I never intended to be a solo hiker. I knew I wanted to see beautiful landscapes the world over, but I heard so many warnings about the so-called dangers of hiking alone. Well into my hiking career, though, I grew tired of waiting for someone to join me on the trails I wanted to do most, so I just set out and did it myself. 

Now, I crave it. The solitude, the mindfulness, the chance to explore wherever I want. Embarking on a solo backpacking adventure is like peeling away the layers of the world and rediscovering the essence of your own being. You’re self-reliant and traveling at your own pace. It’s one of the best ways to build self-efficacy: I’ve spent years hiking alone in the dark, on multi-day treks abroad, and more. Hiking alone doesn’t necessarily mean you’re lonely, though. I have met some of my favorite people on trails that I started out on alone.

Although I wouldn’t recommend heading off for multiple days into the Alaskan wilderness to bushwhack with nothing but a compass as your companion for your first solo trip, trying out a single or multi-day hike alone doesn’t have to be irresponsible. 

The trails you choose play a crucial role in shaping this transformative journey. I prefer those offering challenge, solitude, clear routes, and a high likelihood of meeting others. If it’s your first time, something with infrastructure options—like tea houses, huts, or refugios—is a great place to start, too.

Remember that the hikes we choose become the backdrop of our self-discovery. With that in mind, these are some of the best trails to hike alone and the reasons why I personally love them as a solo hiker. These are just a few of the trails I’ve hiked on my own. 

If you’ve ever seen photos of baby blue water flanked by bright orange canyons in the American Southwest, chances are you’ve been looking at one of the falls in the Havasupai reservation. Though the most famous is Havasu Falls itself, there are many within the trail system to explore, and since it’s so popular, you won’t have to be alone during your exploration.

Each February, you can purchase the highly coveted permits for that year, and for 2024 the price increased to allot each visitor three nights for $455. You’ll need to bring all of your own gear and hike it 10 miles in, but as long as you avoid the hot summer months and the midday sun, it’s a mostly flat hike that’s not too challenging. Though pricey, I have to say that seeing those falls for myself lived up to the hype. They are stunningly blue, and one of the most unique natural features I believe this world has to offer.

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada range, Desolation Wilderness lives up to its name in solitude and raw beauty. The trail system here is a patchwork of alpine lakes, granite peaks, and thick forests, offering a variety of options for solo hikers. But despite the name, it’s also one of the most popular wilderness areas in the U.S., so you’re unlikely to be truly alone for long. 

The interconnected trails across the nearly 64,000 acres of wilderness make it easy to customize your adventure, whether you prefer a day hike or a weekend escape or an extended journey. With straightforward route finding and the proximity to Lake Tahoe’s amenities, this area strikes a perfect balance for solo backpackers seeking both seclusion and a touch of civilization when needed. 

You’ll come across plenty of other backpackers during the day, but if you plan your campsite location accordingly, it’s also possible to get sunrise vistas and corners of lakes all to yourself, too. 

Ready to go a little further afield? Kyrgyzstan’s rugged landscapes are full of treasures like Ala Köl, a gem sitting below glacier-capped peaks in the heart of the Tian Shan Mountains. The 24-mile trail is challenging, meandering through alpine meadows, high mountain passes, and pristine wilderness full of wild flowers and running rivers. 

What sets Ala Köl apart for solo backpackers is the sense of isolation and the chance encounters with the nomadic Kyrgyz people who live there, making this journey both physically and culturally enriching. Much of the trekking in Kyrgyzstan is best done with a guide, as there are often no trails, but this particular multi-day trek is well-trodden and there’s a clear trail. As a solo hiker, you’ll be able to meet others and routefind easily enough. 

In the heart of Utah’s red rock country, the scenic drive through Grand Staircase Escalante to Coyote Gulch can feel like a reason to visit in itself. Step outside of the car, and the adventure continues: With several potential starting and ending points and open trailheads, you can hike for just one day or backpack for several. 

My favorite route starts from Crack In The Wall, which meant I had to scale the rock wall with a rope to get down. It doesn’t require any rock climbing experience—I’m not a climber—but it is a steep way down and the rope is necessary for a safe entry and exit. [Editor’s note: Make sure to practice technical skills with a guide or qualified mentor before you try them in the wild.] If you’re not into that, there are more entry points via the wash (Red Well Trailhead, Fortymile Ridge Trailhead, or Hurricane Wash Trailhead), which add a day and typically turn this into a point-to-point hike across the gulch. 

Though I was nervous to do this solo, my rewards were bright orange sculpted sandstone walls, natural arches, and the cool river meandering through the hike. 

There’s no clear trail here, but the river is a clear indicator of direction, and it’s popular enough that you’re likely to come across other hikers as well. Whatever you do, be sure to look up at night: The constellations are always incredible.

Everyone in the U.S. talks about their Machu Picchu trip, but Peru’s Santa Cruz Trek has much more to offer for solo hikers. It’s a well-marked adventure through the Cordillera Blanca range in the Andes with snowy peaks and deep blue lakes. You also get a chance to interact with locals by starting your trek from nearby mountain villages. This 3- to 5-day, 32-mile hike provides plenty of opportunity to meet others or trek solo as you take in some of the most sought-out views in South America. 

While many choose to take guided hikes here without carrying all of their own gear, I did this as a solo backpacking adventure and rented all my gear in town. You don’t have to worry about losing gear on your flight to South America, which makes the trip in itself much more calm. The route is well-trodden enough to provide a sense of security, yet remote enough to feel like an intimate communion with nature at times.

This 7- to 9-day, 74-mile trek takes place in what many hikers consider the crown jewel of Patagonia. It meanders through different landscapes each day, culminating with sunrise at jagged rock towers over a baby blue lake. I’ve hiked it twice and would do it a third time any day. It’s popular enough that you’ll never truly be alone, and the route is so well-marked, it would take genuine effort to get lost. 

The beauty of this trail lies not only in its dramatic scenery full of glaciers and stars, but also in its potential to connect with fellow wanderers in the shared campsites. The communal spirit makes it an ideal trail for those seeking a solo journey with occasional companionship, and there’s a possibility of booking pre-pitched tents or staying in a refugio with pre-ordered meals, so you have options if you want to lighten your load.

From 2024