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Do you thrive on the thrill of heights? Conquering these daunting ladders demands a unique blend of courage, determination, and, in some instances, a touch of daring recklessness—paired with reliable footwear (if permitted).
1. THE HALF DOME CABLE ROUTE IN CALIFORNIA'S YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Climbers reach the summit of Half Dome, the iconic granite formation in Yosemite Valley, California, by navigating a steep cable ladder. | Spencer Joplin, Wikipedia // CC BY-2.5When ascending Half Dome—the renowned granite dome in Yosemite National Park, California—hikers must tread carefully on the slippery eastern slope. The final 400 feet of the climb involves scaling a near-vertical rock face, supported by cable ladders anchored into the granite. Due to the risks, especially during or after storms, it’s crucial to attempt this climb only in dry weather conditions.
2. THE TRADITIONAL KNIFE LADDERS OF ZHONGTUAN, CHINA
Miao performers on traditional knife ladder | China Photos /Getty ImagesEvery three years, residents of Zhongtuan, located in Fujian Province in southeast China, celebrate a harvest festival on the 15th day of the 10th lunar month. A unique tradition involves barefoot men ascending a ladder constructed from 36 sharpened blades, following blessings from village elders. The first to complete the perilous climb sits atop the ladder, distributing prizes to those who follow. Similar practices exist in other regions of China, such as the Bai people of Yunnan Province, who incorporate knife ladder climbing into their religious ceremonies.
3. THE 'SKY LADDERS' OF ATULEER, CHINA
Children climbing the Atuleer ladder | 香港今昔, YouTubeUntil recently, students from the remote village of Atuleer in Sichuan Province, China, had to descend precarious "sky ladders"—a series of 17 bamboo ladders attached to a steep, half-mile cliff—to reach their school at the mountain’s base. In 2016, a photo series by the state-run Beijing News highlighted children climbing the mountain, revealing incidents of villagers falling and sustaining injuries or fatalities. In response, local authorities installed a secure steel ladder with handrails, completed in November 2016.
4. THE CHAIN LADDERS OF SOUTH AFRICA'S ROYAL NATAL NATIONAL PARK
Ladder in the Drakensberg Mountains | AvatarnaviExploring Royal Natal National Park in the Northern Drakensberg of South Africa, you’ll encounter the iconic Amphitheater, a towering rock wall spanning three miles and rising over 1600 feet. For breathtaking views, adventurers can embark on the Chain Ladder Hike, a trail featuring precarious chain ladders that guide hikers past the Tugela River and the world's second-tallest waterfall. This route demands scaling a sheer cliff, making it unsuitable for the timid. Alternatively, a safer path through a gully leads to the summit.
5. THE CABLE LADDERS OF GRAND CANARIA, IN SPAIN'S CANARY ISLANDS
Adventurers exploring Gran Canaria, an island in Spain’s Canary Islands off the African coast, will encounter via ferrate—cabled climbing routes—scattered across its mountainous terrain. These routes evoke comparisons to the Alps or Dolomites, where via ferrate ("iron roads" in Italian) are prevalent. Climbers can traverse the volcanic landscape, scaling dramatic peaks and caves using protected routes. Thin, anchored cables allow hikers to ascend hand-over-hand, reaching the island’s highest and most rugged summits.
6. THE LADDER LEADING TO THE TOP OF THE KATSKHI PILLAR IN THE REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA
Katskhi Pillar in Georgia | ლევან ნიორაძე, Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 2.0 In ancient times, the people of Imereti in western Georgia regarded the Katskhi Pillar—a towering limestone monolith rising over 131 feet above Katskhi village—as a symbol of a fertility deity. Over time, it became a Christian icon, with two churches erected atop it. These ancient structures were likely constructed between the 6th and 8th centuries CE by the Stylites, early Christian ascetics who practiced their faith on pillars. Recently restored by a local monk, the site is accessible via a steep iron ladder. Those daring enough to climb it can visit the churches, meet the resident monk, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
7. MOUNT HUASHAN IN CHINA
A woman climbing the Mount Huashan path | sunriseOdyssey, Flickr // CC BY-SA 2.0Mount Huashan, a significant Taoist site located approximately 75 miles from Xi’an, China’s ancient capital, features a breathtaking 7000-foot cliffside trail leading to its summits. One of the most treacherous sections, between the south and east peaks, consists of wooden planks secured to the mountainside. Hikers must wear safety harnesses as they cautiously traverse this narrow path. After the climb, visitors can unwind at a teahouse perched on the southern peak or enjoy the scenic views from a tranquil pavilion.
