Solo hiking - What Should I Know Hiking alone
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Beginners Hiking Tips for Solo Hiking
Do you want to hike but have no one to go with? Does fear of hiking alone keep you at home?
John Muir's famous "lose my mind, find my soul" quote regarding time outdoors is pretty accurate. The hike itself can be positively torture; steep hills and rocky terrain with the sun piercing every skin surface. Yet, one hour after showering and throwing back a beer, we are ready to head out again.
Have you ever wondered why people are drawn to the wilderness despite the physical challenges? We hike for hundreds of reasons.
For many, a Colorado hiking day helps us disconnect from life’s monotony and into a world filled with birds, pine, and fresh air. The trail offers a safe space to chew on a work problem or uncover a solution.
Solo hiking provides a unique opportunity for introspection and self-discovery. Have you ever experienced the profound solitude of hiking alone, where every step becomes a form of meditation? On the best hiking days, the outdoor trails give you space to simply walk.
My Solo Hiking Journey
I caught the hiking bug early. Growing up in Africa, we’d safari on the great Serengeti, hike Victoria Falls along Zambia’s borders, and trapse up Mt Kenya.
However, my first backpacking trip was at the ripe old age of 17. I was one of 15 very inexperienced high schoolers summiting Kilimanjaro Mountain. Yep, climbing the highest peak in Africa was ambitious.
We were woefully unprepared, adorned in cotton layers and borrowed shoes. Several of us had violent altitude sickness. That climb was my first multi-day hiking experience - not bad for a beginner, right? Despite all those obstacles, to this day, it is one of the best memories of my life. That experience birthed in me a deep desire to be outdoors alone.
I found myself longing to be outdoors no matter the season, forest bathing for those T cell moments, easing my Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and finding time to just be me.
Through my twenties and thirties, I felt safe hiking solo.
The trails were selfishly my time to do whatever I wanted. As a mom of young kids, hitting up a Colorado trail for a few hours was absolute bliss. I would grab my shoes and running belt, a small bottle of water and be out the door in minutes.
I was paying a babysitter and dang it, I wanted to use every drop of that money spent for me! The older I get, the more I wonder if I was being wild and free or simply stupid.
I didn’t look at the weather, I carried no self defense tool, and my trail plans were freeform. I never thought to even consider having a safety hiking plan. As my kids started hiking alongside me, they were catching my trail habits; the good, bad and the ugly.
I realized that I had an opportunity to teach simply by doing.
Following Leave No Trace habits like hiking through the mud ON THE TRAIL vs. creating a new path (the ecosystem thanks you!) to always telling someone where I’m at, I could model the behavior I want my kids to follow.
These 10 solo hiking tips are simple to remember and follow.
The key is consistency.
I have a hiking daypack and running pack in my car at all times. Each is loaded with the same safety tools. Fear should never keep us off the trail! Hiking alone as a woman or man should be filled with wonder and awe, not nervous energy.
Follow These Tips For Every Single Solo Hike
Hiking solo in Colorado is magical. So many trails of all types beckon the hiker to come and wander. With that same outdoor curiosity, make note these safety for hiking tips. The goal is keeping you hiking on the trails for years!
Despite news reports about human violence on the trail, weather gone wrong and getting lost are the top safety hazards for a hiker.
Sure, there are unkind and malicious people in this world. Wild animals are real threats as well. Finding safety hiking is possible with preparation and knowledge.
Leave fear at home. Nature and her beauty is meant to be enjoyed by all, no matter who you are.
Ten Tips for Hiking Alone
Hiking Alone Tip 1: Know where to go
Map Apps and Paper Maps = Starting Point
I’m an enneagram 1; most definitely not a free spirit. I like a plan and I stick to it.
Unless I’m hiking solo. Then I want to be free. I want to wander and ponder, not having any map or app tell me which way I must go.
As much as we love to channel John Muir’s sentiment to head into the woods to lose our minds and find our souls, you need to pick a trail and stick to it.
If you’re a wanderer, find an area that has many trails; social and established. Wander on those trails.
In Colorado Springs, the Palmer Lake Reservoir area is perfect for a day of meandering. Or check out Section 16 down by Bear Park.
Step on Intemann Trail for exploration all over south Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak. It’s magical.
Pick a trail and download the map.
A favorite free app to try is AllTrails. Easy to download and use, this is a great new to hiking app. Fellow hikers leave great trail reviews like “watch out for rattlesnakes at the summit” or “private trail, use this go around.”
COTREX has most of Colorado’s trails uploaded. They often have social trails marked along with topography lines so you can begin exploring the world of orienteering.
My husband is a big fan of Gaia GPS. He’s a map nerd and loves every bit of knowledge he can gather about the trail.
While not a map app, I love PeakVisor - hold your phone up to the mountain ranges and ta da, you know their names.
If you want to look like a serious hiker, join the Strava gang.
If technology impedes your free spirit or you just can’t figure it out, buy a Pocket Pal map. We love the tear free, rain repellent maps that literally nestle in our pocket (or fanny pack) for regular checking.
While local hikes don’t usually require maps, it’s a good idea to learn how to use a topographical map for more technical trails. Maybe life right now keeps you from hiking the backcountry but someday you’ll want the skills to have the option right?
PROMO CODE: “10%OFF” gets you 10% off all maps.
Prices vary but average $7–$10/map including download.
LOCAL TIP! Snag a picture of the trail sign and map at the trailhead. Take a selfie next to the sign and send it to your favorite person. While we can’t guarantee those large wood maps are 100% accurate, at least they’ll get you on the right trail.
Here’s the final word on maps and apps.
Find a trail. Mark the route. Stay on trail.
Solo Hiking Tip 2: Check the weather
Colorado is known for fast moving storms in any season. I know weather people go to school a long time to do their job. However, at least in Colorado, don’t rely solely on the local news for a reliable forecast.
I’m a big fan of the app WeatherBug. I first heard about it on the soccer field when shuttling groups of 6 year olds off during a fall thunderstorm. Yes, it was worse than herding cats.
WeatherBug has many fun features including a lightning map, hourly updates and radar.
Once you’ve determined what trail you’re taking, look at the weather in that area. As much as I’d like to say that’s a given, there have been hikes I’ve done where I was caught in torrential rain because I looked at the wrong city. Duh!
I also use Weather Underground. Also a free app with an upgrade version, Weather Underground gives you a lot more “feels like” options.
I find this particularly helpful on shoulder season hikes. If it is 50 but feels like 60, I’m throwing in a pair of shorts to keep the sweating at bay. *Shoulder season in Colorado is typically May and September/October.
Footsteps in the Forest ranks five of the top weather apps recommended for hiking in the USA. I’ve used them all, finding the summaries to be right on!
Know (the weather) before you go.
Note Tanya’s gaiters - it was 60 but super muddy and windy on this trail
Hiking Alone Tip 3: Wear the right clothes
This is such an important part of hiking in Colorado that we wrote an entire post on the subject. We thought Steve Jobs was on to something with his capsule wardrobe. Open the closet, put on the attire and off you go. I think hiking should be that simple.
I know some people are all about the hiking outfit. You do you. For me, it’s about comfort, warmth and how long I can stay on the trail comfortably. We developed the Colorado hiker’s capsule wardrobe. Each season requires more or less clothes. For your free checklist, click the button below!
Ultimately the hike is about you and what you enjoy wearing. Layers are always important.
Remember that weather we talked about? Yep, carrying a little extra weight in your daypack is worth staying dry when that summer storm hits or the winter blizzard kicks in early.
Patagonia Torrentshell Rain Jacket in action
Colorado Hiking Clothes 411
moisture wicking - keep cotton at home
layers. layers. layers. Start with a tank and shorts and build from there.
extra socks *your feet will thank you
Rain jacket *even in winter, a solid rain jacket breaks wind and moisture
Carrying a rain resistant shell year round has become my saving grace for quick moving storms.
When our eldest worked as a canoe instruction in Wisconsin one summer, we bought her the Patagonia Torrentshell jacket. It rained every day and she was the only one dry.
I bought that exact jacket the following summer. No matter how much rain or wind I found myself in, I am snug as a bug. This jacket is a bit of an investment - coming in around $150. However, REI often has it on sale and other online stores have great deals. Shopping end of season (April and August) offers the best prices.
PSST…We love this jacket so much we wrote an entire post about it. Yep, it’s truly that amazing.
The right clothes make all the difference!
Hiking Alone Tip 4: Be bold and bright
A practice begun years ago trail running for marathon training is now a habit.
Make eye contact with everyone you come across on the trail.
Introverts are shrinking in their seat right about now. I get it! I’m on the trail to be ALONE, not happy chatty with everyone.
Here’s the deal. You want to be memorable just in case…
you get lost
you have an unfortunate encounter with a rock and your ankle
weather keeps you on the trail longer
You want to be the “person who said she loved my shoes around mile 8.”
Be bold and bright - it can be a bandana tied to your daypack or a brightly colored beanie or sunhat. Perhaps you’re into Cotapaxi - by golly you will stand out!
LOCAL TIP! Grab a $1 bandana from Dollar General and tie it to your daypack. Not only will you stand out, double duty it! Use it to tie around a tree on the trail when peeing. Many people get turned around when they head off trail to do their business.
You don’t need to be obnoxious with your comments. However, when you’re hiking alone as a woman or man, making eye contact with others is a subtle display of confidence. Own the trail and look at others.
Make eye contact. Smile. Say hi. Wear something bright.
Hiking Alone Tip 5: Pack the Essential 10
Hiking in Colorado is amazing. We realize that our backyard of fun is some people’s bucket list destination. How cool right?!
Backyard play and bucket list hikes are especially delightful when things go smoothly. That said, nature and humans don’t always coexist well in Colorado.
Unpredictable weather, particularly shoulder season in Colorado (spring, fall) can create some crisis moments if you’re not prepared.
Here’s the deal. Basic essential hiking gear doesn’t weigh much. It can, however, save your life.
In fact, that predictable boring hike you planned can take on a whole new level if you don’t have the “just in case” items with you.
Here’s 10 hiking essentials I carry on the Colorado hiking trails at all times, particularly when hiking solo.
Trekking poles double as defense weapons. Solar battery pack is the best for juicing up your phone on a long hike.
navigation: map, compass, gps, downloaded app
headlamp plus batteries
sun protection *hat, sunscreen
first aid *blister care is key
knife or scissors
fire starter *DIY fire kit or waterproof matches
shelter *emergency blanket
extra food *Cliff shots, granola bar
extra water
extra clothes *mittens and beanie no matter the season
If you’re unsure exactly what you need or even how to carry and pack for a day hike, read up on how to prepare for a Colorado day hike. Essential gear for a day pack isn’t expensive and some of it you can make yourself.
LOCAL TIP! I always throw in an solar external battery pack. Winter cold quickly drains all electronics.
A comfortable backpack makes solo hiking a fun adventure vs a stressed-out affair. Spend any time with an ill fitting pack and your shoulders (and hips) start screaming. The Osprey Packfinder quiz takes less than 2 minutes, giving you the best type of pack for your shape and style of hiking.
reusable emergency blankets - pack of four
We’ve tried a myriad of daypacks, from lumbar packs to minimalist lightweight packs. Each backpack has some great features as well as downsides.
Check out our full review on how to find hiking daypacks that work hard like you do.
The Dagmi Outdoors emergency blankets stash easily in your daypack, weighing just 2 ounces. Using NASA designed Mylar, they come in their own ripstop waterproof bag.
Get a pack of 4 for less than $25.
Always carry the Essential 10
Solo Hiking Tip 6: Bring Water and Food
I love hiking snacks. There is a special place in my closet where I hide my favorite gummies, M&Ms and bars. Eating outdoors makes everything taste extra special.
There are times when I head out for a quick hike and realize, an hour into the trek that I forgot food. It’s not a fun moment ever!
Stash a few standby items in your pack, restocking as you use them.
I always carry a GU gel and Rxbar. The GU gel is for quick energy. *And if I come across someone bonking on the trail, these are great to get them up and walking quickly. Same goes for water. Always stash a few extra ounces with you. I carry a 3L reservoir on Colorado trails, especially when hiking solo.
The newest member of my daypack essentials is the Katadyn BeFree water filter. This is the little engine that could when it comes to filtering water. Fill, squeeze and ta da - you have water! (Caveat: It works best if you’re hiking near water - which isn’t always the case on Colorado hiking trails!)
On days when I want to have an extra water bottle with me, I grab my Epic Water Bottle. Fill it up and drink clean fresh water from the straw. The best part is its super cool Nalgene water bottle design!
If you’re unsure what water filter you need for solo hiking, check out the Epic Water and Katadyn BeFree. Both are under $50; a great price tag for peace of mind in my opinion.
No matter what water filter you choose, reservoir you carry, water bottle you love and snacks you devour, make sure to have extras of each. Just in case is far better than “oh no, I forgot.”
Make extra snacks and H2O your solo hiking companions
Solo Hiking Tip 7: Hike familiar trails *for those mindless hiking days
One of my favorite Colorado hiking activities is taking a paper map, marking a route and tackling the trail. But ask Tanya about my map following skills. They are less than stellar.
When I have new Colorado hiking trails to explore, I take a buddy or three. Getting a bit lost with fellow hikers is way better than on a solo hike with just your noggin.
Consider allowing your solo hiking ventures to be on more familiar trails or ones more populated with people. We’re not saying you need be part of the 14er death march. Peace and solitude can be found on many popular trails.
Regular hikers tend to head out on weekdays vs. weekends. You’ll find some of the nicest locals on an early mid week hike. Stop, chat and move on. Heck, they just might give you their secret social trail spur hike.
It’s nice to wander on a trail that reminds you of past hikes. Practice map reading on the familiar trails, following topo lines (the smaller together they are, the steeper the climb). Use the familiar trails to master simple skills for future trails.
Follow the well worn path
Hiking Alone Tip 8: Carry self protection *mace, pepper spray, bear spray
Where I grew up in Africa we’d see the big five on safaris, but I rarely dealt with wild animals in everyday life. Most interactions involved large scale cockroaches. Floridians, I know you can relate.
When I moved to the US, I found myself up and on the trail well before the sun, logging marathon miles before my kids were awake. While I felt safe in my little neighborhood, I started to research how to keep safe. I found a few self protection essentials that I never leave home without.
Bear Spray, pepper spray - what should I bring and how do I use it?
Mace and/or Pepper Spray:
Years ago we had a woman come teach self defense to a group of moms. This 6’ former police officer gave us a long list of safety tips. (Bonus tip: Be like your teen and keep the cell phone by your bed! Who knew those young’uns had it right?)
She introduced me to Damsel in Defense pepper spray. This little spandex glove slips on my hand like cuff, holding pepper spray in place while I run or hike.
I learned the hard way that pepper spray goes bad. My run down Barr Trail resulted in oozing pepper spray all over my hand. It is indeed made of pepper - my eyes were weeping for days!
No matter how you carry pepper spray or mace, make sure it’s easily and quickly accessible.
Bear Spray:
When we began upgrading to more backcountry remote hikes, the big guns were pulled out. Nope, not actual guns (though many women I know carry on trail). We’re talking bear spray.
Practice pulling the safety pin off and aiming towards something 10 feet away. It is crazy how close 10 feet actually is! I prefer my wildlife viewings much farther away.
When I hike solo, I bring pepper spray and bear spray with me. I’m mostly concerned about the unleashed dog rushing me vs. the wild animal. However, it’s important to know I’m covered for big and little creatures, human or animal.
Keep your bear or pepper spray close by and easily accessible
Solo Hiking Tip 9: Make some noise and listen to your gut
LISTEN TO YOUR GUT!
Don't forget your gut can be one of the best barometers for safety. On a recent solo hike, things felt completely off to me. I acknowledged the weirdness and high-tailed it out of there, choosing the opposite direction of the people who made me feel uncomfortable.
Though I didn't finish the trail, I returned to a more populous portion of the path and enjoyed the rest of my solo hike.
When you feel threatened, get loud!
In college I took my first self defense class. I was paired with the 6’5” male cheerleader. Boy was I proud of myself the day I managed to break free from a practice choke hold.
One phrase has stuck with me since that semester class.
In nature, this is mostly true. Moose are the exception. They have amazing ears and the worst eyesight. Come upon a moose on the Colorado hiking trails and you stay quiet! Back up slowly and get out of their territory STAT!
I carry a whistle on all my hikes, no matter the length, route or familiarity. Most backpacks have a whistle built into their chest strap. Tanya and I day hike with the Osprey Stratos which has a whistle handy for any occasion.
When hiking alone as a woman, I carry an additional whistle. Most local stores sell them for around $3. If I begin to feel vulnerable on a long trail stretch, I bust out my whistle and blow a few tweets.
LOCAL TIP! The universal distress code is three short blasts, about 3 seconds each. Take a breath between each whistle blast to catch your breath and allow the sound to travel in the air. Repeat this 3-blast sequence however long you can.
If you’re in bear country, instead of shouting “hey bear” every so often, choose a nonsense phrase like “hidey hoo or hey diddy.”
Don’t be the boy who cried wolf and have no help when you actually need it.
When you see an actual bear is the time to shout “HEY BEAR!” Make yourself big and make some racket!
Be loud and proud!
Tip 10: Be a person of interest *to a trusted family member or friend
If you enjoy the more remote Colorado hiking trail, become a person of interest to at least one trusted friend or family member.
Before you begin hiking, share the route, map and length of time you’ll be away with at least one person. Technology is pretty wonderful. A simple text with a pinned location is perfect!
Our family uses Find my Iphone. Others really love Life 360. There are many ways to alert others of your day’s plans. Pick one and get it set up.
The bottom line - let at least one person know where you are and your hiking timeline.
Recently Tanya and I started carrying the Garmin inReach mini. We found ourselves hiking without seeing a single person the entire day. That, combined with known wildlife in the area, created an uneasy feeling. The Garmin inReach is relatively easy to use and has a single SOS button for immediate help. Peace of mind for our loved ones is worth a few dollars!
If you’re new to the Garmin world, the Hiking Guy has several in depth posts on how to use the device.
Safety hiking requires a few extra steps. Whether it’s your neighbor, spouse or favorite barista, make sure someone knows your plans.
Always alert someone on your hiking day
Take a moment and assemble your solo hiking kit. Then head out on those fantastic Colorado hiking trails, head high, mind quiet and legs strong.
If you have other great hiking alone tips, leave us a comment. We love to learn and share with others!
