The Vertical Stairs of Mount Hua, also known as the “Heavenly Stairs,” is a famous hiking trail located in the Shaanxi Province of China. It is considered one of the most dangerous and challenging hikes in the world, with its steep and narrow stairs carved into the cliffside of the mountain.
The trail is approximately 7.5 kilometers long and reaches a peak height of 2,160 meters above sea level. The Vertical Stairs are divided into three sections: the Plank Road, the Heavenly Ladder, and the Hundred-Foot Crevice.
The Plank Road is the first section of the Vertical Stairs, and it is named after the narrow wooden planks that are bolted into the cliffside. The trail is only 0.3 meters wide in some places, with a sheer drop of hundreds of meters on one side.
The Heavenly Ladder is the most challenging and dangerous part of the Vertical Stairs. This section features steep and narrow stairs that are carved into the cliff face, with only chains and handrails for support. Hikers must carefully maneuver up and down the stairs, with the danger of falling always present.
The Hundred-Foot Crevice is the final section of the Vertical Stairs. It is a narrow passage between two cliffs that requires hikers to shimmy across a tightrope while suspended over a deep chasm. The tightrope is only 0.3 meters wide, and the crevice is over 100 meters deep.
Despite its danger, the Vertical Stairs of Mount Hua is a popular destination for hikers and adventurers from around the world. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as a challenging and rewarding experience for those brave enough to tackle it.