Hiking – Don’t Lose Your Way
Hiking can be a great experience, but when you get lost, things can go from bad to worse pretty quick. Even just the slightest misstep off the trail can lead to a major problem. As with any sport, being prepared and mindful is your best protection.
The easiest way not to get lost is of course to stay on the established trail. Most national parks and other hiking areas have marked trails running throughout them. They will have signs (though possibly very subtle) and will let you know exactly how far you will be hiking. Staying on these will ensure that you don’t get lost. However if you like the challenge of exploring new areas or have been hiking the same trails for quite some time and are looking for something different, then you may need to be a bit more aware of your surrounding.
Before you head out hiking, know where you will be heading. You can purchase topographical maps at sports stores or you can pick one up at most National Parks visitors centers. These maps show height difference on the land, so you will have an easier time determining where you are and where you are going. A compass is another useful tool, however it is generally used in combination with a map. If you have a compass and no idea of where you are heading, then you are just lost in a disclosed direction.
If you have hiking books with previously hiked trails, they will generally provide you with latitude and longitudinal coordinates. If you are working with one of these, then a GPS will be very useful. Don’t however rely on this entirely. Batteries are not infallible and occasionally the signal can be blocked depending on where you are hiking.
If you have not followed the above suggestions and have already gotten lost, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first is that trails are rarely if ever set up to bring you back to a town or main road. Don’t assume that just because you found a trail, you are home free. You will need to be aware of the position of the sun, and keep an eye out for familiar landmarks. It is a good idea to keep a pen and pad with you to jot down some of these landmarks, as your memory will sometimes fail you. Sometimes it is best (though it may be longer) to just retrace your steps. Going back to the last place that you were familiar with may get you back on track.
Hopefully, you will never find yourself in this situation. Careful planning and keeping your wits about you should help prevent it. While it may not always get service, having your cell phone with you at all times can’t hurt. Have fun on your hike!
Sydney Garrison is an avid cyclist and sports enthusiast. She is also a partner in an online bike rack store