What should I do if I get lost while hiking?
Immediate Steps
As soon as you realize you're lost, stop. Panic leads to poor decisions. Use the STOP acronym: Stop, Think, Observe, Plan. Think about the last known point where you were sure of your location. Observe your surroundings for landmarks, trail signs, or your own tracks. Plan your next move carefully.
If you have a map and compass, try to orient yourself. If you have a GPS or phone, check your location—but don't rely solely on electronics. If you're truly lost, staying put is often the best choice, especially if you told someone your itinerary. If you must move, leave markers to show your path.
- Stop and stay calm.
- Think about your last known point.
- Observe landmarks and your surroundings.
- Plan before acting.
Signaling for Help
Use a whistle (three blasts is the universal distress signal), mirror, or bright clothing to attract attention. If you have a phone and signal, call emergency services (911 in the US, 112 in Europe). Conserve battery by putting it in airplane mode until needed. If you have a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger, activate it.
At night, use a flashlight or headlamp to signal. Build a fire if it's safe and you have the resources; three fires in a triangle is a distress signal. Make yourself visible from the air: spread out bright clothing or gear in an open area.
- Three whistle blasts = distress.
- Use a mirror to flash sunlight.
- Conserve phone battery.
Survival and Shelter
If you must spend the night, prioritize shelter, warmth, and water. Find or build a shelter that protects from wind and rain. Insulate yourself from the ground. Stay hydrated, but ration food if necessary. Don't eat unknown plants. If you have a way to purify water, use it.
Keep a positive mental attitude. Remaining calm and focused increases your chances of rescue. If you hear searchers, respond loudly. Stay in one place if you've alerted authorities; wandering makes it harder to find you.
- Build or find shelter.
- Insulate from the ground.
- Ration food, but drink water.
- Stay put if rescuers are looking.
Common mistakes
- Panicking and rushing, which can lead to injury or getting more lost.
- Not telling anyone your plans before hiking.
- Relying solely on a phone for navigation; batteries die and signals drop.
