The World’s Scariest Trail Is About To Get Much Less Dangerous

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

The El Caminito del Rey (better known as the world’s scariest trail), is about to become a little less scary for thrill-seekers.

The famed 3-foot-wide trail, precariously perched over 300 feet in the air against the walls of a narrow gorge in Málaga, Spain, was once used by construction workers constructing the nearby Guadalhorce dam back in the early 20th century.

In recent decades, the walkway fell into major disrepair, providing a harrowing hike for anyone willing to risk their neck to hike the trail (two people died in 1999 and 2000 respectively). The above video will give you a sense of what it’s like to risk your life for the hike of a lifetime.

However, the world’s scariest trail is about to totally sell itself out and become safe again thanks to a $4.2 million renovation that will see the trail outfitted with guardrails, a footpath bereft of gaping holes and glass “skywalks” that will give the illusion of the trail’s past allure.

Though most of the trail is off-limits to visitors, experienced climbers (and those with active health insurance polices) are still able to access parts of the trail before construction commences.

By Matt Stabile

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matt Stabile is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of TheExpeditioner.com. You can read his writings, watch his travel videos, purchase the book he co-edited or contact him via email at any time at TheExpeditioner.com. (@TheExpeditioner)