These hiking safety tips might seem like common sense, but many people end up in difficult situations because they didn’t do enough research or preparation. Just a little planning can help ensure your hiking experience is a happy memory and not a cautionary tale.
Troubles on the trail often start with a series of small missteps. Perhaps a light rain makes the path slippery and drenches your clothes. Looking into your backpack, you find your water bottle has leaked all over your map. This could lead you to take the wrong trail and get stuck in the dark. Instead of enjoying a meal and drinks with fellow hikers, you’re now cold, thirsty, and facing a long night.
Luckily, most of these issues are preventable. Whether you’re planning a quick day hike nearby or a bigger adventure in a national park, here are some vital safety tips to follow.
Even short day hikes can unexpectedly turn into nights spent in the woods, and you’re probably not going to be making s’mores. Getting lost or helping someone with an injury like a sprained ankle could delay your return to your vehicle, making it crucial to pack as though you might spend the night outdoors.
Those who dread getting caught in the wilderness overnight might rush to finish the trail and end up falling or getting hurt in the dark. Falls and hypothermia are leading causes of trail-related fatalities, and they’re more likely in the dark.
Therefore, always keep a reliable light source on you (like a flashlight), some extra snacks, and an extra layer of clothing, even if you plan to be back before sunset. It’s wise not to drain your phone’s battery by using it as a flashlight. If you end up lost without a light source, stay put and wait for rescue or daylight. Statistically, enduring a night in discomfort is safer than trying to find your way out.
Even if you’re hiking with others, it’s smart to let someone back home know when you expect to return. You won’t be rescued if no one knows you need help. Share your plan with a dependable person.
The National Park Service suggests your hiking plan should include:
Before venturing into new areas, familiarize yourself with the trail’s details, like distance, terrain, and elevation changes. Make a note of potential routes to intersect a road or water source. Be honest with yourself about your physical readiness for the elevation challenges. A topographic map is a valuable tool for understanding the terrain.
On your hiking day, take a moment to visit the park headquarters or ranger station, if available. Experienced rangers can update you on the weather, wildlife, fire alerts, trail closures, and other important info. While there, grab a paper map rather than relying solely on technology for navigation.
Water is crucial but heavy, so hikers often bring just what they think is enough. However, dehydration is common, especially in winter or dry conditions. Make it a habit to pack an extra bottle—someone else might need it too.
Consider investing in a filtration device in case you run out of water. Any natural water source you find probably needs to be treated, so it’s better to play it safe than deal with parasites. Lightweight filters like LifeStraw or Sawyer Mini can be lifesavers in sticky situations.
Snacks are important for boosting your energy and mood as needed. A hungry hiker with low blood sugar is prone to making poor choices. Always keep some snacks like energy bars or nuts handy.
Spotting wildlife while hiking can be a highlight, but it’s crucial to know how to handle encounters. Give wild animals plenty of space—Yellowstone Park rangers suggest 100 yards for bears and 25 yards for moose, bison, and elk. Make noise as you hike to alert bears of your presence and avoid startling them. If you spot a bear, try not to attract its attention, and back away slowly.
If a bear notices you, don’t run—it can reach speeds up to 35 mph. Instead, keep it in view, and cautiously move sideways or retreat without turning your back. Wave your arms and make noise without being aggressive. Let it know you’re neither a threat nor a meal. (Experts warn against climbing trees since bears can climb much better.)
You can find more tips on handling wildlife encounters from the National Park Service.
Starting your hike early has many perks. The lighting is better for photos, wildlife is more active, and thunderstorms often hit in the afternoon. Most importantly, it gives you extra time to sort things out if anything goes awry.
In bear country, be especially vigilant at dawn and dusk when bears are most active. It’s always risky to surprise a bear.
Checking the weather forecast is wise, but it can change quickly. A short thunderstorm may turn trails into muddy challenges. Easy stream crossings can become dangerous, and strong winds can break branches.
If you hear thunder, even with clear skies, head back immediately or seek nearby shelter—a building or car is ideal. Lacking shelter, go low and avoid tall structures such as trees, then crouch on the ground rather than lying flat.
Hypothermia can strike even in 50-degree weather, despite seeming like a winter-only concern. “Cotton kills” is an old saying among experienced hikers since wet cotton clothes from rain or sweat can rapidly lower your body heat. This problem is worsened by exertion, tiredness, and dehydration, common in hiking. Thankfully, hypothermia is preventable:
A whistle is compact yet effective for signaling for help. Its sound travels farther than your voice. Blow three short bursts (SOS) to indicate an emergency. Keep it easily accessible, not buried in your backpack.
Listening to music while hiking can be enjoyable, but it’s risky to block out nature’s sounds. You might miss birdsong or important warnings from irritated wildlife like bears or rattlesnakes. Even falling branches may give auditory cues.
Music can wait until you’re safely celebrating the end of your hike.