Picture this. You’ve been climbing for over an hour, the trail pulling you skyward through dense trees. Then, the forest parts. You can sense the summit is approaching. Then all of a sudden you pop out onto the exposed peak. Your reward is scenic 360 degree views. You pause and take it all in. — just you and the mountain.
If the thought of hiking solo excites you but also feels a bit daunting, you’re not alone. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to start solo hiking — with practical steps to help you stay safe and hike with confidence.
Why Go Solo?
Benefits of Solo Hiking
From strengthening your problem solving skills to reducing stress by reconnecting with nature. Solo hiking provides numerous benefits. Below is a quick summary of the key benefits:
- As opposed to hiking with others. Solo hiking allows the freedom to go at your own pace and explore whatever you want to on any given day.
- Science backed research shows that being in nature has meditative qualities
- Your skills develop at a quicker pace when you are on your own as you are the one who has to do everything. From navigating to adapting to new environments
What Draws People to It
One of the main draw cards that solo hiking provides; is a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of daily life. People are more connected than ever before, solo hiking provides a chance to remove yourself from that environment. There is no need for talking, it is just you the trail and your thoughts.
The first paragraph touched on the concept of a sense of achievement. This is no more evident than reaching the peak or making it back to your starting point. You have that feeling of “I did it.” Each time you hike solo it feels like a personal victory.
Now we have covered our why. Let’s cover the basics of solo hiking.
Is Solo Hiking Safe for Beginners?
Yes, solo hiking is safe for beginners. Throughout this article and other resources on my blog. I will show you how with the correct preparation and planning. Solo hiking can be a safe space for beginners. Further safety info can be found in our article – Solo Hiking Safety.
Famous New Zealand mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary once said “It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.”
Know Your Limits
You wouldn’t travel to Nepal and try and reach the summit of Everest without months of training and planning. The same is true for solo hiking. You research and make sure you are picking hikes that are suitable for your ability and fitness levels. Most state run hiking pages will grade their hikes from easier through to more difficult. Look up a hike you have done before and base your grading off how you found that.
Wildlife Awareness
I won’t go into this in great detail as it changes depending on where you are hiking. Some research on what wildlife to expect is critical. This can be done in a variety of ways:
- Visitor centres can provide information on local flora and fauna
- Online resources – hiking associations, state run websites
- Signage at the trailhead – they usually have some signs on what to expect
How to Stay on The Trail
Every hike can be different. If the path is maintained they will usually have some form of fluorescent markers to outline the trail. Usually in the form of stakes in the ground, reflective markers on trees, ribbons tied to trees or painted rocks.
Emergency preparedness
This is a broad sub-heading on the theme of safety for first time solo hikers. The following key points can be used as a guide:
- Take your cellphone with a full charge and offline maps downloaded
- Tell someone where you are going and when to expect you back. Call or text them once you are finished
- Start with popular trails as you will have company along the hike
- Leave enough daylight to complete your hike
This brief outline summarises some high level safety tips. For further in depth reading, check out solo hiking safety page.
Solo Hiking Essentials Checklist
Essential gear
Some of the key elements every solo hiker should have are:
- Sturdy/fitting hiking shoes
- A good hiking pack
- A warm base layer (climate dependant)
- A windbreaker
- A rain jacket
- Gloves (climate dependant)
Food and Water Needs
If you are undertaking a day hike, you will want to pack the following:
- Enough water based on water fill points, heat and humidity
- Snacks – museli bars, nuts, dried fruit etc…
- Lunch – sandwiches work well. Bute everyone is different. Lighter food is better
- Tea/coffee – It is nice to have a drink when you reach the top or halfway point
A key to remember is to pack more than you need when it comes to food and drink!
First Aid Basics
Depending on what your environment is like. A simple first aid kit is a must. I also like to include strapping tape as well. It can be used for first aid or patch repair jobs on your hiking kit.
Navigation (apps, maps & compasses)
Outlined above was to download a copy of an offline map. This could be google maps or similar depending on what level of detail it shows. I also like to take a photo of the map at the trailhead. Depending on the level of difficulty, you can look at downloading the map off AllTrails.
How Should I Plan My First Solo Hike?
Choosing the Right Trail
How to choose the right trail as a beginner? One thing I like to do is research. Now it is not everyone’s cup of tea. You can do this in a format that suits you. You might watch some videos online about the area. Or read a book on the area you are visiting to get some inspiration Online forums such as alltrails are a treasure trove for navigational tips. People provide valuable reviews of the trails they have completed. If you don’t want to do lengthy research, then lean on the visitor centres. They are professionals that have extensive first hand knowledge of the area. Usually they can recommend trails based on what you are looking to get out of it. They will usually have some free maps they can show you things as well.
Check the Weather
This is a key element when planning your hike. Aside from wanting to get some killer views along your hike, you want to stay safe. I find using the state run services provides the most realistic weather forecasts.
On one of my early solo hikes, I didn’t check the weather in enough detail. The sky looked clear when I started, so off I went. Halfway through my hike, clouds rolled in fast and I got saturated. I hadn’t packed a rain jacket or a dry change of clothes. I was cold, wet and anxious. Due to this, I ended up cutting my hike short. Now, I never skip checking the forecast and always bring emergency layers.”
Let’s wrap up with building confidence while solo hiking.
How Can I Build Confidence for Solo Hiking?
Start With Familiar or Popular Trails
Now we are getting into the details. Starting with familiar trails is the success here. You may have done this hike with some friends. Or you may know of the route given you live close by. Being familiar is the key here. This will not only put your mind at ease, but it will make the hike more enjoyable.
Hike Solo During the Day First
As I touched on before, when you are starting out hiking solo. Stick to daylight hours. Check to make sure you know when to expect fading light conditions and the sun to set. Leave yourself ample time to complete your loop.
Practice Short Solo Hikes Before Going Long
Practice makes perfect. If you are feeling uneasy about what I have laid out, that is totally normal. My advice to you is to start with baby steps. Find a local nature reserve or bushlands. Go for an hour long walk to start with. Then build on that from there.
Mindset Tips for Overcoming Nervousness
Reframing your solo hike to an adventure is key to calming your nerves. You will be amazed by taking the word solo out of what you are calling it allows your mind to be at ease. Following your plan is another great trick for beating nervousness. Keep building confidence by gradually increasing distance and difficulty. And watch how your confidence grows.
Conclusion
Solo hiking might feel intimidating at first — and that’s normal. But with the right preparation, mindset, and a little courage, it becomes one of the most empowering ways to connect with nature and yourself. By taking these first steps, you’re not just learning how to hike alone — you’re proving to yourself that you can.
So go ahead — choose your route, trust your preparation, and step into your solo adventure with confidence. The trails are waiting — and you’re ready.