Coastal mountain trails, where rugged peaks meet wild oceans, offer stunning views but can be deadly. We’ve ranked the top five most dangerous based on fatalities, hazards, traffic, and safety, defining “coastal” as within 50 miles of a sea and “mountain” as elevated, rugged paths. 1.- Kalalau Trail (Na Pali Coast, Hawaii): This 22-mile trail along Kauai’s cliffs has claimed 15+ lives since the 1970s. Sheer 300-foot drops, flash floods, and no guardrails make it the deadliest. Permits are required, but rescues are frequent. 2. -El Caminito del Rey (Malaga, Spain): Once the “world’s most dangerous,” this 7.7 km gorge path, 25 miles from the Mediterranean, had 5–10 deaths pre-2000. Since 2015, guardrails and helmets ensure zero fatalities, but 350-foot heights thrill. 3.- Mount Kinabalu (Sabah, Malaysia): This 8.5 km climb to 13,435 feet, 30 miles from the South China Sea, saw 7 deaths in a 2015 earthquake. Steep slabs and monsoons challenge hikers, though guides aid safety. 4.- Tongariro Alpine Crossing (New Zealand): A 20.2 km volcanic trek, 30 miles from the Tasman Sea, has 2–3 deaths since 2000 from falls and hypothermia. High traffic (100,000/year) and scree increase risks. 5.- Lion’s Head (Cape Town, South Africa): This 3-mile Atlantic coast climb has 1–2 deaths. Windy cliffs and chain ladders test thousands weekly, with minimal safety measures. Tips: Book permits for Kalalau and El Caminito, check weather, and wear sturdy boots. El Caminito’s safety suits thrill-seekers near Malaga, but Kalalau demands extreme caution.