Unprepared hikers easily get lost and fall victim to the dangers, and the volcanoes put plenty of others in harm’s way by spewing flying rocks and boiling nearby ocean water. Tourists also have to worry about lava laze, a toxic combination of hydrochloric acid, hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide that can cause breathing, eye and skin problems. Helicopter tours are dangerous too, considering choppers have been hit by flying lava and crashed. In fact, in the past 30 years, 60 helicopters have crashed, causing 17 fatalities
Few experiences offer the thrill, serenity, and immersion in nature that a scenic hike provides. Whether trekking through alpine meadows, scaling volcanic craters, or walking along coastal cliffs, hiking offers an intimate way to experience the planet's most awe-inspiring landscapes.