How and why people get lost when hiking

Avoid getting lost by being proactive when on the trail.

And how to not make their errors

Among the greatest dangers of hiking is getting lost. Panic often sets in when this happens, which in turn results in bad decision-making that can lead to getting further lost, an injury, and even death. One way to keep from getting lost is to think about how people end up in that situation. You can take preemptive steps to avoid making the same mistake.

The main reason people get lost is that they turn onto the wrong trail. This happens in a couple of ways. First, they simply aren’t paying close attention and so go onto the wrong trail. Secondly, they take a false trail, such as misinterpreting an animal trail for a human one. To avoid either error, always familiarize yourself with the trail via maps and satellite photos before setting out on the hike. Then bring a topo map and compass with you. Lastly, constantly consult your map and compass while on the trail, so that you know where you are and what’s the next waypoint; especially do this before making any turns onto another trail.

Another common reason people get lost is because they leave the trail. There may be an obstacle such as a fallen tree they must walk around. Or perhaps they take a break to swim. Or maybe they want to see some rock formation or waterfall that is just off the trail. Before leaving the trail, always consult your map and compass to know where you’re at. Chart as straight of a course as you can to where you want to go. When you get to your destination (the swimming hole, waterfall, etc.), look back and see how you came from the trail to where you’re standing. Use the exact same route when returning to the main trail.

A variant of this is when people take a shortcut. Even if you have a map, cutting across a woods or around a hill to save you time typically results in a longer hike, both in time and distance. Usually trails weren’t built where the “shortcut” is because that way wasn’t easy to pass through, meaning it’s likely swampy and probably won’t be a straight shot. Without a trail on a map to help you determine where you’re at, you easily can get turned around and end up disoriented. Instead, always stay on the trail.

One more reason hikers get lost is night falls before they’ve reached their destination, so the trail is too dark to see. The quick solution is to determine how long you will need to reach a destination before setting out. Most hikers can cover a couple of miles per hour. So if the trail is four miles long, plan a two-hour trip one-way. Before going on the hike, check to see when sunset is. If it’s at 8:30 p.m., then leaving anytime after 6 p.m. is a risk just to go one-way. Instead, shorten the hike to two miles or simply wait until another day. Lastly, always carry a flashlight in your backpack, just in case.

A less common way people get lost is they must cross rocks or a creek in which there are no bootprints to follow. There’s a certain comfort in seeing fresh treadmarks on a trail; you know that at least others have gone that way recently. When those treadmarks are gone, you may feel like you’re guessing which way to go. Before crossing rocks or a creek, instead try to visually identify where you are to come out on the other side and keep you eyes locked that point as you cross. Barring that, always consult your map and chart a course. Also, look for cairns which can guide you to your destination.

Another reason people get lost is a sudden change in the weather. Rain and particularly snow can obscure points on the horizon that you need for keeping track of your course; they also can make the trail confusing to follow. Always check a weather report in advance of setting out on a trail, especially if in the mountains. At the first sign of inclement weather, turn back and avoid making cardinal errors of taking a shortcut or skipping a map reading just to save you time.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

How to safely explore a cave with children

When exploring caves with children,
first find those with approved, marked
trails, such as at Carlsbad Caverns.
Photo couresy Carlsbad Caverns NPS.

Avoid encounters with wild animals,
mine shafts, collapsing cavern roofs

Ah, the allure of a dark cavern, full of secret passages and maybe even pirate treasure – what child wouldn’t want to explore a cave that you come across as day hiking?

For all their fun and excitement, though, caves can be dangerous places. Fortunately, some of them can be explored…but only with great caution.

If you have a little spelunker in your cave, quench their thirst for adventure by hiking approved, marked trails through caves. This always is your safest bet, as the trails have been designed for safety and park rangers familiar with the cave probably are close by.

Never enter a cave that is boarded or marked with warning signs to not enter. There’s good reason for the boards and signs. Often the caves have mining shafts in them or suffer frequent roof collapses.

Having said this, there are some shallow caves along hiking trails that are marked safe for entry. If going in them, however, follow these basic rules:
g An adult always comes with – A child never should be allowed to explore a cave alone. Buddy up and as the adult watch for potential dangers.
g Always carry a light – You must see where you are going so you don’t fall or stumble into a wild animal. A large flashlight with fresh batteries will do. Have each person in the party carry a flashlight.
g Avoid occupied caves – Bears, mountain lions, poisonous snakes, and bats all makes caves their home. If you hear or see signs of habitation, such as footprints, stay out.
g Never make turns that you won’t remember – With limited lighting, you easily can get lost in a cave if its passageways branch. Oftentimes you won’t see a passage the first time through and so will become disoriented.
g Don’t get into what you can’t get out of – Don’t squeeze down holes or through small openings into another section of the passage. You may not be able to climb out or get back through through the hole.
g Keep to clean cave floors – Don’t hang out in areas with feces or urine from small animals. These likely were left by rats, mice or squirrels and can carry diseases such as hantavirus.
g Watch for instability – Freshly fallen rocks or water flowing through a cave likely means the cave lacks structural stability. Leave immediately before a cave-in occurs.

Find out about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Carry a flashlight on day hike into wilds

Always carry a flashlight on a day hike into wilderness areas when with kids. If lost and forced to stay the night in the wilds, a flashlight can come in handy. There’s no need to carry anything bulky, though. Micro flashlights with xenon bulbs have a battery life of about eight hours and are more than adequate. Make sure the flashlight is waterproof.

Related articles:
g Carry handy carbiners on next day hike with kids
g Do I need to carry rope on a day hike?

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.

Lost on hike? Get some comfortable sleep

Pine boughs can make a comfortable mattress.
Photo courtesy of dawnzy58 / Photoree.

So you're lost in the wilds - with children - and forced to stay the night. You'll need to ensure your children (and you) are able to be as comfortable as possible. One way to do that is to ensure you get some sleep.

To make a makeshift bed, place a tarpaulin or other material between you and the ground so you don't get cold or wet. Huddle together for warmth.

When going to sleep, keep the flashlight next to you in case you need to get up during the night. Young children may become frightened or need to go potty, requiring you to get up. Make sure the flashlight is off or the batteries will go dead by morning.

Read more about day hiking with children in the guidebook Hikes with Tykes.