Hiking at night is a great experience! It is different obviously from hiking during the day. The times I’ve gone hiking at night have been a blast- you just have to keep some other things in mind.
These night hike tips will give you a better idea of how to prepare and what to think about when planning.
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Reasons to Night Hike
There are numerous reasons why someone would even want to go on a night hike. In my opinion, one of the best reasons is that your senses are heightened. Being that it is night, your obviously not going to be able to see as far out. (Just the path in front of you that your headlamp illuminates). For this reason, your smell and hearing are going to be more acute and you will experience the outdoors in a different way.
Also, in some urban areas, it can be difficult to see the stars. By getting out into nature and away from the light pollution, you have a much better chance of really seeing the stars. During times such as the Leoinid Meteor showers in November or Perseid in August, dark skys make a huge difference. There are exceptions to the star gazing option. The trails in Phoenix are surrounded by the City. So- when you hike at night in Phoenix you can see the City Lights. That’s a pretty cool experience. Dobbins Lookout is one of the most popular places to hike at night for this reason.
The final main reason to hike at night is so you can hike all year long. At night – the temps drop. I live in the Phoenix, AZ area so hiking during the summer days can be deadly. There are many hikers rescued every year form the Phoenix mountains due to heat exhaustion and dehydration.
(Sometimes, it can be too hot to even go hiking at night in the desert). Personally, I do not like to hike when it’s 100 degrees or hotter. In late autumn and winter, the days can be short so hiking at night extends your opportunities to go.
Night Hike Tips
There are some things you need to consider on night hikes that are different from day hiking. Some of these seem pretty obvious, but it’s a good idea to keep these things in mind when planning.
Be Very Well Prepared
In addition to bringing along the hiking essentials, It is a good idea to take two sets of batteries and an extra flashlight/headlamp. Be sure to still bring plenty of water as well. Just because you are hiking at night, does not mean that you won’t need water. Take heed of the wildlife warnings. In State and National Parks that have bears and mountain lions, hiking may be discouraged after dark.
It is also a good idea to dress in layers. The temperature can drop drastically after dark, so bring extra clothes you can put on as the weather conditions change. Be sure to always check the weather forecast before leaving your home.
Start With a Familiar Trail
Stay on trails that you have previously hiked until you get more experienced. This will help you get more oriented to night hiking as you are getting used to the new sensations. Note there are some parks and trails that close after sunset, so make sure you know this before you go on your hike. Start slightly before dark so you can enjoy the sunset. Also, this will give your eyes a chance to adjust to the dimming light.
Stay with Easy Trails Initially
The last thing you want to do when you start night hiking is to go on a challenging trail. Avoid the ones that have steep drop offs or stream crossings. It is a good idea to start on a trail that has a wider path and one that isn’t too rocky. Also, try your best to find a trail that is more out in the open (not too woodsy), so the moonlight can illuminate the ground.
Keep your Night Hike Short Initially
Until you get more skilled, you may want to keep the hikes shorter at first. You have to concentrate more when it is dark and you have to pay more attention to your footing. Night Hiking may feel a little more strenuous at first. Pick a destination and a goal that you know you can accomplish and be comfortable doing so.
Do not Hike Alone
This is not meant for the solo hiker who is like Grizzly Adams. ? This is a rule of thumb for the newbie hiker. Since you can only see what is in front of you, it can make navigation and staying on the trail a bit more difficult. If you break a leg or get lost, then this will make it very difficult for you to be found in a timely fashion. For those who do go solo-always let someone know where you are going hiking and the length of time you’ll be gone.
Start with a Group Night Hike
There are numerous organizations that lead night hikes. Our local State Parks in AZ often have night hikes that are free of charge. They have special themes such as scorpion hunting (this may not appeal to everyone), moonlight hikes and wildlife night hike. These guides have years of experience and have numerous safety and technical hiking skills. If you are brand new to night hiking and don’t have friends that night hike on a regular basis, then I highly suggest going this route initially.
Stay Together in Your Group- It is so much easier to get lost in the dark, so everyone in your group should stick close together. If you find that you are faster than the other hikes, then stop at a junction and wait for everyone to catch up. I can’t think of anything scarier than getting lost at night on a trail. People get lost all the time during the day as it is!
Wear a Headlamp
A headlamp is way better than a flashlight because it frees up your hands. The light automatically follows the direction of where you are looking. Try to find a headlamp that lets you choose between a red or white light. The red lets you see the trail, but also makes it easier for your eyes to adjust once you turn your headlamp off.
Headlamps are recommended even for moonlight hikes. I highly encourage you go on a night hike when there is a full moon out- it’s absolutely gorgeous!
Night Hike Tips Summary
Night Hiking can be a lot of fun and another great way to experience the outdoors! I think you see a theme here in this article. As a beginner- selecting trails that you are familiar with and that are easier initially will provide you with a better experience. Once you start feeling more comfortable with night hiking, then you can extend the time frames and hike new trails.
Keep these tips in mind and always be well prepared. Following these guidelines will keep you safe and ensure that you have a great time on the trail!