Is It SAFE to Hike as a Solo Female Hiker?

I admit, I love to hike. There is so much freedom in hiking, such as, getting to pick the place I want to hike, the time I want to hike and if I choose to hike by myself or others, I can. But lately, I have heard how dangerous hiking can be, and it has me pondering, how safe is it for a solo female hiker like myself or even you? Will I let fear dominate my mind or will I rest in the thought I am hiking for peace and beauty I find in nature?

One thing I have learned as I am maturing, but still have plenty of time to hike, is that I cannot live in fear. There is a healthy dose of fear and an unhealthy dose of fear. Lets differentiate between the two:

1. The healthy dose is being aware of your surroundings. I think this is the most important part of when you are ANYWHERE by yourself, always, always always be aware of your surroundings. Take off your ear buds for a moment and look up and around you. Check out your surroundings. A lot of times I see people totally oblivious to what is around them as they listen to their music very loud (sometimes I can hear it from their buds or if they have a radio on them), look down and not see what is ahead of them or behind. Be aware of your surroundings.

2. The unhealthy dose is giving in to fear. No one likes fear, but it is around each one of us, ready to devour the first person to give in. Yes, there is plenty of danger outside the safety of your home, but if you cower and live in fear continuously, how can you REALLY live? If hiking by yourself scares you, find a good friend to hike with or join a group that you research to make sure they are reputable, where they have an active group, with good reviews. But what about protecting ourselves, even when we are with someone else?

Now lets talk about how to protect ourselves as female solo hikers:

1. There could be some controversy with what I am about to say, but it needs to be said and if you do not like it, well, just scroll on. I have seen some people carry a weapon, mostly a gun. I have seen it in their water packs. I am not afraid when I see someone carrying. I have never been confronted by someone carrying a weapon as I mind my own business and just want to hike. I have no issues with others carrying. I actually applaud others for making their own personal choices. These people do not want to get hurt by another person or even an animal.

2. For me, I use walking sticks, but I mostly carry one walking stick as I do not need to use them to hike. But more or less for a weapon, or even to warn snakes I am coming or to keep a snake from trying to strike at me. That is mostly what I am afraid of are snakes. I live in the desert and snakes are very common. I know snakes probably could hear me walking toward where they are staying and they mostly stay away from humans, unless they are pissed off.

3. Sprays: There is bear spray, pepper spray or whatever else spray man has invented. Bear spray is good if you are hiking in the mountains that have bears, but be forewarned: you have to be about 10 feet away from the bear to spray him and for the effect on the bear. I know a lot of hiking places promote bear spray, but if you get close to a bear, bear spray may not be the most effective. It is your choice of what to do if you encounter a bear. Making loud noise may help. Again, be aware of your surroundings. Pepper spray may be good if a person wants to attack you on the hiking trail. But make sure you are carrying it with you in your hands or where you can access it quickly. Your attacker may grab your arms and hands first thing to keep from getting hurt by you. Again, be aware of your surroundings.

4. Hike in a popular area, meaning where there is a lot of people. Safety in numbers! Hiking on trails that are isolated is not something I would recommend and it would be advisable to have others with you on those type of trails. But I do feel safer as a solo female hiker while hiking with others around me and still can experience the peace and tranquility, besides the challenge of going up a mountain.

I will be honest and say I have met the most nicest people on the hiking trail. These people are happy to hike and be where they want to be, away from work and others. They are generally enjoying the trail and are not out to get you. Again always be aware of your surroundings.

I find hiking very therapeutic as a way to relieve stress, while admiring the peacefulness nature can offer, but I do not want to live in fear of the unknown. There are so many hikes to do and so little time sometimes! So I hope the above tips has helped you to re-think or maybe even agree with what is said. Happy hiking!