5 Important Tips for a Safe Night Hike

Posted by Miley Munroe on August 5th, 2019

If you’ve ever had a hike extend into the evening, then you would know that it is completely different from what it is during the day. You get to see new things and hear new sounds, which can make the experience of hiking in Lake Tahoe pretty amazing. However, your trip can be easily ruined if you are not properly prepared for it. As with any kind of outdoor activity, a little bit of preparation and safety can go a long way in keeping you safe when you hike at night.

So, here are a few things that you need to keep in mind as you plan for your night hike:

1. Pick the right location

You can night hike anywhere you like so your choice of location really depends on what you are looking for. Open areas with reflective surfaces such as rocks make for easy navigation and are a great option if you are into stargazing. On the other hand, dark forests will help you adjust to the darkness more easily, thus allowing you to spot nocturnal animals.

2. Go in a group

Do you know the hypothesis of “safety in number”? Well, it’s true. When out on a trail at night, having a few friends with you will not just eliminate loneliness and boredom but also make it more difficult for wild animals to make you their meal. Moreover, with more people around, everyone will have access to more food, more safety gear, more communication devices and more.

3. Bring a lot of lights

This might seem obvious, but it is a really good idea to pack some extra lights in your hike bag. You should carry both flashlights and headlights. You should also carry a lighter and some tinder (no, not the app) in case you need to burn a torch in case your battery-operated lights die out.

4. Do not venture off the designated trail.

Nighttime is not a great time to try out new trails. Stay on the designated trail and do not venture off of it. This is for two reasons: to protect the natural environment and to protect yourself. Try to walk in a single file in the middle of the trail. This will also help you protect yourself against potentially dangerous situations.

5. Pack more than your usual necessities.

A night hike may be much cooler than one during the day, but you still need to keep yourself hydrated. Bring snacks and water to last the entire hike and also some extra for emergencies. Extra outerwear, batteries, first-aid and even trekking poles are also necessary.

By hiking at night, you will get to enjoy some of the most amazing hiking trails in Lake Tahoe ever a little bit more than you would during the day. You will definitely get to see them in a new light (pun intended).

Author’s bio: The author is a blogger. This article is about night hiking tips.