Hiking is a physical activity in wilderness and wilderness-like regions. Therefore, many factors can affect the success of a hike. Under certain conditions, these factors can lead to injury or even pose life-threatening risks. Knowing when to bail on a hike can be the key to staying safe.
I’d venture to say that most hikers set out with a specific destination or goal in mind. That goal might be time-based—like turning around at 3:00 p.m.—or tied to mileage, completing a loop, hiking point-to-point, or reaching a summit. In every case, there’s an intention to follow through on the plan.
But sometimes, plans don’t go as expected. For the safety of the hikers, there are moments when turning back is not just wise—it’s necessary.
Weather
Weather is unpredictable. Appropriate clothing and gear can help protect you from the sun, keep you warm in cold months, and dry during rain. However, it’s not possible to pack items that will keep you safe in all weather conditions.
Unsafe weather conditions include:
- Extreme hot or cold temperatures
- Lightening and thunder storms
- High winds
- Fog / cloud coverage of the trail
- Heavy precipitation including rain, hail and snow
- Tornado / Hurricane
One October, my husband, our dogs, and I set out on a 3-day, 55-mile northbound backpacking trip in Virginia. Unseasonably hot and dry, temperatures soared to 95°F. We each carried 3 liters of water, expecting it to last until the shelter 15 miles in. But by mile 2, our black lab, Toro, was already overheated and drained a full liter while we rested in the shade. The uphill climb was slow, with frequent breaks, and the dogs finished off two more liters by mile 6.
At mile 9, we reached the first expected water source—only to find a mud pit. A few southbound thru-hikers were trying to siphon liquid from the muck and warned us there was no water for the next 20 miles. We gave the dogs one final liter and made the call to turn back. Brian and I could ration what we had, getting extra hydration from clementines and apples. But we weren’t willing to risk our dogs’ health on a dry 20-mile stretch with just one bottle left.
We scrapped our original plan and turned the trip into a series of three day hikes. That way, we ensured a steady water supply. Plus, our dogs got to cool off each night in an air-conditioned motel room.
Terrain
For planning purposes, hikers can find information on elevation, mileage, and water crossings using printed trail maps or hiking apps like FarOut and AllTrails. YouTube videos can also offer a preview of trail terrain. However, weather can alter terrain conditions, turning challenging trails into dangerous ones.
Unsafe terrain conditions:
- High and rushing water on the trail
- Rock slides
- Wet rocks and rock faces
- Ice
I haven’t yet faced a high river crossing where I had to choose between forging ahead or turning back—but my husband has. The memory still haunts him. While hiking deep in the Colorado backwoods with a friend, they came upon the fast-moving Taylor River. They crossed it by linking arms, supporting each other “buddy style.” He now ranks that moment among the “top 10 foolish decisions made on macho hiking trips.” They were lucky. One slip, they would have been swept away by the current.
Hiker health
The best way to get in shape for hiking is simply to hike. That said, it’s important to build fitness gradually—don’t start with a 20-mile trek. Hikers should stay within their physical limits to ensure they have the strength and endurance to finish safely. Knowing the signs and symptoms of illness is also key to staying safe. Turning back and using first aid supplies is the best action to feel unwell.
Health issues:
- Altitude sickness – headache, dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing
- Injury – joint sprain or strain, open wound, broken bone
- Illness – allergic reaction, gastrointestinal issues, flu, migraine
- Lack of fitness
Carrying first aid supplies is important and can help manage many health issues on the trail. But sometimes, the safest option is to get off the trail and seek professional care.
On day two of a multi-day hike, I was stung more than 25 times by ground hornets after our Labrador stepped on a nest. The hornets swarmed my lower legs, covering them like a blanket. Despite taking Benadryl, I passed out from the venom. My legs swelled and I was weak and lethargic. I kept my epipen nearby, in case my condition worsened.
Unfortunately, we were far into the wilderness with no easy way to exit. In the early 2000s, emergency satellite communicators were costly and bulky, so we didn’t have one. My husband carried my pack while our daughter stayed close as we continued toward our campsite. We were hours away from the nearest road or help. If this had happened closer to roads or homes, we would have left the trail immediately to seek medical care.
Unsafe conditions
Additional challenges include hiker miscalculations and Mother Nature:
- Wildlife – elk, bears, coyotes, mountain lions
- Shortage of supplies – water, food, dry clothing
- Natural disasters – flood, fire, avalanche
- Darkness – often safe on a marked trail, it become dangerous in steep areas and regions without trail markings
- Lack of skills – inexperience in hiking challenging terrain
Wildlife usually avoid hikers but can become aggressive if threatened. On a spring family hike in the Grand Tetons, we encountered two protective mothers: an elk and a grizzly bear. The elk snorted and stomped to guard her calves, chasing us several hundred yards to warn us off. Later, a grizzly appeared defensive and followed us for about a mile as we retreated. Traveling as a group of seven adults likely kept us safer, but there are no guarantees when it comes to wildlife encounters.
It just doesn’t feel right
Trusting your gut is a valid reason to turn back. If you’re second-guessing the path ahead, it’s a sign your confidence is shaken—and feeling secure is essential when aiming to complete a difficult hike.
While attempting to summit Mount Princeton, a 14,204-foot peak in Colorado, we made the decision to turn around just 800 feet from the top. From the moment we approached by car, we saw the summit buried in fog. Knowing how quickly weather shifts in Colorado, we hoped it would clear by the time we got there.
Above the tree line, a coyote confronted our dog, Finley, a three-year-old Golden Retriever. I broke up the scuffle, worried more coyotes were nearby. A second encounter with the same coyote added to our unease.
As we climbed into the steep, rocky face of the mountain, there was no defined trail—just rock-hopping. The clouds thickened, and visibility never improved. Then we met a hiker coming down with a twisted ankle, who told us the fog was so dense he couldn’t even see his own feet.
We paused to consider our options. Just then, the sky opened up and cold rain began to fall. Without a word, we turned around and headed back. Though I was deeply disappointed not to reach the summit, it was clearly the right decision. Later, my husband admitted he’d had a gut feeling early on that something wasn’t right. He was right to trust it.
When you’re unsure whether to continue or turn back, take a moment to assess the risks. Remember, the trail will still be there. If you bail on a hike, you can always try again another day. Prioritize safety so you can enjoy many more adventures to come!