What to Do if You Get Lost While Hiking

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The Ultimate Guide on What to Do if You Get Lost While Hiking

We’re tackling a topic that might make your heart race a bit — what to do if you find yourself a tad more off the beaten path than you had planned. Yep, we’re talking about getting lost while hiking.

Now, don’t go fretting just yet. It happens to the best of us, and let me assure you, there’s always a way to find your way back. In this post, we’ll chat about the dos and don’ts when it comes to navigating the great unknown.

So, if you’ve ever had that moment of panic where you glance around and think, “Uh-oh, this doesn’t look familiar,” fear not! I’ve got your back with some tried-and-true tips that I’ve picked up along my own winding trails. So lace up those boots, grab your compass, and let’s venture into the wild world of what to do when you find yourself lost on a hiking trail.

1. Start Prepared

Wooden sign post arrows on hiking trail in the mountains

You’re standing at the trailhead, surrounded by the anticipation of adventure. The sun is shining, birds are singing, and you’re ready to hit the trail. But, before you dive into the wilderness headfirst, you need to make sure you start your hike prepared.

After all, you never have to worry about what to do if you get lost while hiking if you don’t get lost in the first place!

Begin by researching your trail so you have a good idea of the route you’ll take when you’re on your hike. Make note of any trail junctions, landmarks, or special features so you can look out for them when you’re hiking.

I know it seems excessive, and I know we all get a bit giddy when nature calls, but it’s also crucial to let someone know about your plans. This can be as simple as dropping a quick text to a friend or family member telling them exactly where you’re going and how long you expect to be away. Just don’t forget to text them when you’re safely back at home!

It’s also a good idea to leave this information in your car when you park at the trailhead. To protect your car and make sure the information is still there if police or park service need to check things out, write everything down on a piece of paper and leave it folded on your driver’s seat.

2. Pack the Necessary Essentials

Once you have your hiking plan set, you need to check your gear. Even if you’re going on a short day hike, you should always bring along these essential pieces of hiking gear.

If you’re planning on spending a night or two on the trail, or you know your hike is going to take you pretty far into the wilderness, you should also consider bringing along these vital pieces of survival gear. Fortunately, even though they’re absolutely crucial for helping you out in an emergency, they’re also small and lightweight enough that won’t take up a ton of space in your backpack.

Let’s not forget about two of the most important things you need — water and food. Staying hydrated and fueled up is not just a suggestion; it’s a non-negotiable rule of the trail.

If you’re not sure how much water to bring, be sure to check out this guide on determining how much water you need on a hike.

It’s also vitally important that you wear the right hiking clothes. Fortunately, whether you’re hiking in the scorching summer heat, chilly winter weather, or even soaking wet rainstorms, you can be prepared and stay comfortable with these guides on the right hiking gear for all types of weather:

3. Pay Attention During Your Hike

Young couple looking at map while hiking on the mountain

I know, it sounds like common sense, but trust me, when you’re surrounded by the beauty of nature, it’s easy to get lost in thought (ironic, huh?). So, here’s a friendly reminder from your fellow wanderer — keep those senses sharp while you’re out there.

The trail might throw some subtle hints your way, and you don’t want to miss them because you’re too busy contemplating the meaning of life. Keep an eye out for trail markers, distinctive trees, or that quirky-shaped rock that serves as your unofficial guide to where you are and where you’re going.

Don’t be afraid to snap some pictures along the way. Not only will they be fun reminders of your adventure when you’re back at home, but they can also help you remember parts of the trail and find your way back if you get lost.

Plus, let’s not forget our trusty sidekick — the map. It’s not just a fancy piece of paper; it’s your key to a successful hike. Glance at it every now and then to make sure you can match the terrain to what’s on paper.

If you’re really worried about getting lost, you can build some small identifiers on the trail, such as using sticks to make arrows or stacking rock cairns. These identifiers can help you find your way back. However, to ensure you’re following proper Leave No Trace principles, you need to make sure you destroy them on your return trip.

4. Remember to “STOP”

If you find yourself lost while hiking, there’s a very important acronym to remember: STOP.

S – Stop walking, keep calm, and don’t panic. Absolutely do not start walking again until you’ve had a chance to calm down and think about your situation with a clear mind.

T – Think about where you are. Try to picture which direction you went. Do you remember seeing any landmarks? Do you have pictures that can help you find your way back?

O – Observe what’s around you for clues about where you are, such as signs or trail blazes. If you’re on a trail, stay on it. If you have a compass, use it to better understand your location.

P – Plan your next course of action based on what you’ve learned from your observations. If you’re not confident about your plan, it’s close to becoming dark, or you’re hurt or tired, it’s better to stay where you are and come up with a new plan in the morning.

If you have a phone and it has service, call or text for help. Search and rescue can mobilize right away and might be able to get you off the trail before nightfall.

Remember, if you can’t locate yourself on the map and you truly have no idea where you are, you need to STAY PUT. Rescuers are going to start looking for you where they know you were last, and that’s on the hiking trail.

If you panic and start wandering even further away from your last known location, you’re putting yourself in danger. You could also be potentially walking further away from the rescuers who are searching for you.

5. Prepare for Spending the Night

Male hikers warming hands at campfire in forest

If you get lost while hiking and you need to wait for rescuers to arrive, chances are good you’re going to have to spend a night or two in the wild. You need to address these four priorities in this order: shelter, water, fire, and food.

Shelter – Hypothermia only takes a few hours to set in, so shelter is your top priority. You simply need something that can protect you from any wind and rain, like a natural rock overhang or a lean-to made of sticks. Remember, it’s easier to find shelter before the sun sets.

Water – You can only last a few days without water, which is why it’s your next priority. If you have one of these top water filters for hikers and you’re near a source of fresh water, such as a river or stream, you’ll be able to take care of your water needs.

Fire – A small fire can help you stay warm, cook food, boil water, and provide light. You can also use the smoke as a signal for help. However, it’s VERY important to make sure you can control this fire at all times. The last thing you want to do is start a forest fire!

Food – While you can last several weeks without food, malnourishment can quickly start to weaken your body, so food should be your final priority. If you’re not familiar with the local edible plants, you should probably stick to animals. Of course, it’s still a good idea to learn about edible plants. You won’t expend as much energy gathering plants since they can’t run or fly away. Consider using a regional field guide on edible plants to brush up on this knowledge. You can even stick a guide in your backpack just to be safe and prepared.

Stay Safe by Knowing What to Do if You Get Lost While Hiking

Remember, getting lost doesn’t mean your hiking dreams are over — it just means you’ve stumbled upon a detour. Fortunately, thanks to these tips on what to do if you get lost while hiking, you can turn your “uh-oh” moment into a “I got this” situation.

The great outdoors is full of surprises, and getting lost is just one of them. Embrace the unexpected, stay prepared, and never let a little detour dampen your hiking spirit.

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