Hiking Alone: Solo Hiking Benefits and Safety Tips

Have you ever wanted to go hiking but didn’t have anyone to go with? Have you let your fear of hiking alone keep you indoors? I can definitely relate. Back in 2014 after a long-term relationship ended, I decided that I didn’t want to wait for someone to get out there and experience the outdoors. So, I hopped in the car and drove to Zion National Park and embarked on my first-ever solo hike. It ended up being an incredible and empowering experience. When I got back to my car, I broke into tears of joy having discovered that I was strong enough to hit the trail by myself. It was truly a life changing moment.

Solo hiking can be intimidating at first. Learning hiking basics, like what to wear hiking or what to pack for a hike, is enough of a barrier, even if you have friends to go hiking with. However, the benefits of hiking alone truly outweighs these initial hurdles. If you’re interested in going on your first solo hike but you have the same fears that I did, this blog post will help you find the courage, help you avoid getting lost, and give you the knowledge you need to hike solo with confidence.

Important Reminder: Whether you hit the trails solo or with friends, please practice good trail etiquette and remember to Leave No Trace. This means packing out all of your garbage (including toilet paper), being respectful to others on busy trails, and following the established rules.

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Looking to solo hike? Hit the trail with confidence with these tips for hiking alone!

My First Time Hiking Alone

I headed out to Zion because I’d wanted to check out the hike to The Subway for years. I had never hiked alone before, so I figured a popular hike in a National Park would be a good way to break the ice. I’ll admit I was nervous on the drive to the park, but I kept telling myself that there are tons of girls who hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail alone. So, I could certainly manage a 9-mile day hike alone.

By the time I got my permit from the Rangers Station and arrived at the trailhead, it was 11:30 and a scorching 100° F. As soon as I set off, the trail took a sharp turn down into the canyon. The trail was slick and a few times I almost lost my footing. I started to second guess myself, and dozens of disaster scenarios started swirling through my head. Should I have worn better hiking boots? Was I going to run out of water? What if there ARE weirdos out here? I took a deep breath and continued making my way slowly down the trail.

As soon as I reached the river at the bottom, I was happy to find that the trail flattened out, and I began to walk upstream. I’ve hiked in many canyons in Southern Utah, but this one felt especially beautiful. The further along I got on my hike, the more my confidence grew. It was almost like a force came over me that I had never experienced. My adrenaline was sky high and for that afternoon, I felt like there was nothing that could hold me back. To top it off, I couldn’t have picked a better trail. It was full of waterfalls and caves with crystal clear swimming holes. When I got to my turn around point, I took some time to play with my new camera, take a dip, and to relish in the magical moment I was having.

What I Learned From Solo Hiking

Throughout my first solo hiking experience, I had several revelations. The first was that every person I passed on the trail was super friendly. In fact, fellow hikers offered to take my picture, asked if I needed snacks, and were generally interested to hear about where I came from. All those crazies that I had been afraid of? Well, I didn’t run into any this time. It’s not to say that they don’t exist, but choosing your trail wisely and using your already-existing street smarts can go a long way in avoiding unwanted encounters.

Second, when you are alone, you have to depend on yourself. There’s no one there to help you hop across that stream or to encourage you when the going gets tough. For me, this created a new mental stamina and self-confidence that I hadn’t had before. I really learned to trust myself out there. Finally, when you’re hiking alone, you are in charge. You can hike at your own pace and stop for photos as often as you want. There is something freeing about not having to worry about anyone else or move at someone else’s pace.

Tips for Your First Time Hiking Alone

If you are considering going on your first solo hike, below are some tips to stay smart and put your mind at ease.

Pick a Well-traveled, Well-marked Trail

When choosing a trail for your first solo hike, you should pick a well-maintained trail where there is no chance of getting lost. You also want to pick terrain that is “below your pay grade” – meaning the terrain and conditions are well within your abilities. Your first solo hike is not the time to take risks. You can even pick a trail you’ve been on before or something close to home so it’s more familar. To be safe, you’ll want to avoid trails with big river crossings or a lot of exposure on a ridge. We’ve rounded up the best hiking apps to help you pick the best trail for your first solo hiking adventure.

Tell Someone Where You’re Going

Before you set out on your solo hike, text a reliable friend or family member a very explicit description of the trail you’ll be hiking. Tell them how long you expect to be out and call them when you get back to civilization. If you want to be extra safe, consider getting a Garmin inReach Mini 2-Way Satellite Communicator. This handy little communication device allows you to send text messages to your family and friends (even when there is no cell service), and if something goes wrong, you can send a help signal with your location to 24/7 emergency responders. It also tracks your location. I highly recommend this life-saving piece of equipment – whether you’re hiking solo or with friends.

Check price: REI

Know Your Limits

Go ahead and challenge yourself, but don’t attempt a marathon of a hike for your first solo hike. Mistakes are made when you get overly fatigued. There is no need to push yourself beyond your comfort level or ability. You can still challenge yourself without pushing the limits – sometimes moving slowly is more challenging because it requires more control. Give it a try next time! Or, just relax and tune into your surroundings. Don’t be discouraged if you need to turn around before the “end” of the hike – you’ve already succeeded just by making the decision to hike solo!

Be Prepared

Make sure you have enough food and water to stay energized and hydrated. It’s smart to bring more water than you think you need. (I like to hike with the Osprey Hydraulics Hydration Reservoir.) Be sure to pack basic first aid supplies, a headlamp, and an extra layer of clothing in your hiking daypack so you are prepared in case the weather turns or you end up staying out later than expected.

Check the Weather

For your first solo hike, I recommend going on a day when the weather is clear. While we love hiking in the rain, it poses additional hazards that are best to avoid when you first start hiking alone. So before you head out, it’s always a good idea to check the weather report. Even if it looks like a clear day, you’ll want to pack a lightweight rain jacket and some layers in case the weather changes unexpectedly or you’re out later than planned.

Don’t Wear Headphones

I love good music and sometimes it is really nice to hike with a soundtrack. But, leave the headphones in the car if you’ll be hiking alone. It’s best practice to heighten your awareness of what’s around you – animals, hikers, a change in weather. You just never know, so I suggest you listen to the sounds of nature. That way, if thunder rolls in, hikers come up quickly behind you, or animals rustle in the bushes, you won’t be spooked. If you do choose to hike with headphones, be sure to keep the volume down and leave one earbud out so you can still hear what’s going on around you.

Know About the Local Wildlife

Speaking of wildlife, when hiking alone it’s important you are aware of local wildlife and how to respond in case you have a wildlife encounter. In bear country, for example, quiet solo hikers can accidentally sneak up on a bear, surprising it and putting it on the defensive. For this reason, in certain areas with high bear activity, it’s recommended to bring bear spray, only hike in groups, and make lots of noise so you don’t take animals by surprise. We recommend reading up on local wildlife in the area before you head out so you know what to look out for.

Stay On the Trail

Carry a trail map and always stay on the trail, especially if you’re hiking solo. Even if you have a map on your phone, we always recommend bringing a paper map in case your phone dies or you lose service. Watch for trail markers and take pictures of any trail junctions to help you remember which way you came from when you are retracing your steps. For more tips on how to avoid getting lost while hiking, click here.

Trust Your Instincts

If something doesn’t feel right, then it’s probably not. Think it’s getting too late to keep going? Turn around. Feeling nervous about some creep who gave you a weird look? Be on the defensive. Solo hiking is not the time to take risks. Trust your judgment (always).

Plus, you’re out there for some me-time and relaxation, or maybe you’re out for some me-time and exercise. Either way, you don’t need to be chatty with everyone you meet. It’s okay to just politely nod and carry on – you don’t have to strike up a conversation, especially if you feel uncomfortable.

Start Small & Build Confidence

If you’re new to hiking alone, start small. Head out on a shorter trail (1-2 hours) and slowly build up your confidence for a longer day hike. Or, turn back about an hour into your hike, then hike a little farther next time.

Educate Yourself

One of the primary ways to prevent accidents from happening is to educate yourself about how to stay safe in the outdoors. Consider taking a basic wilderness first aid course and check out our Outdoor 101 section for skill building guides and resources.

Do you enjoy hiking alone? Share your tips and experiences with us in the comments below!