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Solo Hiking: Go Often, Go Now

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Today’s world is full of noise. A steady barrage of social media notifications, emails, text messages, and viral videos compete for our attention 24 hours a day. Sometimes, we need to step away from the babble, and seek out the quiet that can only come from solitude. It can feel intimidating solo hiking for the first time, but with practice it might just become your favorite way to travel.
Why go
The benefits of solo travel are numerous. It can be easier to hike your own hike when alone. There’s nobody to race, nobody to slow you down. You’re in control of your experience and not beholden to anyone. If you’re into photography, you can stop and take all the shots you want without fear of holding someone up. A sunny swim at a lake can turn into a nap...or not. The freedom that comes from doing what you please, exactly when you please is downright refreshing. I’ve found, too, that I have more conversations with other hikers as a solo traveler than I do with company. Crazily enough, it’s a great way to meet new hiking companions!
Preparation
Just like with any other hike, it pays to be prepared when solo. Even small day hikes deserve to be treated with respect. Packing the ten essentials keeps you safe on the trail, and may allow you to help other less fortunate adventurers in an emergency. If you’re feeling particularly nervous on your first solo outing, pick a popular trail on a weekend. A steady stream of hikers in both directions can help alleviate nerves. Research your hike by reading online trip reports when possible. They can give you helpful updates on current trail conditions. It can be useful to set a firm turn-around time for your outing as well. Pick a time that gives you ample daylight to return to your vehicle safely and stick to it. Be sure to tell someone your itinerary, and discuss with them appropriate emergency responses in case you do not return on time.
I highly recommend thinking through potential challenges ahead of your hike. It may seem overly cautious planning for what to do if a bear or cougar crosses your path, a slip turns into a broken bone, or a water filter breaks, but having rehearsed these basic types of worst-case scenarios better equips you to handle emergencies.
What to say to the naysayers
I first started my solo-hiking in high school, and the eyebrows raised were too numerous to count. Even now, after nearly 25 years of solo adventuring, my family still questions whether it’s safe. Chances are, the first few times you venture out alone, you’ll face similar criticism. There are two common worries that dominate: getting hurt and getting attacked (by animals or humans). Intelligent risk-assessment and a good grasp of your abilities can go a long way towards preventing injury in the backcountry. While slips and falls are always a possibility, it’s not a reason to skip the trail. Taking first aid classes enhances your emergency readiness, and can help calm worried family. Talk about what you’ve learned and how you plan to apply it in the backcountry.
As for attacks, in reality, you are safer on a hiking trail than you are in a big city. The further you get from trailheads, the lower your risk becomes from your fellow humans. Especially for women, most sexual assaults are perpetrated by someone the victim knows. It feels counterintuitive, but solo hiking actually reduces your risk. Animal attacks are also extremely rare. Most wild creatures want to avoid humans and will lope away at first sight. Here again, preparation is key. Talking about how you will handle any wild animal encounters can help ease worried minds.
Now Go!
You’ve found your trail, you’ve double-checked your packing list, the excuses are over. Get out and hit the trail! It’s totally normal to be nervous on your first solo outing. No matter how many times I go, there’s always a small flutter of nervous anticipation each time I set out on a solo adventure. It’s a part of the experience that I’ve grown to love. Each new solo trip helps build confidence for the next bigger adventure.

Have any tips for first-time solo hikers? What fears did you face, and how did you prepare? If you have a solo success story, I’d love to hear it! Feel free to comment below
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CanaryBurgundy
104
Jun 24, 2018
In Utah they let cattle graze on national forest land. Last summer I got bullied by some cows on the trail. What caliber of pistol should I carry to shoot them next time?
A community member
Jun 23, 2018
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Nature walks or hiking on your own are great for stress relief, introspection and personal reflection.
I agree with others who say let friends and family know your expected route and when you intend to return.
This looks stellar! Thanks for posting!
jweaks
52
Jun 23, 2018
I love solo. Don't get to do it often. I'm planning on doing more in the future.
Safety is a concern. You have no one when the unexpected happens. Always have a plan. Let people know where you are and what the plan is.
An emergency communication device or beacon is a great idea.
gibbypoo
16
Jun 25, 2018
jweaksJust go. You'll spend more time worrying about what could happen and trying to plan for all those in the time you could leave and enjoy yourself. We managed just fine before all these devices. You will too.
Jhuggs
21
May 7, 2019
gibbypooWe managed fine before a lot of modern tech, it doesn't mean it's not a good idea. Assuming you can fit it in your budget, carrying an emergency beacon is just about the best compromise I can think of for giving some peace of mind to everyone involved, and still enjoying the solo experience. You will probably never need it, but why not carry it?
Tsanabe
5
Jun 23, 2018
On occassion I attend a weekend educational event located in a scenic rural area. I normally bicycle to the center but decided to hike the 10 miles, following the paved road. As I followed the familiar route, I discovered a dirt path that was a designated trail. My simple map did show the trail and I saw it would connect to other paths that would get me to my destination but I was still hesitant. I decided to give it a try figuring I could always backtrack to the paved road and continue my journey as planned. Everything went wonderfully well, even with a few anxious moments determining if I was making the correct connection to the other trails. I had such a great time exploring the route. I saw so many new things and vistas that only the trail could offer. While there is risk in deviating from a planned route, I felt I was prepared enough to handle any potential risk and had a great time.
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