Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Afraid to hike alone? Nothing is better than the freedom solo adventure to follow my own path and travel wherever a whim will lead. Do I still have fears? Sure, but arranging adventures around others is often just too difficult.

Do your friends and family get that glazed look when you are talking about your next camping trip? Or perhaps they gently suggest more age-appropriate activities, like crocheting or scrapbooking. Finding a hiking partner or group with similar goals and schedules can be challenging.

I’ve solo backpacked, car camped, and hiked thousands of miles on my own. I wouldn’t trade these experiences for anything in the world. The scenery, solitude, and sense of accomplishment are unparalleled.

Hiking clubs are great. I’ve even joined a few and met some awesome, strong women with great stories. But there is nothing like moving at your own pace, changing direction, and being open to spontaneity.

My friends and family have been supportive, and enjoy hearing about my adventures. But not everyone has had the same experience.

Do your kids know what you are up to? Aren’t you a little old for this? What if you get lost? What if you see a bear? Don’t you know there are weirdos out there? Carry a gun!

These comments can make you question the wisdom of striking out alone. But life is too short to miss something so precious as our great outdoors.

Conquering Your Fears of Hiking Alone

You don’t need to worry about being free of fear; you can work through it instead. Take that first step, start small with a short hike at a local park, and work up to longer adventures.

Consider car camping instead of jumping right into a solo backpacking excursion.

Bring your smartphone and take lots of pictures. Take time to enjoy looking back when you get home. You will feel a real sense of accomplishment and be excited to plan your next trip.

We raise women to believe they can’t be safe alone. Don’t let society stop you from your greatest life.

Planning Solo Adventures

I’m a spur-of-the-moment gal, but that doesn’t mean I never plan my escapades. Be sure to look up the website for the location you plan on visiting. Local, state, and national parks and forests will post alerts, like closures and possible dangers.

Always review the trails you will be hiking. Consider things like elevation changes, as this will significantly increase your trail time. Pick a route within your limits. It’s great to challenge yourself, but you can always gradually increase endurance and rejoice in small but steady gains.

Check the weather for the area where you will be hiking or camping. Avoid hiking in severe weather or rapidly changing conditions.

Pack necessary items. If you are walking in a city park or on a crowded urban trail, you may not need a full backpack. But do wear comfortable clothing, and bring water. I have a small waist pack that easily fits two 16 oz. water bottles and a snack bar.

For anything longer, please ensure you pack as appropriate. Take enough food and water. Don’t forget the Ten Essentials. These items can be used in case of minor injuries, getting lost, or other delays. Find more information from the National Park Service here: https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm

Start early; you don’t want to be on the trail after dark.

Being prepared will help reduce anxiety and make your adventure more enjoyable.

Solo Hiking Security

Let a trusted family member or friend know where you will be. Provide details, such as the trails you plan to hike, the campground name and site, and when you plan to return.

Never give your itinerary on social media until after you are safely away from the trail.

If something does not feel right, trust your instincts. If you think you are being followed, try walking behind another group of hikers, if possible. Don’t share your itinerary or campsite location with others on the trail.

Carry a personal safety alarm. She’s Birdie (yes, that’s really the name!) is a great choice. I have the rechargeable model, get it here: https://dirtundermyboots.com/shes-birdie-alarm

Always stay on marked trails.

Turn around if needed. Remember, the hike will always be there another day, but you can’t be replaced!

Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid wearing headphones in remote areas. Take in your surroundings, looking ahead and behind for wildlife, people, and hazards.

Bring your fully charged cell phone.

Carry a satellite communicator with GPS location and SOS alerting. More remote areas won’t have cell coverage. I have even been in some state parks closer to town where service was intermittent. My personal choice is the Zoleo. It is reasonably priced, very reliable, and links to the contacts in your phone to enable text messaging. You can also set it to text your location at intervals you choose. Get it here: https://dirtundermyboots.com/zoleo-satellite-communicator

Following these basic safety tips will help you feel more secure and enhance your enjoyment on the trail.

Hiking Apps

There are plenty of hiking apps available. The best ones for me have been reliable, cost-effective, and fun to use. Here are my top recommendations. Using these has allowed me to enjoy places I may not otherwise chosen to venture.

Hiking Project: This is a free app that works even with one bar on my cell phone. It displays your location and provides trail information, including distance, elevation gain, and difficulty ratings. Even if the trail you’re on isn’t listed, you can still get a good idea of your location. Find more details here: https://www.hikingproject.com/

onX Backcountry: cost = $29.99 / year. This online digital navigation tool can be used for route planning, weather reports, and more. I have it linked to my Hiking Project app, so it’s super easy to use.

Gaia GPS: cost = $59.99 / year. Well worth the money. Gaia offers offline navigation, detailed maps, and route planning with latitude and longitude. It is so detailed I have even located some dispersed camping sites in places like state forests.

Final Thoughts

Solo adventures build confidence, not just for hiking but in your whole life. The sense of accomplishment provides strength to tackle life’s challenges. Peace, solitude, incredible views, and lifelong memories that might otherwise be missed will be yours.

I hope this post has inspired you to get out and enjoy some dirt under your boots. Enjoy!

Sharing is caring!