Solo Hiking Tips; How to Start Hiking Alone

Have you ever wanted to hike your dream hike but didn’t have anyone to join you? Don’t let that stop you! I was once in the same position, however, with lots of experience I’ve learned many solo hiking tips to get me going.

Hiking alone is an invigorating feeling that brings both enjoyment and confidence. It’s nice to go whenever you want, whenever you want. After over 10 years of hiking on my own, I’ve come up with these solo hiking tips to plan help you plan your first hiking trip alone!

1. Plan and Prepare

Of all solo hiking tips, safety plays the biggest role when hiking alone. Proper pre-trip prep is essential when starting to hike alone.

To maximize hiking safety, before you hit the trail look up things like:

• Weather: I’d recommend choosing your first hike when the weather looks great. There’s no point in stressing yourself out on your first time hiking alone if you can avoid problems by choosing good weather.
• Wildlife: Look up the local wildlife in the area and what you should do if you have a close encounter with those animals.
• Terrain: Is the trail rocky, smooth but steep, are there deep river crossings? These are all elements to consider when choosing a trail to hike.
• Permits: Are permits required to enter the park or hike the trail? As more parks are regulating entrances and requiring reservations, it helps to know this ahead of time. If you’re hiking in the US, check park websites or recreation.gov.

2. Pick a Well-Established Trail

For your first solo hiking trip, choose a day hike that’s well-established and preferably in an area where you are familiar. Even if you’re hiking alone at the start, you’ll likely encounter others on the trail which can be comforting. State and national parks are a great place to start your solo hiking adventure.

Your online research done ahead of time is always great, but nothing beats familiarity with an area.

3. Tell Someone Where You’re Hiking Alone

Anytime you venture out into the wilderness you should always tell someone where you’re going; solo hiking safety is essential.

Let some friends or family members know where you’re going when you’re hiking alone. Send them the route of the trip, when you plan to return, and of course, remember to text them when you get back!

4. Carry a Satellite Communication Device

If your solo hike will be out of cell service, I’d recommend carrying a Satellite Communication device.

I carry my Garmin InReach Mini on every adventure I take when out of cell service. With my InReach, I’m able to contact friends and family to let them know that I’m ok.

This is great if you are running late in getting back so they don’t worry.

If a serious event happens while hiking solo, InReach has an SOS button to get in contact with emergency help immediately.

5. Pack Your Solo Hiking Essentials

Most of the time everything goes smoothly while hiking solo. However, every once in a while the weather changes rapidly and drops 20 degrees or the hike is tougher than you expected and the sun starts going down. 

Packing the proper hiking gear is important for hiking safety as well as comfort and ease on the trail while hiking alone.

• Warm clothing layers – a puffy jacket, rain jacket, pants, and change of socks
• Gloves
• Extra snacks
• Headlamp
• Pocket knife
• Lighter
• Water Filter – I love my Katadyn SteriPEN
• First aid kit
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• A sun hat & warm hat
• Map
• Bear spray – if you’re hiking in bear country

6. Download a Topographic Map

I always download a topographic map anytime I’m out hiking alone. It’s important to know the area you’re in.

Different apps have different features but many can show you your exact location so if you end up off-trail you can likely find your way back. Pay attention to notable landmarks if you end up off-trail.

These apps are great for checking the distance and elevation gain ahead of time. You can approximate how long the trail might take and when you’ll get back.

I’d recommend checking out AllTrails first. You’ll find many suggested hikes with well-established routes. They are great options for your first solo hiking trip.

7. Enjoy!! & Take a Selfie

Enjoy the hiking experience! Hiking alone allows you to take things at your own pace. Hang out by a lake for 2 hours or run the trail! The freedom to choose where you want to relax allows you to enjoy the trail differently than with others.

I’ve also found I’ve become far more confident since hiking solo and now I even go backpacking solo! Take your time, and if something feels off, hike out, if not, just enjoy!

These solo hiking tips are sure to get you on your way. With a newfound confidence and enjoyment of solo hiking, nothing can stop you!