Stepping into the World's Most Challenging Prison

Visiting a prison can be a daunting experience, but imagine visiting the world's toughest prison - the ADX Supermax. Located about two hours south of Denver, in Florence, Colorado, ADX Florence is a Maximum Security facility that has been designed to be disorienting for the inmates. It is so complex that it is practically impossible for them to memorize it or even figure out where they are. For visitors going to this prison, they have to arrange their transportation. But once you arrive, it's not just the dress code you have to adhere to, there are rules and regulations that you must follow.

Visiting hours at ADX Florence are limited to just four hours per month, and the warden can cut it down further if the prison is overcrowded. If you're lucky enough to get a visit, don't expect to get touchy. No hugging, no kissing, and no physical contact beyond a quick handshake at the beginning and end of your visit. This is the most secure prison in the country, and they don't mess around.

Upon arrival, you'll see why ADX Florence is considered the world's toughest prison. This place is built like a fortress with 12 massive guard towers, each secured by armed guards and attack dogs. The prison perimeter is secured by 3.7-meter high razor-sharp barbed wire fences and even Laser Technology. If that wasn't enough, there are pressure pads in the hallways to track every move made by the inmates. And get this - there are over 1400 remote-controlled doors that can be well locked down during a lockdown.

The cells at ADX Florence are a popular stop for those visiting the prison. This prison was designed to keep inmates in solitary confinement with almost no outside interaction with other prisoners. Each cell is equipped with a desk, stool, bed, toilet, and shower. The windows of the cells are specifically designed to limit the inmates' view of the sky and roof of the facility, making it impossible to determine their location.

If you were planning to stop for a quick bite to eat at the mess hall, think again. There isn't one. Inmates are stuck in their cells for 23 hours a day. For the first three years of their stay, it's not until they've proven good behavior that they're allowed to join the other prisoners in a shared dining room for their meals.

Visitors who are brave enough to enter ADX Florence will be taken on a journey into the depths of this Mega prison. With its Labyrinth of Steel and concrete, navigating this place is no easy task. The cell blocks seem to go on forever, and from the massive watch towers where guards keep an eye on inmates to the claustrophobic cells where prisoners are stuck for 23 hours a day, visitors will get up close and personal with this Supermax's most notorious inmate.

The special housing unit, or SHU, is reserved for those inmates needing more isolation. But here's where things get scary. The special security unit, or H unit, is specifically designed for members of terror groups. Visitors might catch a glimpse of the Unabomber, the Boston Marathon bomber, or the notorious drug lord El Chapo.

ADX Florence is known for putting inmates in borderline torturous solitary confinement that can have profoundly negative psychological effects on inmates. Many have claimed that the conditions at ADX Florence amount to cruel and unusual punishment, and there have been lawsuits over the years challenging the constitutionality of the prison's practices. But for those who work at the prison, the safety of the inmates and the public is their top priority.

Visiting ADX Florence is not for the faint-hearted. It's an experience that will stay with you forever. You'll get a glimpse of life in the world's toughest prison, where inmates spend 23 hours a day in their cells, and every move is closely monitored.

In conclusion, visiting ADX Florence is not a casual experience, and it's not for everyone. It's an opportunity to witness the extreme measures taken to keep the most dangerous criminals locked away. For those brave enough to embark on the journey, it's an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. But be warned: it's not a trip for the faint of heart.