5 Tips For Solo Travelers for Hiking Safely

5 safety Tips for Hiking Alone:  Hiking is a great way to get exercise. It is also one way to get away from the day-to-dy hectic world. You may even  be able to spot wildlife in their natural habitat!

5 safety Tips for Hiking Alone:

What are the dangers in recent times:

In the past week, a hiker was found safe after getting lost outside Seattle. She and her dogs had made it several days rummaging for anything they could find to eat. As a cross-country skier, I have frequently been concerned about losing my way, especially in light of the cold temperatures, and the fact that snow-covered terrain can easily look all the same.  This is a concern in warm climates as well. After learning of a couple unfortunately on their first date getting lost in a rainforest, I thought of this as a travel companion and I explored an Australian wilderness. Although watching where we were going, we, too, managed to get lost but comically found ourselves walking alongside a Queensland highway. Our rainforest sojourn ended up to be an urban stroll!

Even experienced hikers in top athletic shape can find themselves turned around and potentially struggling with a sprained ankle. As a result, it t is important to consider safety tips before heading out.

5 safety Tips for Hiking Alone:

1. Always leave word with reliable friends or family members before heading out as to the route your hike will take and the approximate timing.

5 safety Tips for Hiking Alone:

2. If you plan to be off a well-worn and frequently visited path, check it out ahead of time via the Internet or if a national or state park, through their resources. Take your cell phone and GPS but realize you may not be in a service area so therefore you need to take, and know how to read, a good old-fashioned compass.

5 safety Tips for Hiking Alone:

3. Never underestimate hypothermia even in warm climates. A lost hiker, even in the desert, can find quickly dropping temperatures at sundown.  Hypothermia is a greater risk if it is windy or you are wet.

5 safety Tips for Hiking Alone:

4.  Carry a whistle or other device that can serve as an alarm if you are lost in a remote area.  I have a very shrill whistle on a wristband left over from sailing classes.  Its piercing sound would carry much farther than calls for help.

5 safety Tips for Hiking Alone:

5. Prepare for any accidents or potential hazards. In the West, poisonous snakes are an issue whereas colder climes may have bears made aggressive as they protect their cubs. I was surprised the first time I went hiking in the Shenandoah to have a large bear run right across my path.

Consider what you are likely to face and always be prepared. See

For more information, see also How To Stay Safe: The Ultimate Guide To Hiking Safety.