Of course when I first starting hiking, I was nervous to go alone. What if I got lost? What if I got hurt? Would it be boring with no one to talk to?
But I conquered my fears and now I actually enjoy it.
I am a SLOW hiker and I also love to stop and take lots of pictures. It is so much easier when I am alone (instead of pulling up the rear in a group or listening to my hubby’s groans.)
Here’s FIVE Tips to use if you are gong to hike solo:
1.Do the Research. Read the Reviews.
Like when a RD says the route is flat and it isn’t. The same with trails. A “easy” trail is often not. Read what others have said about the hike. Make sure you read in the reviews from the season that you are hiking in. The Trails change with the weather.
an easy hike??
moderate??? No way- death defying steep slopes and river crossings!
2. Bring Your Phone and a Portable Charger.
You can call for help if you need it. You can track your location. You will feel safer and more relaxed. The ALLTrails app is an app that I depend on. But make sure you have back up power for your phone.
3. Save a copy of the Map on your Phone.
Even if you bring your phone, on trails, service will be spotty. Just go to the site when you do have a connection and save the map. If you have a printer, you can print the map at home (I do not.) I also recommend you do the same with directions to the site. Do not depend on your GPS connecting to a satellite to get you there or back home.
4. Wear the Right Clothes and Bring the Necessary Supplies.
Always bring water, food, a flashlight, Band-Aids. insect repellent, extra jacket and socks, etc. If it is dry, regular trail running shoes are fine. If the terrain is rugged, hiking boots are better. Of course, if the trail is snowy or icy, micro spikes are essential. (You can put screws in your shoes instead). For all my hikes that are not flat, I use hiking poles.
5. Relax. Take it all in. Enjoy the Experience.
In other words, if you are worried about getting lost, you will miss out on the peace and tranquility of being on the trail. If you think you may fall, you may skip the most beautiful parts of the trail.
getting to this view was not not easy…
I was very nervous crossing that ravine on a log…
Bonus Tip: Bring your dog.
They are great company.
But make sure that your pet is healthy enough for the altitude and the distance.
Happy Running! Do you hike alone? Why or why not? Do you think that you may in the future? Any other tips to share? Please share.
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I have not done any solo hikes yet. We have to drive quite a way for a real hike. I love to hike when we travel and these are great tips!
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I am lucky to have so many opportunities within an hour. I do have to drive farther for the better ones which is why they are reserved for Sunday or a day off.
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I am not sure if I will or will not hike alone for harder hikes. There are many that are beyond both Bandit & my husband.
I have no troubles walking around by myself, have always done that, and often get lost. Actually we had a disagreement on the right way back on this last hike and in a rare moment turned out I was right. Of course then I thought according to the map it was only about half a mile to the Gazebo, and at .56 when I still didn’t see it & they were waiting, I turned around .Although I think I was actually close. I might go back for that one alone, because it’s not hard to find and the trail was very clearly marked.
Anyway, I totally agree about reading the recent reviews. I always do that! It can make a huge difference in knowing what to wear or bring.
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Makes me laugh because the last hike I did with the hubby, I was wrong and took us the wrong and long way back. He has since given up hiking.
I don’t mind getting lost because the app on AllTrails shows where you are and where to do (if I do use it), it’s getting hurt. So far so good and the harder hikes have more beautiful scenery so worth it in the end. I have many friends to hike with but as I said, they are more daring and go faster.
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Great tips! I don’t often hike alone because I have a terrible sense of direction. Saving maps on your phone is ingenious!
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I have a really bad sense of direction. Ask my hubby. But technology does help and AllTrails app shows you exactly where you are and where to go.
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Wow, I didn’t realize the hikes you’re doing are so adventurous! I would totally hike alone, and I wish I had trails that look like yours. These are all great tips- especially the one about SAVING the map on your phone! You never know when you might not have connection.
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Some people learn that the hard way. I found that with my GPS. I got there abut had no signal to get home.
We have so many great places to discover … all levels of difficulty.
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I used to hike alone all the time. Then I had an incident. Now, I only hike with friends or with Bill. A guy in camo gear jumped out of the bushes and started to follow me at a very isolated spot. Luckily, I had 2 big dogs with me. We hoofed it to a spot where I knew there would be people and he disappeared. I was shaken, though.
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That is pretty scary. There are usually other hikers where I go.
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I know you enjoying hiking and appreciate sharing our tips with us. I keep saying that I will try it but so far have not.
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Someday you may. I would start with a friend so you get confident. It’s very relaxing. Much different than running. I only started because of the Pandemic
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Great tips. I do not hike alone…at least I haven’t to present. I guess I’m afraid of being injured and not having a cell signal….that, and being attacked by a wild animal (human or otherwise). I’m just not that brave. Glad you enjoy it! Great photos.
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I’m not brave either. Nothing terrible has happened and the pluses have out weighed the fears.
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As long as you are aware of your surroundings, it’s probably perfectly safe. And, like you said, where you go there are usually others around. I have a friend who goes camping in secluded areas alone. I don’t think I would ever do that. I’d never sleep.
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That’s a big no on camping alone. Also on secluded areas. Only popular places with well marked trails.
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I know. I fear for my friend, but she seems to enjoy it.
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Well I don’t really hike but I walk a lot. These are all great tips! My husband also “follows” me on GPS to make sure I’m ok (he doesn’t watch all the time just checks occasionally). Bonus, he knows when I’m almost home so I tend to get a warm cup of tea when I come back to the house 🙂
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You have a thought full hubby.
Walking is great. Especially when you have pretty scenery like you do.
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Great tips – I especially like the idea of saving your map to your phone! I usually hike with my husband. We haven’t done much lately, but I’m looking forward to getting back on the trails this summer.
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I hope you do this summer. I bet there are a lot of nice ones in your area.
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