Authors Becca and Luke McGraw are professional educators with the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Teams.
Recently, Luke and I set out for a late afternoon hike just outside Boulder, Colorado. Lulled by the summer evening, we lost track of time and found ourselves miles from home in the dark. To make matters worse, a sudden storm soaked us in minutes. While we were fortunate to know the area well, this experience highlighted how easily one can become lost or disoriented, even on a familiar trail.
As winter approaches, the risks associated with getting lost increase significantly, making it crucial to plan your hike carefully and practice Leave No Trace. Here are our guidelines to help you avoid getting lost and what to do if you find yourself in that situation.
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Before heading out in cold weather, it’s crucial to plan ahead. Sharing your itinerary with someone else creates a built-in safety net and can aid search and rescue efforts should you get lost. Packing essentials like a reliable light source and extra layers is especially important in winter, as temperatures can drop rapidly.
If the forecast includes temperatures at or below freezing, equip yourself with insulated clothing, gloves, and a hat. Consider bringing traction devices, crampons, or snowshoes to handle icy and/or snowy trail conditions. Carry multiple navigation tools—such as a cell phone and a physical map—to ensure redundancy if one method fails. Check your location frequently, especially if the terrain is unfamiliar or if the weather seems threatening.
When Lost, Stay Calm and Assess
Even the best-laid plans can go awry, so it’s important to know what to do if you find yourself disoriented. First, stay calm. Stop and carefully observe your surroundings, scanning the landscape for any landmarks or recognizable features to help reorient yourself.
If you cannot determine your location, stopping moving is better than getting further lost. Only move if you have a compelling reason, such as needing to stay warm, find shelter, or seek a clearing where you can be seen from above. Ideally, you can retrace your steps and find the trail that will bring you back to safety, but proceed with caution and try to verify that you’re on the right track. This Forest Service resource suggests additional tactics if you get lost in the woods.
If you carry a cell phone, do not hesitate to call for help if you believe you’re in danger. Regardless of make or model, most mobile phones feature an emergency SOS feature, and some can access GPS-based emergency networks. This REI article reviews additional options like personal locator beacons (PLBs) and satellite messengers.
Mindful Stewardship in Challenging Situations
Environmental stewardship might not seem like the top priority in an emergency situation, but practicing Leave No Trace while you’re lost can help maintain your composure and sense of agency. Practicing Leave No Trace in emergencies is about preserving the environment while ensuring your safety. Your Leave No Trace skills will help minimize unnecessary impacts from hastily made campfires or inadequate human waste disposal. Keeping a level head and respecting the environment will help you focus.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of search and rescue personnel, most lost hikers are found, with the majority of searches resolved in less than 24 hours. This misadventure can serve as a learning opportunity and a strong reminder to step onto the trail with respect.
For 25 years, the Subaru/Leave No Trace teams have provided tangible solutions to serious issues facing our outside spaces while reaching over 15 million people every year. Learn more about the vital work of our mobile education teams. Proud partners of this program include Subaru of America, REI, Thule, Fjällräven, and AllTrails.