Comments on: Backpacker Magazine’s 10 Most Dangerous Hikes

By: John Soares

John Soares — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:27:32 +0000

I’m always very careful on these high-danger hikes and I strongly encourage everybody to be fully prepared and trained for what they are doing.

Thanks for the beer offer, Scott. Might take you up on it someday!

By: Scott East, RN

Scott East, RN — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 06:42:55 +0000

After watching a SAR helo medivac a hiker from Clouds’ Rest next to Half Dome today, I would have to say that Half Dome and the surrounding trails can be misleading with respect to their beauty. Unlike Tim, I don’t take any trail for granted. Maybe it’s because I’ve had some basic climbing experience and I’ve seen how quickly something ‘easy’ can go wrong. I know that I took great precaution when I took up my oldest daughter (11 then) last year, and it paid off with many hikers asking us where we got the extra gear validating our preparation. I’m not brilliant or studly (like SuperTIM), I just take prepare when possible. Yup, thousands hike Half Dome every year and every year people (plural) die on the trail. By the way, the SAR member who I spoke with said he wasn’t sure she made it.
When you make the hike John, I’ll buy you a Blue Moon (the unofficial Half Dome beer).

By: John Soares

John Soares — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 23:16:59 +0000

Wow, WJ, seven out of ten is quite impressive. I agree with what you say about danger and how to deal with it.

By: wjmacdonough

wjmacdonough — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 23:06:50 +0000

I’ve been to 7 of the 10, several multiple visits at various seasons. As with everything that is remote, beautiful and stunning there is an inherent exhileration of place when one needs to be focused, committed and prepared. Dangerous?….no! Each event has its own precurser warnings that if heeded will enhance the experience. Listening to all your sensory is a vital knowledge base that can not be ignored.

By: John Soares

John Soares — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 01:54:14 +0000

Some trails are more dangerous to some people, especially those trails where a slip in the wrong place can lead to a fatal fall.

And as you point out, some people don’t prepare for the weather and terrain, and that’s what gets them in trouble.

By: Tim

Tim — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:38:54 +0000

I hiked the Mist Trail to the top once. It is not dangerous. It is a thrill to sit right on the edge of the dome and gaze at that amazing valley below. I also hiked the Bright Angel trail in the Canyon. Again, no real danger to intelligent people, but fools abound so yeah, the heat can get to you at times. Otherwise, wonderfully beautiful. Don’t miss either!