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5 of America’s Most Harrowing Cliff Jumps

Warning: the following story features stunts performed either by professionals or under the supervision of professionals. Accordingly, UrbanDaddy and the producers must insist that no one attempt to... you know what. F**k it. You only summer once. Here are some really good/dangerous cliffs to dive off of.

TONTO NATIONAL FOREST, ARIZONA

Saguaro Lake

The Risk: The cliffs range anywhere from six to 40 feet. Entry-level stuff. You’ll want to get a running start, though. There’s some rock-jutting going on here. Nothing worse than rock-jut.
The Reward: Beautiful scenery. A good reason to go, “Weeeeee.”

KIPAHULU, HALEAKALĀ NATIONAL PARK, HAWAII

Ohe’o Gulch

The Risk: Slipping on the wet rocks. Losing your footing. The crowds (it’s a pretty popular cliff).
The Reward: Laid out before you: a string of pools and waterfalls and, if movies have taught us anything, a Hawaiian woman whipping her hair back in slow motion.

RED ROCKS PARK, VERMONT

Lake Champlain

The Risk: Mostly the 80-foot drop. Walk along the edge of the cliffs and you’ll see signs that say things like “No jumping.” That’s where you’ll jump.
The Reward: Well, if you keep swimming, Canada. Or maybe that’s the risk...

MOUNT COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE, OREGON

Punchbowl Falls

The Risk: Reaching the 80-foot jumping point is an easy hike. It’s the post-jump exiting of the lake via sheer rock face that’s difficult.
The Reward: Basically landing in a waterfall. Also, since there’s usually a crowd cheering from the jump point, perhaps a nice round of applause.

PALO PINTO COUNTY, TEXAS

Hell’s Gate at Possum Kingdom Lake

The Risk: Pretty much all of it. It’s illegal. It’s dangerous. It’s... just don’t do it.
The Reward: Bragging rights that you jumped from the only US stop in the Cliff Diving World Series. But mostly just don’t do it.