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- A concept called “Alpine divorce” has thrust solo hiking into the spotlight.
- Hiking alone can be rewarding, but comes with unique risks.
- Telling someone your plans and monitoring the weather can help you stay safe while alone on the trail.
Going on a hike with your partner can be a great way to move your body and spend some quality time together—until your partner pulls ahead, leaving you in the dust. This phenomenon—dubbed “Alpine divorce”—refers specifically to one partner leaving the other behind while hiking, potentially leaving them in a vulnerable position. The idea can be traced back to a 1893 short story, but has recently been popularized on social media.
To be sure, not everyone alone on the trail ends up solo unexpectedly—some people choose to hike without others—and time alone in nature can be incredibly restorative. But factors like confusing trailheads and limited provisions mean that going alone also comes with unique risks.
Whether you’re setting out solo—or venturing off with someone else—how can you stay safe on the trail? Here are some of the biggest risks of solo hiking and the most important steps you can take to reduce them.
What Are the Biggest Risks of Hiking Alone?
Solo hiking can absolutely be safe (and rewarding), but it requires more preparation, self-awareness, and discipline than hiking with a group, said Colvin Hedgepeth, vice chair of the board of directors for the American Hiking Society.
According to Hedgepth, the “biggest risk of solo hiking is that there’s no one there to help if something goes wrong.” Conditions in the outdoors can shift quickly: a rolled ankle on rocky terrain, sudden weather changes, dehydration, falls that lead to bleeding, or wildlife encounters can escalate into serious situations.
Getting lost is another significant risk, especially on poorly marked trails or above the treeline, where conditions change fast, Hedepeth added.
A lack of adequate gear is another potential risk. When you’re hiking with other people, you can use someone else’s supplies. But when you’re alone, you can only rely on your own belongings, noted Joe Bassett, a hiking expert, survival instructor, and founder of Valiant Outfitters, LLC.
Tips for Staying Safe When Solo Hiking
Here are some tips for keeping yourself healthy and safe on the trail, whether you’re venturing out on a short trek or multi-day excursion.
1. Tell Someone Your Plan (and Stick to It)
One of the best ways to stay safe is to make sure someone knows you’re going hiking, said Eric Kufrin, a wilderness first aid expert and guide at Yosemite Life. Before you hit the trail, tell someone exactly where you're going, when you’re setting out, and when you expect to be back. Be sure to include specific trailheads and routes, and give clear instructions on what they should do if they don't hear from you.
Changing your route at the last minute, venturing too far from the trailhead, or going too long without checking in with loved ones can make it trickier for other people to find you if things go wrong.
If there will be spotty cell service on the trail, consider carrying a satellite communication device like the Garmin inReach. It offers a tracking feature that creates a “breadcrumb trail” on a map, helping others see your location, Kufrin added.
2. Look at Weather Reports
Stay up to date on weather patterns in the area where you’ll be hiking. In addition to weather apps, park rangers, fellow hikers, and online forums can provide insight into recent trail conditions.
In general, use weather reports as a guide, but don’t rely on them entirely, Bassett recommended. Regardless of what the forecast says, turn back if you see storm clouds approaching, and avoid high-elevation trails during high winds, rain, or snow. If you receive a real-time severe weather alert, stop and seek shelter if possible.
3. Choose Trails That Match Your Fitness Level
When choosing a trail—whether you’re setting out solo or with another person— make sure it aligns with your fitness level and experience, Kufrin said.
To figure that out, don’t “rely on a single source or person,” Bassett said. Instead, consult a variety of sources, such as AllTrails, Reddit, and park rangers at the visitors center, to get a clearer sense of how challenging the hike will be.
Pick a trail that's just a bit easier than your current skill or stamina level, or opt for loop routes that ensure you’re never too far from a trailhead. Keep in mind that terrain and conditions matter just as much as mileage, Bassett warned.
4. Go to Busier Locations
If you’re a new hiker, opt for trails where you’re likely to encounter other hikers. “There’s a comfort and safety factor in knowing other people are nearby,” Hedgepeth said.
You can gauge how popular a destination is by talking to other hikers or joining hiking groups on social media. If you have the time, you can also scout the trail out beforehand to get a sense of how remote it feels.
Once you become more comfortable hiking, you may want to start exploring more remote locations.
5. Bring the Essentials
Another key strategy? Drink water before you feel thirsty. A good rule of thumb is about half a liter per hour of moderate activity, or more in hot weather or at high elevations, according to Hedgepeth. To stay on track, set a timer on your phone or watch to take some sips every 30 minutes.
Come prepared with reliable hydration options. Pack a water filter such as the Sawyer Mini or Squeeze filter system so you can safely purify water from nearby streams if necessary. Electrolyte powders and tablets can also help prevent dehydration.
And don’t forget about food. Bring plenty of snacks and food you enjoy—and consider packing at least an extra day’s worth. You'll want to keep energy up and stable throughout the entire trek, said Kufrin. Granola bars, nuts, jerky, and other pantry staples are all solid snack options for hiking.
In addition to food and water, it’s important to wear appropriate shoes and carry tools that can help prevent injury, hypothermia, or heat exhaustion, including:
- Navigation tools (downloaded maps, paper maps, or a compass)
- Sun protection (hat and sunscreen)
- Insulation layers (jacket and gloves)
- A headlamp
- A first-aid kit (and any essential medicines, like pain relief, inhalers, or EpiPens)
- Fire-starting tools (lighter or ferro rod)
- A repair kit and a knife
- Emergency shelter (such as a tarp or bevy)
- A USB or portable charger for your phone
- Trekking poles (to prevent falls)
- Insect repellent
- A safety whistle
6. Listen to Your Body
When solo hiking, your body is your best guide. Pay close attention to how you feel—tight muscles and fatigue aren’t just inconveniences, they can be early warning signs to slow down, Bassett said.
To help stave off fatigue, “take micro breaks to catch your breath and let your heart rate come down,” suggested Alicia Filley, PT, MS, a hiking coach and owner of The Healthy Hiker. Stretch when you can, focusing on your posterior chain, quads, calves, and back. And be mindful of your pace early on, since many hikers accidentally burn themselves out in the first hour.
Slowing down and trusting your instincts can help not only prevent injury and fatigue, but also reduce the risk of navigation errors.
Ultimately, “if something feels off, the weather’s turning, the trail doesn’t look right, or you’re more tired than expected, turn around,” Hedgepeth said. The trail will be there another day.
