Beginner’s Guide to Hiking Alone: Safety Tips and Essentials

The most asked question, while I was on my solo road trip, was: Aren’t you scared to hike all by yourself? Which, quite honestly, is how and why this Beginner’s Guide to Hiking Alone came to fruition.

Despite what you think I’m going to say, as a woman, my answer to this question will always be: Yes.

I want to say I’m not completely terrified of hiking through the wilderness alone, for you. It would make our entire gender feel better. Perhaps restore our faith in humanity. I hope someday we can feel that safe.

Regardless of fear, we mustn’t let this hold us back! We still need to live our dreams and have adventures. Which is why, this post is designed to help comfort you on your journeys and do what you can to best protect yourself, be and stay alert, and give yourself a little piece of mind.

Beginner's Guide to Hiking Alone // onthetripside

Table of Contents

Do your Research

This is one of the most important parts about hiking alone. I’m so thankful for the internet sometimes! My favorite app for researching trails is: Alltrails. It’s fantastic, easy to use and you can use the free version without feeling like you NEED to upgrade. The upgrade is nice is you want to download the trail’s map, in case you lose cell service.

Reading reviews can help you know if they trail is well marked, or not. Fellow past hikers will let you know if there is crazy wild life, recent issues (like mud slides, load of mosquitos or trash) on the trails. I highly suggest checking these out before just jumping on a trail.

Speaking of being on the trail, track your pace/miles to make sure you’re not heading in the wrong direction or accidentally jumped onto another trail close by. Many trailed weave in and out of other, like the PCT. Knowing the length of the trail, by miles, can help you know if you’re lost.

Communicate with Friends & Family

Here’s the deal: you can never be too safe. I’d much rather be safe than sorry. Which is why, before each hike, I texted my sister the following:

The trail’s information and wedsite.
Told her my “Find my Friends” was turned on
Sent her a picture of my hiking outfit
Then texted her when I started my hike and when I was back in the car

Maybe I’m being too pre-cautious but when you’re alone, it’s nice for at least one person to know where you are. Thank goodness for internet and GPS. They make it so much easier for loved ones to track you.

Beginner's Guide to Hiking Alone: Safety Tips and Essentials // On the Trip Side

Be Trail Smart & Watch Your Surroundings

Stick to the path. I cannot stress this enough. For the most part, trails have clear markers these days to tell you what trail you’re on. The PCT has become so popular over the last few decades that it has signs all along it or, at the very least, the PCT seal. Other, lesser known trails, might be marked with bright tags around a tree (like in hawaii) or, even piles of rocks to guide you in the right direction.

Be alert. Always look around you for other people, wild life or hikers. Just keep an eye out. Honestly, sometimes it’s so deafeningly quiet I would listen to a podcast, on a very low setting, while hiking but still keeping a watchful eye.

Ease into it. Seriously – no need to push yourself on your first few hikes alone. Which is why you should pick a very well known and higher foot trafficked trail for your first few times by yourself. This will help you get used to being in nature, get accustom to the sights and sounds around you. Remember: practice makes perfect. It’ll get easier as you go. You might also be sore from a previous hike. Just be kind to yourself.

Essentials to Bring for Safety

During my solo hike, I noticed it eased a lot of my friends and family’s anxiety when I mentioned what I brought with me to keep me safe. So, I’m gonna share these with you too. Yes, because it’s helpful but also because these really are essentials!

Guide to Hiking Alone: For Beginner's // onthetripside

Bring a hobby

This is obviously optional but really fantastic for all levels of hikers. Personally, I download a podcast or audible book before hitting the trail (again, on a very low setting). I also bring my camera because I love working on my photography.

The truth is, when your new to hiking alone, sometimes the trail can be too quiet or even too noisy! It can help to mellow out the noise with something to listen to. As I mentioned before though, just make sure you’re keeping an eye out for yourself.

Bringing a hobby can help give your hike a purpose though. There are many bird watchers that go on trails, rock seekers and even wild life preservationists.

Have Fun

Wanna know a secret? When I get to the top or the end of my trail… I always do a little victory dance. Then when I get back to my car, I dance all the way to my next destination.

Whether you realize it or not, you just hiked ALONE! You accomplished something all by yourself! Congratulations!

These moments are all about learning and growing by yourself. Listen to your mind. Hear what you’re thinking and get to know yourself better. Most of all, just enjoy your adventure.

Thanks for reading my Beginner’s Guide to Hiking Alone!

As always, my friends, stay happy, healthy and safe out there.

Alli