Solo Hiking Tips: How To Stay Safe On Any Trail

Solo hiking gives you a great opportunity for personal growth and introspection.

Going at your own pace, planning your own schedule, gives you two gifts in short supply these days: TIME and SPACE (both mental and physical).

The benefits of hiking alone (in my humble opinion) include

* solitude,

* quietness on the trail which maximizes chances of seeing wildlife,

* control over the daily pace and destination,

* decompression time to dump stress,

* opportunity for mental challenges (conquering a fear of the dark, for instance),

* and dedicated time to test and build outdoor skills.

(Looks like I'm building my "daydreaming" skills here, but actually I'm staring at Mt. Rainier and planning my next hike!)

Here are ten good answers to the question "Why hike solo?"

To balance things out, the drawbacks of hiking by yourself revolve around safety and pack weight.

It's normal to have doubts about going solo!

Personally, I wonder about cougar attacks (typically, they target solitary hikers).

I'm not overly fond of being by myself in thunder storms.

And every once in awhile I meet a male hiker who makes me feel uneasy, sometimes for no real reason I can put my finger on.

You probably have your own list of things which bring up the fear factor: solo hiking risks.

Here's how I approach my doubts and uneasiness.

I remind myself that going solo calls for a strong dose of personal responsibility: careful planning, making myself track-able, and honoring my mental and physical limitations.

Then I get out my checklists.

Checklists are a tried and true way to make your trip worry-free - for you, and for loved ones who may not buy into the idea of you going off on your own into the unknown wilds.

Checklists stack the odds in your favor. But they require some thought and preparation BEFORE you hit the trail.

Examples of checklists:

Pack check lists: the daily necessities.

Trip planning lists: think things through in the comfort of your own home, so you're not caught off guard on the trail.

Beyond checklists, I work on my trail confidence - how to size up the situation in a hurry, and take charge or avoid trouble.

I have also learned when/if to rely upon technology: cell phone, GPS, or something as simple as a portable lighter.

Lastly, I've taught myself how to be my own best friend in case of emergencies, thanks not only to what's in my pack but what's in my brain and how I've conditioned my body.

The information on this website can get you thinking about what you can do to enhance your own trail confidence and skill sets.

And feel free to contact me if you want to kick around the topic of solo hiking - I am always willing to learn and add to my skill sets. I am sincere when I say that I really enjoy sharing what I have learned in my ongoing quest to become a strong, capable female hiker.

And don't just take my word on the wonders of solo hiking. Here are words of wisdom from a woman who completed her first solo trip - any take-home lessons (especially about feet) for you?

Here's a quick test for you.

Look at this photo of me, in my favorite long sleeved white shirt, sitting beside my pack after a long, steady hike to the summit.

Do you think I look "lonely", or "peaceful"?

That can give you a clue about how you REALLY feel about hiking solo.

And to get a good grasp on your comfort zone with the topic of solo hiking, try a few quizzes I created, just for you!

Solo hiking is great, but need tips for social hiking? Return to the home page.

Solo Hiking - Why Do It?

Are you a solo hiker? What do you LOVE about it? HATE about it? What do you want to share with hikers who are considering a solo hike of any length?

What Other Hikers Have Said About Solo Hiking

Click below to see contributions from other solo hikers.