Tips for solo hikers

As a solo hiker with my dog,  safety is paramount to having an enjoyable experience.  Below are some of the steps I take to ensure safety during our hikes and for every outdoor adventure.

Stay Hydrated!

This is the most important tip.  Regardless of where you hike, always bring 2x the amount of water you will need and turn around if you are running out. This is one reason why researching the trail and its surrounding area ahead of time is really important. Know about reliable sources of water near your hike at all times. 

Share Your Plans: Always Inform at least two people you trust about your hiking plans, including your intended route, expected return time, and emergency contact information. Check in with them before and after your hike and always make sure that your electronic devices are fully charged. 

Use Technology

Most cell phones now come with emergency broadcast capabilities to alert individuals in your contacts when you may be in trouble. There are also a number of safety apps developed with this in mind.  Earlier this year, I was gifted a  Garmin Fēnix ® 7 – Sapphire Solar Edition, I love their Incident detection feature which sends an automatic text and email with my name and GPS location to my emergency contacts any time I am wearing the watch and it senses a sudden drastic deceleration or an impact. Keep in mind that while these features are helpful tools, they should never be used as replacements for contacting emergency services.

Carry essentials

Some of the essentials in my hiking pack include my cell phone,  compass, whistle, multi-tool, enough food and water for my dog and me, extra item of clothing, and first aid kit.

Research the Trail

Get familiarized with the trail before you do it.  This includes knowing its terrain, elevation gain, potential hazards, trail conditions, and closures. 

Hone in Your Navigation Skills

Spend some time developing or honing your navigation skills. It is always useful to understand how to use a map, read a compass, and understand GPS navigation.  A helpful alternative: Download the hiking route ahead of time, don't depend on having cell phone signal as it may not be available based on the location of your hike. Interested in learning more? REI offers affordable navigation courses 

Stay on the Trail

This is the best way to avoid getting lost.  Stick to established trails and avoid shortcuts or off-trail hiking.  This is more important if you are hiking a new trail, unfamiliar terrain, or experience significant changes in weather. 

Be Aware of Wildlife
During my hikes, I've had encounters with Wild Burros, Coyotes, Javelinas, Rattlesnakes, and even Tarantulas. Most wildlife want to stay away from you but planning ahead of time also includes becoming familiar with the wildlife in the area and knowing how to react to encounters. Keeping a safe distance from wildlife is key to ensuring safety for every one in the event of an encounter.  

Carry a First-Aid Kit and Carry Tweezers! 

A small first aid kit can go a long way! Tweezers are particularly important in Arizona where a cholla cactus needle and other cactus splinters can turn your hike into a nightmare.  Know how to use your first-aid kit for minor injuries and ailments.

Trust Your Instincts and Stay Focused:

Stay mentally focused and alert. The outdoors is a great place for mindfulness and self-reflection, but always maintain situational awareness. Trust your intuition and prioritize safety. Remember, if something doesn't feel right or you encounter unexpected hazards, don't hesitate to turn back.

Don't forget that your safety (and the safety of your dog) is your responsibility when hiking solo. Being well prepared, informed, and cautious can help to ensure you stay safe and have an enjoyable time outdoors.