Most Dangerous Tourist Attractions on Earth

One of the most popular attractions in the U.S., the Grand Canyon is the site of about a dozen deaths every year. Surprisingly, only a few of those are due to falls. Other causes of death include dehydration and extreme heat, drowning, medical events, car accidents, and suicides.

A prominent item on many hikers’ bucket lists, this Yosemite icon requires a 14-mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of 4,800 feet. In addition, the peak features a steep section of cable climbing. Over 20 people have died on Half Dome, with an additional 40 dying on the trail leading up to the mountain.

The highest peak in the northeastern U.S., Mount Washington is known for having some of the most variable weather conditions and highest winds on earth – and for being one of the deadliest mountains in the country. Over 160 people have died on the 6,288-foot mountain since 1849, many from hypothermia.

Florida is known as the shark attack capital of the world, and New Smyrna Beach – a popular surfing destination – is the most dangerous beach in the state. Due to the abundance of prey fish in the area, surfers and swimmers there are 10 times more likely to be bitten by a shark there than anywhere else in the U.S.

Some of the best – and most dangerous – white water rafting rivers in the U.S. are in Colorado. In fact, more people have died in Colorado’s rivers than in any other state’s, with the Arkansas River claiming the most lives since 1982.