Half Dome, California, USA
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Looming above Yosemite National Park, Half Dome lures thousands of intrepid hikers every year determined to scale its curved summit. The 14-mile (22.5km) round trip to the top takes walkers into the wilderness and has a reputation for dangerous conditions – a hiker was killed in September 2019 after falling 500 feet (152m) while climbing. Rockfalls are also frequent and can be deadly. Not to mention Yosemite’s resident black bears.
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Having avoided hazards along the route, many hikers are defeated by the final incredibly steep stretch of the Half Dome trek, which involves ascending the summit using steel cables. At 8,800 feet (2,682m) above sea level, stamina and a head for heights are a must to conquer the peak. The successful hiker’s reward is the unparalleled views of the majestic Yosemite Valley below. Another of the national park's perilous peaks is El Capitan, a hulking granite rock formation that is seen as a pinnacle for free climbers.