Last week I took a solo trip up into the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho and it was a wonderful place to disconnect and take some time for myself. While I typically travel with my partner, I’ve enjoyed doing things alone for many years now. What started as going to museums and walks alone has now become going on hikes and other outdoor activities. The biggest thing out of my comfort zone during this trip was going on the longest hike I’d ever done alone (I clocked in 12.7 miles). Solo hiking is very empowering to me. It helps me build confidence and makes me realize that I can rely on myself. Here are some tips for solo hiking: - Tell someone where you’ll be. In addition to telling them, I’ve been using the @alltrails Lifeline feature (available on Pro). This automatically texts a contact your hiking plans and they can watch your progress if there is service. If there is no service, you can schedule a hike and provide a time that you expect to be back. I also share my location on Google maps. - Be prepared! This is so important for any hike, but especially alone. Bring the 10 hiking essentials and be sure to carry extras like bear spray and bug spray if necessary for the area. Also make sure you’re prepared with navigation and check current conditions ahead of time. I highly recommend having the offline map downloaded from All trails and reading recent reviews. - Start out small and on popular trails. I did manyyyy shorter trails before hiking this long one. I would rather pass people at least a handful of others on the trail instead of not seeing another soul. I also felt a lot more comfortable starting with trails that had cell reception. - Say hello and make contact when you pass other hikers. Not only does this project confidence, but it could help them remember you if something were to happen. Do you enjoy solo hiking? Let me know other tips that you have or if it is something you’d like to try. #visitidaho #womenwhoexplore #beautifuloutdoors #idahoexplored #lifeontheroad #shetravels #stayandwander #solofemaletraveler #adventuregirl #wildwoman #outdoorwoman #girlswhohike #solohiking #takethetrip #femalesolotravel