[social_warfare buttons=”Pinterest, Facebook”]
Hiking alone can be scary. I get it- believe me.
The first time I went on a solo hiking trip was not by choice. I honestly ended up going alone because I couldn’t find anyone to go with me. This admittedly sounds pretty sad, but ended up being such a transformative experience.
During that first solo hike I was v scared.
“What if I run into bears?” “What if I get lost” “What if I look like a loser traipsing around by myself” “But seriously….. what about the bears”?
I hung out at the trailhead until a friendly looking family showed up. I then preceded to casually walk behind them the entire 3 mile round trip, clinging to my bear spray for dear life.
So I guess that doesn’t really count as a solo hike…. But you get the picture.
I have come a long way since then. Now I relish time spent hiking alone in nature. It is a huge part of my life and brings me so much joy. But if I had listened to my fear, and let it hold me back, I would have missed out on some amazing, life-changing experiences.
So, if you are interested in solo hiking or traveling, or really trying anything new- you are likely experiencing a whole host of fearful thoughts. Because that is what fear does. It creeps in anytime you do something new or different.
It is your mind trying to protect you from danger. But most of the time it is divorced from any actual threat to your safety.
After several years of solo venturing, I personally believe that hiking alone CAN be perfectly safe as long as you use common sense and take the proper precautions.
These are the strategies that help me feel safe and secure while I conquer mountains.
*Disclaimer- essentially ALL of my solo hiking has been done in US National or State Parks which have an additional layer of safety and protection. If you are planning to hike alone outside of National or State Parks- be sure to thoroughly research the safety of that particular trail
#1 Let Someone Know Your Whereabouts
Before you set off on your adventure, make sure that someone knows where you are going. I always check in with my Mom or Dad before I go on a solo hike. I tell them which trail I am going on and when I expect to be back. That way if they don’t hear from me by a certain time, they know where to send the search party.
#2 Be Aware Of the Native Wild Life
What types of wild animals could you run into on the trail? Is this area known for black bears? Mountain lions? Rattle snakes? Read ahead about what types of wild animals you could possibly encounter and make sure you know what to do if you run into them. Learn the dos and don’ts so that you don’t make any stupid, avoidable mistakes.
Before I went on my first trip to Shenandoah National Park, I researched allll about how to handle a black bear encounter. I learned that if I were to see a black bear I should speak in calm voice and wave my hands overhead so that it would recognize that I was human. I should slowly back away and NEVER run because then the bear might confuse me with prey.
Having a game plan in my mind gave me that extra boost of confidence while I roamed around bear country by myself.
#3 Take Your Furry Friend
Dogs can be a great source of companionship and comfort on the trail. Champion, my 7lb papillon, is quite the trail dog and accompanies me on most of my solo hikes.
Although he would not be the fiercest attacker/protector, having him along still gives me a greater sense of ease. Be sure to check in advance to see if dogs are allowed on the trail you plan to hike.
#4 Be A Whistle Blower
Having an emergency whistle on hand is clutch for any type of survival situation. If you fall or get stuck somewhere- having an emergency whistle on hand can help rescue teams locate you.
I bought the Whistles for Life Tri-Power Whistle for $5 from REI. It supposedly can get as loud as 120 dB and can pierce through loud winds and other background noise.
Luckily, the only thing I’ve used it for is being a super cute decoration for my day pack. But again, having it on hand helps me to feel safe and at east.
#5 Don’t Hike At Night
Plan your hike out wisely ahead of time. Give yourself 1-2 hours leeway to make it back to the trailhead before dark.
This one is especially hard for me because I love me a good sunset hike. If I absolutely cannot find a buddy for a sunset hike, I will make sure it is a well trafficked and very short trail. I also start heading back before the sun has fully set to avoid hiking in complete darkness.
#6 Know The Trail
When you are hiking by yourself you can’t rely on other people to lead you in the right direction.
Make sure to bring a map with you. I usually bring a physical map and then take a picture of the map at the trailhead so I am double covered.
I also read about the trail ahead of time to see if there are any particularly tricky parts to navigate. All Trails is the perfect place to go and get the low down. They have a website and an app for your phone. If you pay for the premium version you can even get GPS information in real time while you hike to keep you on track.
#7 Know Your Limits
Be honest with yourself about what you can handle physically. If you are new to hiking or out of shape there is no need to summit the highest peak. Start with shorter, easier trails and gradually build up your skills and your confidence.
Its not a race or a marathon…. its just fun! So no need to do anything crazy or try to prove yourself.
Hopefully these tips are helpful to all of you out there looking to start solo hiking. If you are worried about loneliness while solo hiking/traveling check out this blog post.
What did I miss? What advice or tips do you all have for staying safe while hiking solo??
Awesome post! I know there are also some apps that exist that help you check in with designated emergency contacts with location info (such as Locator – Global Personal Safety SOS app). I’ve heard of some others as well!