Is hiking alone safe

imported
#1

Hi, I am hiking the JMT in August. Is it safe for a single female to hike alone? I’m not talking about bears and things like that either.

Moira

#2

I hiked on the JMT two years back and met a few females hiking solo. They seemed to be very comfortable hiking solo. I believe one of them had a creep hitting on her for a while but she was a fast hiker and left him in the dust when it became to annoying. There are lots of people on the JMT and they all watch out for each other so I don’t think its unsafe if you use common sense. Because there are so many people you can always hike within a group that you feel comfortable with. Lots of nice peole out there.

Big B

#3

I hiked solo on the JMT and other trails and never had any issues on trail. You can always pretend that your hiking partner is behind you or carry bear spray if that makes you feel safer.

Apple Pie

#4

I also did the JMT solo, many years ago. I got lonely at times, but otherwise had no problems. I spent most of my nights alone, camped off trail. The few nights I spent with other hikers were a lot of fun.

Ginny

#5

I’m a guy so this perspective is from observation, not personal experience. I’ve hiked the Sierra solo for 26 years and have encountered many solo females. None of them ever reported solo hiking issues. Guy or gal - once you get away from the trailheads the only critter worries might be bears (loooking for your packed food, not you for dinner), mountain lions (be aware of your surroundings, but if one decides to attack, it’ll be on you before you know it’s there - far as I know, it’s never happened), and rattlesnakes (be aware of where you are stepping - and more importantly, where you’re putting your hands). Bad guys probably won’t expend the time and energy to venture far from the trailheads. I do pay more attention to folks I encounter near trailheads than those I encounter in the deep wilderness.

Booger

#6

Yes.

'95 AT Thru Hiker

#7

I hiked the JMT solo in 2007 ( my trail journal is here). I usually solo hikes and travel adventures with no problem.

niki

#8

Moira, I am a 72 year old female long section hiker - AT, PCT, half of CDT. I have done 2/3 of this alone. It is probably not safe to get out of your bed in the AM. That said, I have had only wonderful experiences meeting wonderful people. Use some common sense and the most dangerous part of your hike will probably be driving to and from the trailhead. Bad guys have much easier prey in town or near trailheads than hiking on trails.

Medicare Pastor