Top 5 Most Scariest Stairs in the World
- Guatapé Rock (Colombia)
The Rock of Guatapé in Colombia is almost 650 feet tall and contains a terrifying 649-step staircase that zigzags up through a gap in the monolith's rock surface. These new stairs lead to a fantastic observation deck perched atop the rock, where visitors can take in the breathtaking views, catch a bite to eat, or shop for souvenirs. The monolith itself, also known as El Peol, is over a million years old and estimated to weigh 10 million tons, according to News.com.au. The Colombian government has designated the rock as a national monument.
- Hawaii's Haiku Stairs
One thing to keep in mind right away: the Haiku Stairs in Oahu, Hawaii, are closed to the public and trekking them is prohibited. Hundreds of explorers, however, climb this "forbidden" 4,000-step staircase every day, making it one of the country's most stunning (and dangerous) excursions. The Haiku Stairs, often known as the "Stairway to Heaven," lead 2,500 feet to the summit of Pu'u Keahi a Kahoe, which towering over Moanalua Valley on one side and Likelike Highway and Kaneohe on the other. According to Friends of Haiku Stairs, the ladders are 18 inches wide and 4000 feet long in total. According to Business Insider, the average slope is roughly 30 degrees, and the trail ascends to the point where the peaks emerge over the clouds.
- China's Mount Huashan
Mount Huashan is one of China's five sacred mountains, located in the city of Huayin in the province of Shaanxi. Mount Huashan has attracted travelers for millennia due to the variety of dangerously situated temples and other religious structures on its slopes and peaks. Even while technical climbing abilities are not required, the journey involves a network of steep steps, tiny passageways, and plank walks, making it one of the most treacherous paths as it makes its way two thousand feet up to a narrow ledge on the rockface, according to UNESCO.
The Huashan Teahouse, a Buddhist and Daoist temple atop Mount Huashan's southernmost peak, is one of the most popular sites. According to Atlas Obscura, tourists must climb the "Heavenly Stairs," a long trail of stone steps carved right into the hillside that are so steep that one slip may send hikers tumbling down them uncontrollably
- San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
San Juan de Gazrelugatxe, a tiny, rocky island off the coast of Biscay in Basque area, Spain, is home to an ancient hermitage that has long been a popular pilgrimage destination. According to Fodors, the Romanesque chapel was utilized as a fortification by the Templars in the 14th century, despite its exact origins being buried in doubt.
The chapel and the islet, which have been heavily eroded by the pounding waves below, provide some of Spain's most beautiful views, but getting there demands a strenuous climb. According to the Bilbao Tourism website, visitors must cross a narrow stone bridge and walk 231 stone stairs to reach the location. Visitors who have completed the difficult walk are said to ring the chapel bell three times to bring good luck and fend off evil spirits.
Ecuador's Pailon del Diablo
The Pailon del Diablo ("Devil's Cauldron") waterfall, about 30 minutes from the town of Baos in Ecuador, is one of the country's top attractions. According to AFAR magazine, travelers can access the waterfall by walking on a trail that lowers roughly 1,000 feet down the valley and then climbs the stairs and ladders until it reaches the inside of the waterfall under a covered rock overhang. The views from the waterfall—along with the thundering roar of millions of gallons of water—are breathtaking, but be aware that the canyon steps can become slick and treacherous.
