(No Longer) The Most Dangerous Trail in the World

It's not every week that I get to share a hidden gem that is what one might consider "newsworthy," but this week is different!  Two days ago, Caminito del Ray, known for being the most dangerous trail in the world, reopened its entry points for tourists.  Grab your hardhat and hang on tight, this week's hidden cove might make your heart skip a beat!

Caminito del Rey, photo courtesy of Reuters. 

Caminito del Rey is a five-mile path along the walls of the El Chorro gorge in Southern Spain.  Originally constructed between 1901-1905, the walkway was used as a connection road between two hydroelectric plants.  It was then named Caminito del Ray, or "King's Little Pathway," by King Alfonso XIII in 1921.  

The pathway was closed for good in 2000 when many tourists fell to their deaths.  The entryways were destroyed; anybody caught trespassing would be fined a minimum of $6,500.  

Photos courtesy of Reuters. 

The trail reopened this week after undergoing a $5.8 million restoration project.  Unfortunately, the trail is no longer considered the most dangerous one in the world, but I think anybody would agree that being a little safer is much more worthwhile than having a catchy title.  

The renovations included rebuilding or reconstructing a majority of the walkways.  Wood and steel walkways now hover just above the original walkways, as seen below.  Before the renovations, handrails did not exist in the park.  

Photo courtesy of Reuters. 

Tourists will still consider this walkway "dangerous" and "risky," for many of the pathways are still very narrow and over 300-feet above the ground.  Luckily, a new protocol for this route is that all hikers must wear a hardhat - provided by the groundskeepers.  There is also now a minimum age requirement for the trail, eight-years-old, as well as restrictions for handicapped tourists.  As they say, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Tickets can be purchased online for tourists preparing to walk the trail.  Groups of 50 depart every 30 minutes, and park officials expect about 600 tourists will complete the trek each day.  Tickets are already booked up until late June.

If you aren't one for experiencing heights, this trek may not be for you.  Hey, that's OK!  We are bound to find another hidden cove that will give you the same sense of adrenaline without the height, narrowness, and spine-chilling sensations that come with the Caminito del Ray package.  

Remember to come back next week as we explore the world and find hidden gems together.  Until then!