Hiking can be an exhilarating way to explore nature, but it also comes with its share of risks—one of the biggest being the possibility of getting lost. Even experienced hikers can find themselves disoriented when trails aren’t well-marked, unexpected weather rolls in, or darkness falls sooner than anticipated. Getting lost in the wilderness can be a daunting experience, but knowing how to stay calm and take the right steps can make all the difference between a survival story and a disaster.
This guide is designed to help you understand what to do if you find yourself lost while hiking, providing you with practical advice to stay safe and increase your chances of being found. Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or a beginner on a day hike, these essential tips can make a crucial difference.
1. Stop, Think, Observe, and Plan (STOP)
When you realize that you may be lost, the most important thing to do is stay calm. Panic often leads to poor decision-making, which can make the situation worse. A great way to respond is to follow the STOP method:
- Stop: As soon as you realize you are lost, stop moving. Continuing without a plan can lead you farther away from the trail and decrease your chances of being found.
- Think: Take a few deep breaths and assess your situation. How long has it been since you last knew where you were? What was the last landmark you remember passing?
- Observe: Look around for any familiar landmarks, trail markers, or other indicators that might help you regain your bearings. Check your map, compass, or GPS if you have them.
- Plan: Based on the information you have, create a plan. If you are confident that you know which direction the trail lies, you can attempt to backtrack. If not, it’s better to stay put and wait for help.
2. Stay in One Place
One of the most important rules if you get lost is to stay in one place. Wandering around aimlessly can lead you deeper into unfamiliar territory, making it harder for rescuers to find you. If you stay put, you conserve energy and increase the chances that search and rescue teams will locate you.
Find a safe and visible location to settle in—preferably somewhere open where rescuers can spot you from a distance or from the air. If you’re near a trail, staying close to it can increase the likelihood of being found by other hikers or rescue teams.
3. Make Yourself Visible
If you have realized that you are lost and have decided to stay in place, your next priority is to make yourself as visible as possible. Visibility is key to being found by search teams or other hikers passing by. Here are some tips to increase your visibility:
- Bright Clothing: Wear bright clothing or attach colorful items to a tree branch or your backpack. The contrast can make you easier to spot.
- Create a Signal: If you have a whistle, blow it loudly. The universal distress signal is three short blasts, repeated every few minutes. The sound of a whistle can travel much farther than your voice.
- Fire and Smoke: If it’s safe to do so, build a fire. Not only will it keep you warm, but the smoke can act as a signal for rescuers during the day. Be mindful of local regulations regarding fire safety, and avoid starting a fire in dry or windy conditions that could lead to a wildfire.
- Ground Symbols: Use rocks, branches, or even your own footprints to create symbols on the ground, such as an “X” or “SOS.” These can be easily spotted from the air if a helicopter is searching for you.
4. Conserve Your Energy
While staying put, it’s important to conserve your energy. Avoid unnecessary movement and try to stay warm and dry. If you’re in a shaded area, consider moving to a sunny spot during the day to keep warm, but avoid wandering too far from your original location.
Ration your food and water carefully. Dehydration can set in quickly, especially if you’re anxious or exerting yourself. Try to sip water rather than drink large amounts at once, and avoid eating too much if your water supply is limited, as digestion can increase your thirst.
5. Use Navigation Tools
If you have a map, compass, or GPS, try to use them to pinpoint your location. A compass can help you orient yourself and find your way back to a trail if you remember the general direction you were heading. Maps with marked landmarks, such as streams or ridgelines, can help you get a sense of where you might be.
If you’re using a GPS device, remember that batteries can drain quickly, especially in cold conditions. Use it sparingly, and if you’re able to determine your coordinates, try to relay them to rescuers if you have a signal on your phone.
6. Stay Warm and Dry
Exposure to the elements is one of the greatest dangers when you’re lost, especially if temperatures drop at night. Hypothermia can set in quickly, even in relatively mild conditions if you’re wet or exposed to wind. Here are some tips to help you stay warm:
- Shelter: Create a simple shelter using a tarp, emergency blanket, or natural materials like branches and leaves to protect yourself from wind and rain. If you have a tent, set it up even if you’re planning to stay put.
- Insulation: Use dry leaves, pine needles, or clothing to insulate yourself from the ground, which can sap your body heat. Layer your clothing to maintain warmth, and cover your head to prevent heat loss.
- Fire: If possible, build a fire. Not only will it keep you warm, but it can also serve as a signal to rescuers. Always be cautious of your surroundings to prevent accidental fires.
7. Use Your Phone Wisely
If you have your cell phone, try to use it wisely to increase your chances of rescue. Avoid running down your battery by keeping your phone on airplane mode when you’re not actively trying to send a message or make a call. Send text messages if possible, as they require less signal than calls and may get through even when service is poor.
Consider calling 911 if you have any signal. Even if you’re not sure where you are, emergency services may be able to use your phone’s GPS to determine your approximate location. If you’re in a national park or wilderness area, they may also be able to connect you with local search and rescue teams.
8. Know When to Move
There are some situations where it may be safer to move to a new location. If you’re in an area that’s unsafe—such as near a cliff edge, in a floodplain, or in the path of an oncoming storm—it may be necessary to relocate. When doing so, try to leave markers of your movement, such as arranging rocks or sticks in arrows that indicate the direction you’re heading.
If you decide to move, remember to do so carefully and slowly, assessing your surroundings as you go. Aim to reach higher ground if possible, as this can provide a better view of the area and increase your chances of spotting a trail or being seen by rescuers.
9. Trust Your Instincts but Remain Logical
When you’re lost, it’s natural to want to find your way back immediately, but it’s crucial to balance instinct with logical decision-making. Avoid making rash choices, like attempting to descend a steep slope or cross a swift river without proper equipment. Trusting your instincts means staying aware of your surroundings, but always weigh your options and prioritize safety above all.
Listen to your inner voice—if something feels too risky, it probably is. It’s better to wait for help than to put yourself in further danger by making a hasty decision. Rescuers are trained to find missing hikers, and staying as safe as possible greatly increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.
10. Keep a Positive Mindset
Perhaps the most important tip of all is to stay positive. Getting lost can be a frightening and disorienting experience, but maintaining a positive outlook is crucial for survival. Fear and panic can lead to poor decisions, while a calm and optimistic mindset will help you think clearly and make better choices.
Remind yourself that you are capable and resourceful, and remember that many people before you have gotten lost and made it out safely. Keeping your spirits up will not only help you conserve energy but also increase your mental resilience while you wait for help or find your way back.
Be Prepared: Prevention is the Best Strategy
While it’s important to know what to do if you get lost, the best strategy is to prevent getting lost in the first place. Always plan ahead—study maps, check weather conditions, and let someone know your itinerary before heading out. Carry the Ten Essentials: a map, compass, extra food, water, warm clothing, fire starter, first aid kit, headlamp, knife, and an emergency shelter.
By taking the necessary precautions and staying calm if things go awry, you can turn a potentially dangerous situation into an opportunity to demonstrate your resilience and resourcefulness. Hiking can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life, and being prepared ensures that you’re ready for anything the trail throws your way.
