rising over 14,000 feet, it makes for a considerable climbing challenge. While not the highest peak in the aptly named Rocky Mountain State, Longs Peak maintains a fearsome reputation. The danger lies in several factors, not the least of which is the fact that, as with Mount Washington, far too many climbers are not prepared to summit Longs Peak.

The main thing that hikers do not take into account is the drastic change in altitude. The average altitude in Colorado is 6,800 feet above sea level. Add to that the 5,000 feet worth of elevation gain on Longs Peak and you have a recipe for potential disaster. Altitude sickness and fatigue caused by the thinning air has resulted in several rescues of hikers who were not physically used to the higher altitudes. This is the reason Longs Peak is known as the 14er with the highest failure rate. 

According to the Denver Gazette, between 1915 and 2017, around 67 deaths were reported from falls associated with Longs Peak. Apart from the higher elevation, severe winter weather, thunderstorms, high winds, freezing temperatures, and rocky terrain make this already difficult climb all the more treacherous.

Remember how we compared Mount Saint Elias to Mount Everest? Well, the comparison is only fleeting when compared to Denali. The tallest and most legendary peak in the entire United States, Denali, formerly Mount McKinley, towers above the other mountains on this list at an impressive 20,310 feet. Saint Elias may be Everest-like, but Denali is the American equivalent.

With an astonishing elevation gain of nearly 18,000 feet, Denali is the type of mountain that should really only be tackled by experienced professional climbing teams. Winds commonly reach in excess of 100 mph, accelerating frostbite and potentially destroying camping and climbing equipment. Constant snow, subzero temperatures, frequent storms, and the extreme remoteness make Denali one mountain that should never be underestimated. The distance from any emergency services requires all climbers participating in a tour to have proper insurance.

According to Ultimate Kilimanjaro, Denali averages about 9 deaths per 100 successful summits. While that may not sound like a lot, the fact that climbing this mountain comes with a 9% chance that you could be killed while attempting a summit should be cause for concern. No, it's not the highest, or even the most dangerous mountain in the world. But, for our purposes, it is one of the most imposing peaks in America.

It can be tempting to think of Southern California solely in terms of beaches and deserts. Yet, to the east, the Sierra Nevada range rises high into the sky, creating a natural border between California and neighboring Nevada. Mount Whitney is a notable peak in this mountain range. Accessible and wildly popular among hikers, Mount Whitney sees around 30,000 every year. Only about 10,000 actually make the summit.

Standing at 14,505 feet, Mount Whitney makes for a formidable climb. Its rocky outcroppings and relatively exposed ridge make for difficult climbing, even in fair weather. However, Mount Whitney is known to be rather tempestuous when it comes to weather. Severe snow or thunderstorms are known to roll in, even during summer. High winds, rocky terrain, lightning storms, and altitude adjustments make for a difficult climb that should not be taken on a whim.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Whitney averages one to two climbing deaths per year. Given the amount of people who climb Whitney, the percentage is rather low, but still cause for concern. If you are not used to climbing these types of higher elevation mountains, it's best not to tackle Whitney until you gain some experience.

Another 14er located near the iconic mountain town of Aspen, Capitol Peak may well hold the title of being the single most dangerous mountain in Colorado. And yes, that statement can be taken at face value. Reported by Fox31, after a 10 year period starting in 2007, only 10 people were killed while climbing Capitol Peak — but five of those died in just six weeks in the summer of 2017. This was, and remains, an unprecedented amount of fatalities. But what is it about Capitol Peak that makes it so dangerous?

Like Mount Katahdin in Maine, Capitol Peak comes with a wicked knife's edge trail. This knife's edge is comparable: long, rocky, and at an incredibly high elevation. The intensely difficult terrain is exacerbated by the severe weather that can absolutely pummel this exposed ridge and knock hikers off balance.

Capitol Peak is also designated as a Class 3-4 climb, meaning that much of the rock surface is loose and needs to be climbed with extreme caution. Plus, the 5,000 feet of elevation gain can cause serious altitude sickness if hikers are not acclimated properly to the conditions. Even hikers with prior experience should be wary of Capitol Peak. Things can get nasty in a hurry on this 14er.

This is one mountain that catches a lot of people off guard. Located in Los Angeles county, California, Mount San Antonio's often snow-covered peaks are visible from virtually everything high rise in Los Angeles proper. It's because of this association with a city that is known to reach temperatures of well into the 80s during the summer that many think that the clothing they wore for a sunny stroll is appropriate to wear at San Antonio's summit. This is an incorrect assumption.

There is at least a 35 degree difference in temperature between the summit and base of San Antonio. At just over 10,000 feet, it is not the highest mountain in the region. Still, the fact that so many flight evacuations via helicopter occur here every year gives you an idea as to the mindset too many hikers have when approaching this peak.

Known locally as Mount Baldy, Outside reports that 10 people, including actor Julian Sands, have died on the mountain since 2020. 100 more have required rescue. Ice, wind chills, rolling storms, and loose terrain are some of the factors that make Mount San Antonio deceptively dangerous. Plus, 4,000 feet of elevation and extreme Alpine winter conditions make this one mountain that, while hikeable, should be approached with caution.

It seems appropriate to end things with Alaska's Mount Blackburn. Set among the boreal forest and tundra, temperatures at the summit of this 16,000-plus foot peak routinely reach below minus 40 Fahrenheit. As the highest peak in the Wrangell Range, Mount Blackburn, like its cousin Mount Saint Elias, has faced very few climbing attempts.

Less than 50 expeditions have been mounted since 1958. A steep, exposed ridge that has nearly 8,000 feet of vertical elevation gain is customarily covered in deep snow, pummeled with freezing winds, and at the mercy of powerful winter storms. As far as climbing is concerned, Blackburn is one of the most technically demanding there is. The last recorded deaths on the mountain were of two mountaineers in 1988. The few attempts made since are likely why the numbers are so low.

The difficulty level of these peaks certainly varies. Indeed, many of them are climbed by thousands of people every year. This does not mean, however, that they are not dangerous. Please, if you are looking to climb any of these mountains, do your research, prepare, and be careful.