Why Solo Hiking?
There are few things I enjoy more than a good solo hike. The reward of reaching the summit of a mountain and the peacefulness of listening to the sounds of nature are unmatched. However, the thought of hiking by yourself can often bring feelings of apprehension, particularly if you're just starting out on your hiking journey.
While solo hiking can be empowering, it's crucial to approach it with careful planning and the right mindset to ensure your experience is enjoyable and safe. Note that this guide is generally a good starting point for the casual hiker looking to expand their experiences into solo hiking. Further preparations may be necessary if you're going to be solo backpacking or hiking in particularly dangerous or remote locations -- more tips to come on those soon!
In this guide, we'll cover essential tips that will leave you feeling confident to tackle your next trail. Let’s dive in.
1. Start Small
As with any adventure, the key to building confidence when hiking solo is to start with manageable options. You can follow much of the same advice in my article for choosing a trail for your first backpacking trip.
Choose shorter, well-marked trails for your first solo hikes. These trails should be less intimidating and designed for novice hikers, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than navigating. If you're lucky enough to live near a National Park, they make a perfect choice for solo hiking. It's even better if you start with a trail you're already familiar with from group hikes!
Popular trails also make great choices since there will be other hikers around in case you lose your way or are in need of any assistance, food, water, or first aid. The likelihood of any emergency is low, but you'll feel more confident knowing other people are nearby just in case!
2. Research Your Trail
Knowledge is your best friend when it comes to hiking solo. Before you head out, do thorough research on the trail you’re planning to tackle. Look for resources that detail the trail conditions, length, elevation changes, and surroundings. Online reviews (the more recent, the better) and trail apps can provide valuable insights and help you understand what to expect.
A few things I like to check before heading out:
Are any permits required?
What is the parking situation like at the trail head?
Are there any bathrooms at the trail head or on the trail?
Are there forks in the trail I should look out for?
What landmarks should I keep an eye out for?
Additionally, familiarizing yourself with trail maps will boost your confidence and ensure your navigation skills don’t fall short when you’re on the move. Remember to check for recent updates or closures to avoid unforeseen surprises!
3. Share Your Plans
Before heading out on your solo hiking adventure, let someone know your plans. Share details about your route, destination, expected return time, and emergency contact information. This practice not only enhances your safety but also provides peace of mind.
If possible, consider sharing your GPS location through a navigation app, so someone can track you in real time. Remember, being smart about communication goes a long way toward ensuring your safety.
4. Equip Yourself Properly
Proper gear is crucial for a successful solo hike. Invest in high-quality footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and a comfortable daypack. You'll want to ensure you're equipped with essentials like water, snacks, a first-aid kit, navigation tools, a compact flashlight, and an emergency whistle.
Don’t forget about safety items like a multi-tool, emergency whistle, or a compact emergency blanket, which can be invaluable if an unexpected situation arises. Ultimately, being adequately prepared can significantly reduce anxiety and lead to a more enjoyable experience.
For more inspiration, check out my favorite clothing and other gear items for hiking!
5. Bring Trekking Poles
It took me longer than I'd like to admit to come around to using trekking poles consistently. I now recommend this pair for beginners because of the budget-friendly price point, carbon fiber build (lighter than aluminum), and collapsible design.
Trekking poles are one of the best items you can bring on a solo hike due to their multi-functionality. Beside their intended use, they can be a life-saver in many emergency situations. If injured, they can serve as makeshift crutches to help you get back to the trailhead. They can also serve as a weapon or extended reach in a pinch. I once had a friend drop a water bottle off the edge of a trail and onto a steep, slippery slope. Instead of climbing down, he was able to retrieve it by grabbing it with his trekking poles!
6. Stay Mindful of Your Surroundings
As tempting as it can be to let your mind wander or start thinking about your next meal, one of the most critical aspects of hiking solo is staying aware of your surroundings. Practice mindfulness while you hike: listen to nature, pay attention to the trail, and observe wildlife and plants. This not only connects you with your environment but also helps you remain alert and recognize any changes or potential hazards.
By being present, you'll also have a better appreciation of the beauty around you, making your solo hiking experience even more rewarding.
7. Trust Your Instincts
Don't underestimate your intuition when hiking solo. If something feels off or you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, trust your instincts! This could mean rerouting your hike, turning back, or even approaching another hiker for support. Remember that it’s always the right choice to prioritize your safety over completing the trail.
I've heard numerous stories of people turning back because they were inexplicably overcome with a feeling of uncertainty or dread. Many report (often in retrospect) the trail suddenly became quiet and they must have felt the unease from all the wildlife going silent. This is a good indication there's a predator around or the possibility of a natural disaster like a mud slide, avalanche, or earthquake.
If you ever feel as though someone is behaving suspiciously or following you, don't hesitate to change your path or or turn around. Use any tactics you can to avoid becoming (or appearing) isolated with them: stay within sight of any other groups of hikers, pretend to be on the phone with someone, or find a place to rest until another hiker comes by. I highly recommend checking out Nik's page for tips around self-defense while on the trail!
Cultivating self-trust is essential for enjoying hiking alone; with practice, you'll become more attuned to your instincts and capable of making better decisions in the face of uncertainty.
8. Prepare for Wildlife Encounters
While hiking solo means you’ll be adventuring alone, you might find yourself with an unexpected visitor on the trail! Do a little research on the types of animals you may come across in your area and what to do in case of an encounter.
As a general rule of thumb, you'll want to make yourself known to critters by occasionally making loud noises or speaking. This is a good habit to get into when rounding blind corners, hiking through dense or overgrown areas, or exploring in bear country.
Depending on where you're hiking, some animal encounters to prepare for are:
Rattlesnakes
Bears (and knowing which type)
Coyotes
Wolves
Cougars
Moose
Guard or cattle dogs
Remember that most creatures want to avoid a run-in as much as you do. Making sounds will scare them off the majority of the time, but knowing what to do in the off-chance that you do come face-to-face will make you more confident hitting the trail solo.
9. Hike During Daylight Only
Give yourself ample time to complete your trail during daylight hours. Add buffer time in case you wander off trail or spend more time hiking, at the viewpoint, or resting than you expected.
Bring a form of light other than your phone that you'll be able to use if you're still on the trail after the sun goes down. I love this small, lightweight flashlight from TrustFire or a headlamp to go hands-free.
10. Embrace the Experience
While it's easy to get overwhelmed with all the possible things that could go wrong, solo hiking is generally very safe! If you've taken all the steps above, you'll be well-prepared for starting your solo hiking journey. Embrace the experience and let go of any lingering fears.
Remind yourself that you are capable, resilient, and deserving of this adventure in nature. Allow yourself to experience freedom and self-discovery on the trail. Celebrate your accomplishments, from small victories to overcoming bigger challenges. Each hike alone strengthens not only your hiking skills but also your mental resilience and confidence. You've got this!
Conclusion
Hiking solo offers you the unique chance to connect with nature, reflect on your inner world, and build your confidence. By following these tips, you can ensure that your solo hiking adventures are not just safe, but also deeply fulfilling.
Whether you seek the solitude of a peaceful trail or the exhilaration of conquering challenging terrain, the world is yours to explore. So lace up those hiking boots and hit the trail.
Happy adventuring,
A
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