The Ultimate Route Planning Guide for Women Adventurers: Plan Your Next Hike Like A Pro
- Hike Like A Woman
- Jun 13
- 7 min read
LINK TO PDF GUIDE ⤵️
Dreaming of your next BIG adventure?
The mountain is calling.
But before you step foot on that path, a solid route plan is your ultimate companion for a safe and enjoyable journey.
At Hike Like A Woman, we believe that empowerment comes from preparedness, and that's especially true when exploring the great outdoors.
This guide breaks down the essential steps from our comprehensive guide to help you meticulously plan any trip, big or small.
Good planning is so much more than just logistics.
A good plan saves stress, enhances safety, boosts confidence, and ultimately allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
Ready to plan your next unforgettable adventure? Let's dive in!
For those who love a video, you can follow along right here.
Table of Contents
Why Am I Going on This Hike? (Defining Your Purpose)
Before you even look at a map, take a moment to clarify the "why" behind your hike.
Understanding your purpose is fundamental because it influences every other decision you make – from choosing the right trail and difficulty level to setting realistic expectations and staying motivated when the going gets tough.
Are you aiming for a specific goal, seeking solitude, or simply looking to unwind?
Consider these reasons:
Explore a new trail?
Rejuvenation?
Exercise?
Just hanging out with your hiking friends?
For Women Adventurers:
Your "why" can be deeply personal, and that's okay.
Many women seek adventure for reasons such as building confidence, testing their physical and mental limits, finding solitude and reflection in nature, or connecting with a supportive community.
Clarifying this purpose upfront helps you choose an adventure that truly fulfills you and prepares you for the unique experience you seek.
Where Am I Going? (Destination Details & Logistics)
Once your purpose is clear, it's time to pinpoint your destination and gather the practical details.
Knowing the specifics of your chosen location is paramount for smooth logistics and a stress-free start.
Ask yourself:
What are the driving directions to the trailhead? Everyone always forgets this step!
Is there any extra route information, such as closures, seasonal access, or known hazards?
Additional Details:
Beyond the basics, research trailhead amenities (restrooms, water), parking availability and fees, and whether you need any permits for hiking or camping.
Check road conditions, especially if you're venturing into remote or high-elevation areas.
Understanding local regulations (like fire bans or pet restrictions) is also crucial.
For Women Adventurers:
When exploring new areas, researching perceived safety and local customs is especially important.
If you're a solo female traveler, look into common challenges for the region, review trip reports from other women, and be aware of areas with limited cell service.
Do I Have a Trail Map &/or The Navigation Tools I Need?
Your phone is a great tool, but a physical trail map is your non-negotiable companion in the wilderness.
Relying solely on electronic devices can be risky due to battery drain, signal loss, or damage. It's good to have a backup and know how to use it.
Your essential navigation checklist:
Do I have a trail map?
Does my phone have maps and a full battery?
Do I need a compass for any off-trail travel?
Do I need a GPS? And know how to use it?
Do I need to worry about private/public land boundaries (this is especially important for hunters and anglers!)
Additional Details:
It's essential to understand the different types of maps: topographic maps for elevation and terrain, and trail-specific maps for detailed routes, as well as the one-dimensional maps you get from Visitor Centers.
Should I bring back our backcountry navigation course and teach you how to read a map and navigate with a compass?
Yes, please!
If you make it FREE I'm IN!
I can't tell you how many times I've had paper maps get lost, dropped in high alpine lakes (🤦🏼♀️) ruined by snow or blown away. It's always good to have redundancy in your navigation tools and even if you're a paper map fan it's good to take a picture of your paper map just as a backup on your phone,
For Women Adventurers:
Building confidence in navigation skills empowers you significantly on the trail.
Practice reading maps and using a compass in familiar areas before tackling complex routes. This skill is a cornerstone of self-reliance in the outdoors.
Who Am I Going With? (Those Pesky Group Dynamics)
Your hiking companions (or not if you're a solo hiking fan) significantly impact your route planning.
The dynamics of your group will influence your pace, shared responsibilities, and overall trip experience.
Consider your group type:
Solo?
Family/Friends?
Guide/Group?
For Women Adventurers:
Solo Female Hikers: If you're going solo, I highly recommend leaving a detailed communication plan with a friend or family member. Inform someone reliable of your exact itinerary and check-in times. Consider carrying a satellite communication device. I use the Garmin inReach and inReach mini.
Women-Only Groups: Planning with other women can offer unique dynamics and support. It can be tricky to ensure that everyone's experience level and expectations align, but clear communication before the trip even starts can help sync goals and motivations, saving a lot of problems down the trail.
What is Our Schedule?
A realistic and well-thought-out schedule is crucial for both safety and enjoyment on your hike.
Underestimating time can lead to hiking in the dark, missed connections, or exhaustion. None of which are fun and can even turn an easy safe hike into a bad situation.
Key details to plan:
Departure location + time
Expected trailhead arrival
Expected trailhead departure
Expected arrival time (back home or at your next destination)
It's good to plan for buffer time in case of unforeseen delays (weather, slower pace, trail conditions).
It's also beneficial to know your average hiking pace (and your typical snack time break 😉) over varied terrain and elevation so that you can create a suitable timeline.
It's essential to be aware of daylight hours and have an emergency turnaround time if you're not on schedule. There's no shame in turning back; it's a wise thing to do.
What is the Forecast?
Weather is one of the most significant variables in outdoor adventures.
Always check multiple weather sources and be aware that microclimates can lead to rapid, localized changes, especially in mountainous areas. My favorite resource is https://www.mountain-forecast.com/, because it allows you to view the weather at different elevations. I study the Kilimanjaro weather religiously a month leading up to all of our climbs.
Check the forecast for these key locations:
Departure Location
Trailhead
Summit (if applicable)
Make note of any specific weather advisories or patterns for your chosen area.
Conducting weather research will help you make informed decisions about your clothing and gear (e.g., extra layers for cold weather, waterproofs for rain), your safety plans (e.g., flash flood warnings, lightning risk), and your willingness to turn back if conditions become unsafe.
For Women Adventurers:
Weather conditions can significantly impact comfort and decision-making.
I hate to admit this, but we may have different susceptibilities to cold or heat, so understanding the forecast helps us make informed layering choices and know when to prioritize safety over pushing forward.
What Do I Need to Pack?
Your packing list flows directly from your route plan and weather forecast.
Having the right gear, and knowing how to use it, is fundamental for preparedness.
Ensure you have these categories covered:
Food + Water
Shelter + Equipment
Clothing
Safety
We have a guide on the 10 Essentials coming soon (with my thoughts on why you may not need all of them...shhhhh...don't tell the Scouts!)
For Women Adventurers:
Probably the biggest concern many of us have out there is that we acquire outdoor gear that isn't designed to fit our bodies, so while I'm not going to go into gear selection and fit here tI will soon
What is My Safety Plan?
Proactive identification of potential dangers and developing strategies to address them is a cornerstone of responsible adventuring.
Don't wait for something to go wrong; plan for it.
Use this framework to think through potential threats:
Threat: Sudden weather change. Mitigation: Pack extra layers, check multiple forecasts, know turnaround points.
Threat: Getting lost/navigation error. Mitigation: Carry map & compass, know how to use them, download offline maps, carry a GPS.
Threat: Injury/Medical Emergency. Mitigation: Carry a comprehensive first aid kit, know basic first aid, carry a satellite communicator.)
Threat: Wildlife encounter. Mitigation: Research local wildlife, carry bear spray if applicable, know proper food storage.)
For Women Adventurers:
I think there's a lot of fear out there when it comes to backcountry adventures directed at women. My own personal thought is that we need to work on developing that "trust our gut" skill. We'll know when things aren't safe - the hard part is acting on that gut feeling when we're 400 feet from the summit of a mountain we've spent days trying to reach.
Who Else Needs to Know My Plan?
This step is critical: always leave your detailed itinerary with someone reliable who is not coming with you.
This "emergency contact" should know when to expect to hear from you and what to do if they don't.
Share this information:
Name
Phone
Email
Physical Address
Anything else that's relevant (medical concerns, Garmin link if you're using an inReach,etc)
Best Practices: Choose a trustworthy contact who understands the outdoors.
Provide them with your route, expected departure and return times, what gear you have, and who to call if you are overdue (e.g., local authorities, park rangers).
Establish specific check-in times.
Your Detailed Route Plan
Breaking down your hike into manageable "legs" allows for precise planning and helps you track your progress on the trail.
This ensures you account for all stages of your journey.
Here's how to structure your route plan, mirroring the detailed table from our guide:
Route Plan
How to Use It:
For each "leg," define clear start and end points (e.g., a specific landmark, campsite, or trail junction).
Estimate the time it will take, considering terrain, elevation, and your group's pace.
Add critical route information like water sources, potential campsites, challenging sections, or emergency bail-out points.
Final Thoughts & Resources
Thorough route planning is an empowering step in any adventure.
By taking charge of your preparations, you not only ensure a safer journey but also unlock a deeper sense of confidence and enjoyment on the trail.
It's about being prepared for whatever the wilderness throws your way, allowing you to focus on the beauty of the experience.
Didn't get a chance to download our PDF route planner? Here ya go ⤵️
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