There’s always that one moment on a solo hike, when the trail suddenly looks less like a path and more like a guessing game, the sun’s creeping higher than expected, and the map? Well, it seems fairly useless. That’s when it hits: maybe doing this alone wasn’t the brightest idea. Sure, there’s more than enough benefits to hiking, and yeah, if you know a trail like the back of your hand, then it might be fine to do alone, or with a friend. But somewhere totally new and alone? Well, maybe not the best idea.
Sure, group hiking tours don’t always sound appealing at first. Walking for hours with a bunch of strangers? Honestly, it sounds like it could be awkward. But surprisingly, it’s not. In fact, joining a group just once can turn a good hike into a great memory, and possibly save you from wandering off into mystery-land.
5 Reasons to Take a Group Hiking Tour Instead of Solo Hiking
Though I love solo hiking, I really enjoy hiking in a group. Most of my group hikes have been with family, but I have also been on a hiking tour and a hiking retreat with strangers. And I really enjoyed the group hiking tour so much! In fact, I have a group hiking tour/ trip on my bucket list for Everest Base Camp. So here is a list of five reasons you should go on a group hiking and backpacking trip.
1. All the Fun, None of the Planning Headaches
Well, picking a trail, checking the weather, sorting permits, packing the right stuff, hoping the trail is actually open, planning a hike is weirdly complicated. But group tours take that entire mental checklist and toss it. The guide has done the hike so many times, they could do it with their eyes closed. They know when to go, where to stop for the best views, and how long it actually takes, not the fantasy timing people post online.
So instead of stressing about directions or what you forgot in the car, you just show up, follow the lead, and enjoy being out in the world.
2. Strangers on the Trail aren’t as Scary as They Sound
At first, walking into a group of total strangers feels a bit like the first day of school. But give it ten minutes, and suddenly you’re swapping stories about snacks, sunscreen fails, and who forgot to stretch that morning. There’s always that relaxed feeling.
No, really, it’s actually pretty great, even for those who are shy! No one’s there to judge or dominate the conversation. Most people just want a good hike and maybe a few fun photos. Some will chat, some will hang back, and by the end, it’s usually a mix of new trail buddies and friendly faces you’d actually say hi to if you bumped into them again (doesn’t always happen, but you never know).
3. Some Places are Just Easier with a Guide
You probably already know this, but not every trail is easy to find or simple to do solo. Some require permits, some have tricky timing, and some are just better when you’ve got someone who knows the way.
Actually, go ahead and take Horseshoe Bend, for example. If you think about it, booking through https://horseshoebend.com/ takes the guesswork out of the whole thing. Instead, you’re going to get info prior to the hike, so all you need to do is just show up, take it all in, and know you’re getting the best version of the view.
4. It’s a Safety Net Without the Stress
Even the most confident hikers have moments where things go a little sideways. Maybe it’s a wobbly ankle, maybe it’s dehydration creeping in, or maybe it’s realizing the trail is a bit more intense than expected. But on a group tour, help is never far off. Usually, you can expect guides to carry the essentials and know what to do when things aren’t going to plan.
5. Experiencing Local Color and Stories
Last but not least, one of the best reasons to go on a guided backpacking or hiking trip is the stories and the local secrets you may not find out about otherwise. When I considered being a tour guide in my early twenties, I went on several guided tours. There were so many little tidbits of information and stories that weren’t written down in the guidebooks. And in fact, I got to experience a little nunnery that makes the best wine, but at the time, there was no mention of them online, so it was a local treasure.
So, what would you prefer: a solo hike or a group hike? Let me know in the comments below.
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