If you’re about to embark on your first solo backpacking trip or if you want to learn more about finding hiking trails, there are several considerations to take into account. Getting started can be challenging when planning a substantial hike or backpacking expedition, as it can easily seem daunting. Nevertheless, by following a few straightforward steps, you’ll be well-prepared for your upcoming hiking adventure. This organized, step-by-step guide will assist you in your next excursion.
How to Find Hiking and Backpacking Trails
There are numerous options available for finding hiking and backpacking trails, including blogs and apps. Below are some of my preferred resources that consistently inspire me.
- Blogs. Blogs offer an awesome insight into the feel of an area. Most of the time blogs are going to give you the “best of” or more popular hiking trails to explore in an area. They are great if you are new to hiking, new to a particular area or you like to pick the most Insta-worthy hikes. I use blogs as a reference when I want to explore a new area
- AllTrails.com. It’s an app, it’s a website, and it’s the best hiking resource out there. All of my off-the-beaten-path adventures have started by using AllTrails. I’ve been using the free account for years and never felt the need to upgrade.
- National Forest and National Park websites. These resources will give you information on overnight or day-use permits and (depending on the park or forest) difficulty level. I’ll cross reference this with the information I find on AllTrails.
- Social Media. Social channels like Instagram are useful for finding out what an area looks like. The new Leave No Trace principals dictate that you should think twice before geotagging a specific trail or location. However, I use social media when I’m looking to get a feel for a faraway place and see if it’s worth my time to explore.
- Good old-fashioned USGS maps. Knowing how to read a map is an essential skill for a hiker. When it comes to planning a hike or backpacking route, looking at USGS maps give you a lot of valuable information such as the terrain, potential camping places, and mileage. You can look up USGS maps with a GPS app, or view them online for free with HillMap. You can also go into an outdoor store and purchase specific maps you’ll want for your journey.
Set Realistic Expectations When You Plan a Hike or Backpacking Adventure
Before embarking on a hiking or backpacking trip, it is crucial to assess your own capabilities as well as those of your companions. Although safety may not be the most thrilling aspect, being realistic about your goals will ensure a more enjoyable experience. Reflect on your desired outcome for the trip – are you seeking a lengthy and demanding journey, or do you prefer a challenging but enjoyable expedition with friends? If you are new to hiking or backpacking and wish to embark on a more ambitious adventure, take the necessary steps to plan accordingly.
With your objectives in consideration, search for a hiking trail that meets your desired mileage, elevation gain, and difficulty level. Keep in mind that the average speed for people is approximately two miles per hour or 1,000 vertical feet per hour, so ensure your hiking plans are realistic. Avoid ending up in an exhausting and overwhelming experience when all you seek is a leisurely time on the trail. Utilize maps to cross-check your plan and determine if there are sufficient locations for resting and camping remaining.
Planning Where to Camp
I will not go into great detail about how to find camping spots on a backpacking trip, as this is already covered in my guide to planning a backpacking or wilderness camping trip. Nonetheless, if you wish to camp along the trail during your hike, it is important to confirm that this is feasible. To do so, search for your trail on Google using the terms “trip report” or “recent conditions” to see what others have experienced. Additionally, ensure that the wilderness area you will be in allows overnight parking at the trailhead and that you do not require any permits (if you do, make sure to obtain them).
Create a Packing List
Admittingly, I am completely disoriented without a list. Lists are present in various aspects of my life, including groceries, weekly schedules, simple weekend trips, and so on. Construct a packing list for your significant hiking excursion. Lists are particularly useful when journeying with a group. I will swiftly create a Google Doc for any group activities and incorporate a packing list. Request individuals to contribute by bringing group equipment like a stove, first aid kit, water filter, and shelter. Feel free to add personal items as well, ensuring everyone is well-prepared and organized during the hike planning phase.
Establish Priorities For Your Trip
In the past, backpacking involved finding a balance between carrying only essential gear for walking and carrying more comfortable items for camping. However, in recent years, gear has become more lightweight, allowing for a comfortable experience both while walking and camping. To better organize your planning and avoid conflicts with companions, it is beneficial to establish goals concerning the duration of each day and hiking pace from the beginning.
Estimating Hiking Time
To plan your camping spots and morning departure time, begin by estimating how long your hike will take. Then, move backward from important points on your route. If you want to reach a pass by 1 PM to avoid thunderstorms, ensure that your previous night’s campsite is within proximity. The most convenient approach is to modify the route on the website and then synchronize it with your phone.
Leave Plans with an Emergency Contact
It is possible to become stranded in the wilderness due to an injury, a navigational mistake, or another unfortunate event. A responsible measure to take is to inform a trusted friend of your plans so that they can organize a search and rescue operation if necessary.
- Your route, including start date and time, end date and time, and campsite locations. Gaia GPS makes it easy to share a route via email.
- Establish a clear time that you will be in touch with your emergency contact at the end of your trip. Set a time for your emergency contact to call search and rescue if they don’t hear from you. For example, if you plan to be finished with your trip and in service to contact your friend by 6 PM on July 31, you might set noon on August 1 as the time for your contact to call search and rescue. Have a clear plan for who they should contact and what to do to initiate a search.
- Phone number for the main park office, local search and rescue, or sheriff’s office
- Location of your car
- Make, model, and license plate number of your car
- Name of each person in the group and any pertinent medical conditions
On a flat trail, an average pace is approximately 2 mph. To account for every 1000 feet of elevation gain, it is recommended to add 30 minutes. So, for a day covering 8 miles with an elevation gain of 3000 feet, the total travel time would amount to 5-and-a-half hours.
Logistics and Permits
Camping permits or reservations are required for many popular areas, and they can be obtained through various means. In the United States, recreation.gov is a common online platform for making reservations, and Gaia Topo provides information on available campsites. The specific rules and reservation dates differ by location, with some destinations allowing online bookings as early as January for summer trips. However, certain land management agencies also offer a limited number of permits each day on a first-come, first-served basis. It is important to note that the estimated travel time may vary depending on factors such as fitness level, pack weight, and trail conditions.
Environmental Hazards
- Terrain Hazards
- Exposure. Be wary of cliffs or steep ravines where a fall could injure or kill you. Your balance may be affected by your pack weight and rain can make the ground slick. In these situations, it can be helpful to consider the consequences, not just the likelihood, of a fall.
- Falling trees. Falling trees, particularly dead trees or ones with a significant lean, can pose a hazard, especially at a campsite, where you spend more time. Wind can make the trees more likely to fall — be sure to choose a safe campsite. The Forest Service has a simple guide to this hazard here.
- Rockfall. Camp well away from the base of cliffs. If you are traveling through loose, rocky terrain, position yourself out of the fall line of other hikers so that if a rock is released, it won’t hit you. Consider other hiking groups above you as well as those in your party.
- Weather
- Cold and wet conditions. Prolonged exposure to cold and/or wet conditions, or immersion in cold water, can result in hypothermia. Prevention is key—carry adequate layers, extra food, and fuel.
- Heat. It isn’t just the bad weather that can pose a hazard. Prolonged exposure to heat and sun can cause heat exhaustion and may progress to heatstroke. As with hypothermia, prevention is critical. Maintain adequate hydration, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day.
- Lightning. Thunderstorms are a common occurrence during the summer. On average, 300 people are struck and 30 are killed by lightning in the US every year. Monitor local weather patterns and plan to be off of high passes and peaks before thunderstorms build. If you hear thunder, descend to a safe place. Educate yourself with the National Weather Service’s lightning safety brochure.
- Moving water. If your route involves wading across creeks and rivers, seek training from someone with experience in river crossings. Some hiking clubs have classes you can take. The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council has a good informational video, but YouTube is not a substitute for proper training from an experienced individual.
- Altitude. Travel to elevations above 8000 feet is associated with risk of developing one or more forms of acute altitude illness. Gradual ascent can prevent altitude illness. If you are unacclimatized, take two days to ascend to 8000 feet. Once at 8000 feet, it is recommended to increase your sleeping elevation 1500 feet or less per day.
