Tips on Hiking Safety in the National Parks

Why Hiking Safely in National Parks Matters

Hiking in national parks offers some of the most breathtaking and rewarding outdoor experiences. From alpine trails and dense forests to desert canyons and coastal cliffs, these natural landscapes serve as an outdoor playground where visitors can find adventure and solitude. However, the beauty of these environments also comes with its potential risks. Weather patterns can change on a dime, rugged trails can be difficult to navigate and wildlife encounters can pose unexpected challenges. Understanding and practicing hiking safety is essential for both your well-being and the preservation of the park.

Here’s why safety when hiking national parks is crucial:

• Unpredictable weather: Conditions in national parks can change rapidly, especially at higher elevations in parks like Rocky Mountain National Park, Glacier National Park and Yosemite National Park. These changing conditions can increase the risk of hypothermia, heat exhaustion or getting caught in storms.
• Remote trails: America’s national parks cover millions of square miles, which means many hikes are far from help. While many parks have easy-to-navigate trails near visitor centers and key attractions, backcountry trails often feature limited or no cell service. This can make rescue efforts difficult and time-consuming in the event of an emergency.
• Wildlife encounters: One of the benefits of exploring national parks in the U.S. is the ability to spot wildlife you can’t see elsewhere. However, wildlife is wild, and wild animals can pose dangerous interactions if provoked. When hiking in national parks, always stay on designated trails and maintain a safe distance, especially from animals like bears, snakes, mountain lions and other wildlife.
• Risk of getting lost: National parks often have vast, unmarked backcountry areas that are difficult to navigate. When traversing these terrains, always hike with a physical and a downloadable map, as well as a GPS device and other navigation equipment.
• Environmental preservation: One of the key hiking safety tips in national parks is to stay on trails and leave no trace. Always follow park rules to prevent damage to fragile ecosystems and ensure native plants and animals are protected.
• Limited access to emergency services: In most national parks, access to emergency services is very limited. Being prepared can mean the difference between staying safe and falling prey to a serious emergency.

Prioritizing your safety when hiking national parks ensures that your time in nature is positive and memorable. With adequate preparation, respecting trail guidelines and staying aware of your surroundings, you can reduce the risk of accidents and emergencies.

Know Before You Go: Essential Hiking Safety Tips

Preparation is essential to national park safety. There are several key tips to keep in mind as you get ready to explore some of the most popular national parks:

• Plan ahead: Make sure to plan well in advance so you have plenty of time to consider all the potential variables. This requires researching trails within the park, understanding typical weather conditions for the time of year you plan to visit and assessing the difficulty level of various activities and hikes. Each national park issues alerts and trail warnings, so review your chosen park’s website before travel.
• Share your itinerary: No matter the travel destination, whether it’s a national park or a new country, it’s always recommended to share your itinerary with a friend or family member. Your itinerary should include your lodging plans, hiking routes with estimated return times and any other pertinent information regarding your trip.
• Stay on marked trails: It can be easy to get lost if you veer off trail, especially in the vast backcountry. Always follow marked paths to avoid getting lost and to prevent disturbing the environment.
• Carry navigation equipment: Don’t rely solely on your phone to traverse the park, as the signal can be unreliable and the battery life may be limited. Instead, carry a physical map of the park, along with a GPS device with downloadable maps.
• Carry enough food and water: Whenever hiking, it’s recommended to carry enough food and water to last an extra day. This is especially true when hiking national parks that are in hot or dry environments. A hydration pack with a water reservoir makes it easy to carry large volumes of water comfortably. Water purification straws or tablets can be used in case of emergency. Also, make sure to pack light, high-carb protein snacks like trail mix and energy bars.
• Pack essential supplies: An important hiking safety tip is to pack essential supplies such as a first aid kit, flashlight, multi-tool, emergency blanket and extra clothing. This way, you’ll be prepared for unexpected emergencies and changing weather conditions.
• Dress appropriately: When hiking national parks, wear moisture-wicking layers and sturdy hiking boots that can handle the terrain and weather. Accessories like a hat, sunglasses and a neck gaiter can also help protect you from the elements.
• Know your limits: As you prepare for a national park excursion, it’s always important to be realistic with your current physical ability. Choose hikes that are suitable for your current fitness level, and be sure to consult your doctor beforehand to determine which activities are safe.
• Leave no trace: Our national parks allow us to connect intimately with nature, so do your part in protecting these environments by packing out all trash, staying on designated paths and respecting nature to preserve the park for others.

Special Considerations for Solo Hiking Safety

When joining national park tours as a solo hiker, there are special considerations you should keep in mind. When traveling solo, you can’t rely on the extra safety insurance of another person to provide help if needed. With that in mind, it’s important to follow the tips in the previous section as well as the solo hiking safety tips below:

• Set check-in points: If possible, set designated check-in times with a friend, family member or loved one to let them know when you’ve completed your hike or reached a certain spot on the trail.
• Stay on well-traveled trails: As a solo hiker, it’s best to stay on popular trails and well-maintained routes where other hikers are more likely to be nearby in case of emergency.
• Trust your instincts: Our natural instincts are one of our most powerful tools, so use them wisely. If something feels off, whether it’s trail conditions, weather or personal fatigue, trust your intuition and turn back or change plans.
• Carry a personal locator beacon (PLB): A personal locator beacon or satellite messenger is a device that can send your location or call for help when cell service is unavailable.
• Know basic first aid: Before heading out on the trails, make sure you understand basic first aid to handle common injuries or emergencies when out on your own.

National Park Safety Guidelines Every Hiker Should Know

Whether you're an advanced hiker or just starting out, there are essential safety guidelines every trekker should know. Make sure you know these hiking safety tips before tackling any trail:

• Do not approach or touch wildlife: Never get near wildlife, as even small birds and mammals can bite and carry disease. A general rule of thumb is to stay at least 100 yards from bears and 25 yards from other animals.
• Start early and watch the time: It can be easy to lose track of time when taking in the stunning landscapes and sounds of America’s national parks. Avoid getting caught on trails in the dark by starting early and turning back well before the sun sets.
• Carry the 10 essentials: Whether you’re going on a short hike or a longer backpacking excursion, carry the 10 essentials, which include navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first aid supplies, a fire starter, repair kit, nutrition, emergency shelter and hydration.
• Practice “leave no trace” principles: Pack out all trash, avoid picking plants and leave natural and cultural features within the park undisturbed.
  Watch trail hazards: Keep a watchful eye on loose rocks, slippery slopes and unstable edges, as many park injuries occur due to falls.

Ready to Hit the Hiking Trail Safely?

Now that you understand basic national park safety, it’s time to find an adventure. At Road Scholar, we offer a wide range of national park programs, including walking and hiking adventures to parks like Acadia, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Joshua Tree and beyond. Our expert-led tours pair you with knowledgeable instructors who prioritize hiking safety and help you navigate the trails with confidence.