Getting lost on the trail is one of the biggest reasons why some people never get started hiking. The fear of losing track of the path, getting disoriented, and wandering aimlessly in a foreign landscape is enough to deter someone from strapping on boots and hitting the trails.
If this is you, you’ve come to the right place because I’m here to help you with that! As someone who’s been hiking for 10+ years, I’ve learned a lot about navigation.
Whether you are hiking marked, popular frontcountry trails or wandering unmarked, remote backcountry paths, trail navigation skills are a beneficial tool to keep tucked in your arsenal.
In this blog post, I am going to share some useful navigation tips to help you avoid getting lost on hiking trails. And just in case you do get lost, I share exactly what to do.
How to Avoid Getting Lost on Hiking Trails
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Research the Route
Before you set foot on the trail, research the route. Studying the map and familiarizing yourself with the trail will help you gain a better understanding of what exactly your hike will entail and how you’ll need to best prepare for it.
Note if you’ll be crossing any rivers, how much elevation you’ll be gaining/losing, how long the trail is, what type of trail it is, the terrain, etc.
And if you’re backpacking, look for water sources, campsites, noteworthy spur trails, etc.
Before I hike, I’ll usually look at the map and find a trail guide written by a blogger. Between those two methods, I usually feel quite prepared to conquer the trail.
Carry Multiple Forms of Navigational Tools
Having multiple forms of navigational tools (paper map, compass, and digital map) in your backpack will ensure that if your paper map gets destroyed, your compass falls off a cliff, or the phone containing your digital map runs out of battery, you will have at least one extra method of finding your route.
Paper Map
Paper maps aren’t susceptible to battery drain, electronic glitches, or technological failure, making them a reliable backup to electronic devices.
Paper maps give the hiker a more integrated experience with nature as opposed to electronic devices, which require a hiker to constantly stare at a screen as they follow the trail.
Marking up a physical map, such as highlighting desired routes and circling potential campsite spots, is easier (and more satisfying, to me) than doing the same task on an electronic device.
Also, if you have a waterproof map or a laminated map, it can’t get wet, so even if you’re caught in a rainstorm, the map will stay dry, and the ink won’t bleed!
Overall, paper maps and compasses are a reliable duo to orient you on the trail.
Compass
Compasses, when used properly and in conjunction with a paper map, are a proven, accurate method of mapping and tracking a hike.
Quite reliably, these portable, palm-sized devices use Earth’s magnetic field to determine geographical position. (Just make sure to adjust your compass based on the declination, the difference in degrees between true north and magnetic north, before setting out on the trail).
If you don’t understand how to use a compass or read a paper map, I’d highly suggest learning before heading onto the trail. Knowing how to use a compass is a valuable skill to have in your hiking arsenal.
Digital Map
Digital maps are usually more up-to-date with current conditions, closures, etc. than paper maps. You can utilize numerous apps and download offline maps for just about any area you can think of, with utmost accuracy.
Not only can these digital maps guide you through the trail, but they can also take you to exact coordinates, such as a trailhead, piece of BLM land, campsite, or forest road.
Digital maps have the highest chance of saving you in an emergency, but shouldn’t be relied on as a lone navigational tool.
TIP: If you download and subscribe to the Gaia GPS app, you can easily see your exact location at all times, indicated by a little dot on a map. You can follow your planned route – that you conveniently downloaded before your trip – by following a trail line that will show you if you’ve strayed from the path or not.
Follow Marked Signs
Hiking on a marked trail? Rangers use a variety of methods to indicate the correct route.
Since every trail is unique, there isn’t a universal method or technique for how to mark a trail, and how often to mark a trail, so watch out for various signage and markings.
Though there are exceptions, typically the more popular, trafficked, and funded a park or trail system is, the better marked it will be. The further you go into the backcountry, away from civilization and into the remote wilderness, the less likely it is to be clearly and properly marked.
These are the most popular ways that trails are marked!
Paint
Paint, or colorful blazes, on trees and boulders, are often used to indicate what trail you’re currently on in a multi-trail park, forest, or area-wide system.
Each trail or trail type, typically visualized on a map, might have a different color.
The blazes could indicate what trail you’re on or what type of trail you’re on: horseback, foot traffic, mountain bike, or shared use.
Blazes signal the beginning or the end of a trail, a change of direction, which way to go at an intersection, or simply tell you you’re on the right path.
Affixed Tree Markers
Affixed tree markers, such as plastic, metal, or wood attached by nails, are popular on forest trails with a plethora of trees.
These markers require more labor and skill than paint, but they are longer-lasting.
These affixed markers might be in different patterns and formations (sometimes the paint uses this identical method, as well). Refer to the graph below to see what the affixed markers indicate.
Posts
Wooden posts are probably the easiest markers to see. These posts are often used in funded county, state, or national parks, and other populated recreation areas, but they can be seen anywhere.
Four-sided posts embedded in the ground can show a hiker which trail they’re on and indicate on all four sides which trails are around them.
Post signs can display anything from arrows, numbers, or letters to colors, symbols, or trail names.
Larger post signs are typically used at trailheads or junctions when trails are beginning or splitting, so that hikers can clearly see which trail goes in which direction.
Cairns
Cairns are often used in areas where trees are sparse, such as the desert, high-elevation alpine areas, sandstone, slopes, or flat, barren fields.
Rangers assemble cairns by carefully stacking rocks from the biggest on the bottom to the smallest on the top. Parallel lines of rocks are also sometimes used to mark a trail on sandstone or flat, rocky terrain.
Contrary to popular belief, hikers (or any other visitors) are not permitted to assemble or disassemble cairns, or kick rock lines. This recklessness could result in a fellow hiker veering off-trail, becoming confused, or getting lost.
Carvings
Carvings are engravings on tree trunks.
Since these markings cause permanent damage to the trees and aren’t very easy to see, they are less commonly used.
Flags or Ribbons
In this tree trail marking, flagging tape or ribbons are tied around tree trunks or limbs.
These don’t cause any damage to the tree but are more likely to fall or break off in severe weather.
Look Out For Distinguishable Landmarks
On backcountry trails or other trails that aren’t well marked, watch out for distinguishable landmarks to visually map your path.
Make a mental note of a giant rock, an oddly-shaped tree or stump, or a river crossing so that if you are on an unmarked trail, or at a junction, you will be able to find your route.
Maps are certainly helpful when it comes to finding your route, but I find that visualizing mental images of distinguishable landmarks helps me navigate tremendously. Even on trails that are well-marked, this tactic keeps you focused and aware of your surroundings.
Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
Paying attention to your surroundings is extremely helpful when trying to navigate through a trail.
Don’t keep your eyes glued to your electronic device, and don’t get too lost in conversation with your partner or group because you may miss a turn or lose track of your whereabouts.
Though it may be tempting to slide your AirPods into your ears and lose yourself in music or a podcast, or chat with your friends about their favorite places to eat, not paying attention to the trail could disorient you when you try to redirect your focus back to your hike.
If you pay attention to your surroundings, keep your eyes peeled for trail markers and distinct landmarks, and occasionally refer to your map, you are less likely to become lost.
What To Do If You Get Lost Hiking on a Trail
If you get lost, follow the STOP method.
Stop
When you think you might be lost, stop moving. If you continue to move, you will further disorient yourself.
Stay calm. By not panicking, you will help keep your mind clear, focused, and sharp.
Think
Think about where you are and how you got there. Try to remember when you last saw a trail marker, or when you were last on the correct trail.
Observe
Look around. See anything distinguishable? What should you be seeing? Observing your surroundings can help you figure out how to get yourself back on the correct path.
Get out your map and compass and try to determine where you are.
Are you still on a trail – just the wrong trail? Most frontcountry trails are marked with something: paint, signs, posts, markers, etc. Refer to your map to see which color/number/shape/etc you should be looking for.
Are you completely off trail? USFS recommends following a drainage or a stream downhill, as it may lead to a trail or road, but they say this should be used as a last resort and with extreme caution.
Plan
Based on your thoughts and observations in the previous steps, come up with a few plans and act on the most solid one.
Only if you’re confident, uninjured, and only if it’s daylight should you move. Otherwise, stay put. Darkness and injury can further complicate the situation.
If you’re injured, can’t find the path, and/or have exhausted all other options, press the SOS button on your satellite phone, or call 911 if you have cell service.
New to Hiking? Start Here!
I’ve got many guides on the blog that will help get you outside and onto the trails!
- Hiking for Beginners: 5 Easy Steps to Start Hiking
- Trail Etiquette 101: Basic Rules For Hiking
- Hiking in the Rain Blueprint: Trail Ideas, Safety Tips & What to Wear
- Is Hiking Safe? 9 Simple Ways to Stay Safe on the Trail
- Leave No Trace Principles: How to Recreate Responsibly Outdoors
- What to Wear Hiking in the Summer (As a Woman)
- Bear Safety Tips for Hikers and Campers
- Night Hiking Tips: How to Hike For Sunrise and Sunset
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