Some people love the peace and solitude of a solo hike, while others thrive on the shared experience of hiking with a group. Which do you prefer?
Do you feel safer hiking with friends, or do you enjoy the personal challenge of hiking alone?
Let’s hear your thoughts—pros, cons, and any memorable experiences from either choice!
This is a great question! My answer is: it depends.
If I'm in a situation where I want to take in the scenery uninterrupted, and the area is pretty remote, I prefer to be by myself. The reason is that I want to experience the trail at my own pace. This happens a lot with National Parks. I never want to feel rushed when I'm at a park. I also want to be able to appreciate the scenery without everyone around me talking and making noise.
If I'm summit climbing, I want to be in a small group of five people or less. I typically like to be around hikers whose skill level is above mine and who won't impact the rest of the group negatively. Basically, if you can't safely climb 10,000 feet or more in a reasonable amount of time, you don't have any business being on a summit.
If I'm on a hike that's just fun and easy, and the scenery isn't the endgame, I like hiking with a lot of people. It's great for socializing and building teamwork and relationships.
I think it depends for me, however overall, I truly prefer hiking alone. I often think of the Mary Oliver poem How I Go Into the Woods:
How I Go Into the Woods
by Mary Oliver
Ordinarily I go to the woods alone,
with not a single friend,
for they are all smilers and talkers
and therefore unsuitable.
I don’t really want to be witnessed talking to the catbirds
or hugging the old black oak tree.
I have my ways of praying,
as you no doubt have yours.
Besides, when I am alone
I can become invisible.
I can sit on the top of a dune
as motionless as an uprise of weeds,
until the foxes run by unconcerned.
I can hear the almost unhearable sound of the roses singing.
If you have ever gone to the woods with me,
I must love you very much.