Wyoming’s Most Dangerous Hiking Trails: The Trails That Could Be Your Last

As someone who’s spent more nights sleeping under the stars than in a bed, I’ve learned that the wilderness is both beautiful and brutal. Wyoming’s terrain, with its sweeping mountain ranges, deep canyons, and wide-open plains, is not for the faint-hearted. When you head into the backcountry, you’re stepping into a world where nature doesn’t play by human rules. Whether it’s unpredictable weather, dangerous wildlife, or sheer physical exhaustion, the risk is real. Hiking in Wyoming can be an exhilarating experience—one that’s full of challenges that will push you to your limits, mentally and physically.

Wyoming Hiking Trails: Wyoming Hiking Trails

For those of us who take survival seriously, preparation is key. Knowing your environment, understanding the risks, and having the right gear are all part of the equation. But even the best-prepared hiker can find themselves in over their head on some of Wyoming’s more treacherous trails. In this article, I’m going to take you through the most dangerous trails in Wyoming, the ones where it’s not just about a challenging hike but where a single misstep could be your last.

1. Death Canyon Trail (Grand Teton National Park)

Named appropriately, Death Canyon is one of the most notorious hikes in Wyoming. While it offers stunning views of the Teton Range, the terrain is unforgiving. With sheer drops, loose rock, and treacherous crossings, this trail demands absolute focus. The weather can turn unexpectedly, and snowfields linger even in summer, creating icy conditions that can lead to serious falls. The high altitude can leave hikers breathless, and if you’re not in peak physical condition, this is one trail that might send you to the hospital or worse.

2. Mount Gannett (Wind River Range)

If you’re looking for an intense challenge, Mount Gannett in the Wind River Range is the real deal. It’s a high-altitude peak that requires technical climbing skills to summit. The route involves glacier crossings, crevasses, and the constant threat of rockfall. You also have to be prepared for extreme weather that can change in the blink of an eye. The lack of marked trails and the danger posed by the unstable rock make this mountain one of Wyoming’s deadliest hikes.

3. Paintbrush Canyon to Cascade Canyon (Grand Teton National Park)

This is a rugged and steep hike that takes you through some of Wyoming’s most jaw-dropping scenery, but the dangers here are serious. The trail is narrow, rocky, and exposed. In the summer months, snowfields still linger at higher elevations, making footing slick and hazardous. The cliffs and drop-offs demand complete focus, and any slip here could send you plummeting into the abyss below. The high altitude also poses a danger, especially if you’re not accustomed to hiking at this level.

4. Devil’s Tower Trail (Devil’s Tower National Monument)

Known for its sheer cliffs and geological marvel, Devil’s Tower offers both a visually stunning experience and a dangerous one. The steep incline and loose rock along the trail can make the hike treacherous. The real risk lies in the sudden, violent storms that can roll in over the prairie and catch hikers off guard. The trail also leads into areas with rattlesnakes, so you’ll want to stay alert at all times.

5. Granite Peak (Wind River Range)

Granite Peak isn’t just dangerous because of its steep inclines and technical challenges. It’s an extremely remote location, meaning help could be a long time coming if something goes wrong. The peak itself is one of the most challenging summits in Wyoming, with vertical rock faces and long, grueling days that test your endurance. High-altitude weather can be brutally cold, even in summer, and unpredictable lightning storms make the peak even more lethal.

6. Tombstone Mountain (Wind River Range)

Tombstone Mountain has a reputation for causing trouble among even the most experienced hikers. The route requires multiple passes through loose rock, steep ascents, and narrow ridgelines. The danger is in the combination of the terrain and the unpredictability of Wyoming’s weather. Hikers have been caught in sudden snowstorms, and the mountain is known for offering no easy escape if the weather turns. Many hikers get lost or injured because of the lack of clear markers, adding to the risk factor.

7. Avalanche Canyon (Grand Teton National Park)

This treacherous route in Grand Teton National Park is notorious for its risk of avalanche, especially in early spring. Even in summer, hikers face the danger of falling rocks, steep cliffs, and unpredictable weather. The terrain can be slippery, and the steepness of the canyon increases the likelihood of serious injury if you slip. The entire route demands complete concentration, and a single misstep could be deadly.

8. Snowy Range Trail (Medicine Bow National Forest)

Located in southern Wyoming, the Snowy Range Trail offers some of the most beautiful mountain scenery, but also some of the most dangerous conditions. The path is often icy well into the summer, and sudden snowstorms can make navigation nearly impossible. The terrain can be rocky and unstable, and altitude sickness is a serious threat at the higher elevations. This trail isn’t for the beginner; even seasoned hikers need to be prepared for changing conditions and physical challenges.

9. The Cirque of the Towers (Wind River Range)

The Cirque of the Towers is one of the most awe-inspiring spots in Wyoming, but it also poses a major threat to those who venture here. It’s a popular route for experienced climbers and hikers, but the mix of high-altitude terrain, sharp rock, and the potential for sudden storms creates the perfect recipe for disaster. There’s a real danger of hypothermia, dehydration, and rockfalls along this trail, especially if you aren’t prepared for the harsh conditions.

10. Shoshone Lake Trail (Yellowstone National Park)

While not as difficult as some of the other trails on this list, the Shoshone Lake Trail can be incredibly dangerous due to the wildlife in the area. Bears and wolves roam freely, and while encounters are rare, they do happen. The trail itself is often muddy and slick, with long stretches of exposed terrain. The danger here lies in the isolation of the area—help is a long way off if things go wrong.

11. South Pass to Atlantic City (Wind River Range)

This historic route is more than just a hike—it’s a wilderness survival test. The South Pass to Atlantic City Trail is an old pioneer route that follows some of the most difficult terrain in the state. Hikers are exposed to the elements and must deal with unpredictable conditions, from thunderstorms to snowstorms. The rugged trail is also difficult to follow, which adds to the danger of getting lost.

12. Boulder Lake Trail (Wind River Range)

Another treacherous hike in the Wind River Range, the Boulder Lake Trail is known for its dangerous terrain and remoteness. Hikers have to contend with steep inclines, unstable rock, and high-altitude challenges. If you get caught in bad weather, you’ll be in a real fight for survival. The lack of cell service means help isn’t readily available, and navigating the rugged backcountry is a serious test of your survival skills.

13. Highline Trail (Bridger-Teton National Forest)

The Highline Trail is one of the most beautiful and dangerous in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The trail cuts through steep ridges and exposes hikers to the threat of falling rocks. The high-altitude terrain means that a misstep could send you tumbling hundreds of feet, and the weather can shift quickly. You need experience with navigating dangerous terrain to tackle this one safely.

14. Lost Lake Trail (Bridger-Teton National Forest)

This trail is a hidden gem in Wyoming but comes with serious risks. The trail itself is rocky, steep, and often overgrown, making it easy to get lost. It’s also known for flash floods and the sudden, intense weather that frequently rolls in. The risks of getting stuck in an unprotected area when a storm hits cannot be overstated.

15. The Butte Trail (Sweetwater County)

The Butte Trail offers a less-known but equally deadly hiking route. This trail is exposed to the elements, and flash floods can quickly turn what seems like a safe hike into a life-threatening situation. The terrain is rugged, and there’s no shade for miles, meaning heat exhaustion is a very real concern. If you’re not familiar with desert survival tactics, this trail might end up being your last.

16. Wilson Peak (Teton Range)

Wilson Peak, while rewarding for experienced hikers, is not one to take lightly. The terrain is extremely steep, with technical rock climbs required to reach the summit. You’ll need a helmet to avoid rockfalls and a solid knowledge of alpine hiking and climbing techniques. The weather can turn quickly, and the risk of getting trapped in cold conditions is high.

17. Fremont Peak (Wind River Range)

Fremont Peak is one of Wyoming’s tallest mountains and one of its most dangerous to summit. It requires technical climbing and traversing dangerous snow and ice fields. Even during the summer months, sudden cold fronts can cause temperatures to drop dangerously low. This trail is reserved for experienced hikers and climbers who understand the risks involved.

18. Gros Ventre Wilderness Trail (Gros Ventre Wilderness)

This trail is one of the most rugged in the state, with unpredictable weather and dangerous wildlife. The area is home to grizzly bears, wolves, and cougars, which makes it a high-risk location for a hiker. In addition to the wildlife, the trail is known for its steep inclines, rockfalls, and the possibility of flash floods.

19. Miracle Mile (Wind River Range)

Known for its remote location, the Miracle Mile Trail is a dangerous trek due to its exposure and lack of obvious markers. Hikers need to be well-prepared to navigate this trail, as weather can turn deadly quickly. This trail has claimed the lives of hikers who were caught unprepared.

20. Snake River Canyon (Jackson Hole)

This dramatic canyon offers stunning views but is extremely dangerous. The steep drop-offs and challenging terrain mean that hikers need to be on their toes at all times. It’s easy to get lost in the maze of canyons, and if you’re not careful, you might find yourself caught in an avalanche or flash flood.

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Conclusion

While these trails might offer some of the most awe-inspiring views and experiences in Wyoming, they also carry a heavy price. Many of Wyoming’s most dangerous hikes are not just physically challenging; they are also life-threatening in ways that demand respect and caution. If you choose to hike these trails, make sure you’re prepared for everything the wilderness can throw at you. Always carry a survival kit, know your route, and leave a detailed plan with someone you trust. And above all, trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, turn back. The wilderness is unforgiving, but with the right knowledge and respect, you can enjoy its beauty safely. Stay sharp out there.