What to Do If You Get Lost on a Hike

What to Do If You Get Lost on a Hike - I speak from experience...

No one ever plans to get lost on a hike, but it happens - even to us. We both grew up in rural areas, and spent most of our childhoods running round the bush like a couple of ferals. So we recognise that we have grown up with a confidence of handling ourselves in the outdoors through the things we learned when we were young, that others may not have. That being said, we’ve still lost the path before. 

A few years ago, I was following a faint foot track up a hill, and after I passed through a clearing, I realised I’d managed to step off the track. Now, what I should have done was turn around and go back to the clearing, where I last knew the track to be. I didn’t do that though. With all the confidence (read hubris) I had, I knew the track would be somewhere to my left, likely within about 20 metres - surely I could simply overcorrect from here and find the track again. So I set off up the hill. Only I kept getting pushed either downhill, or sideways, due to thickets or boulders, and after maybe five or ten minutes I realised my mistake. 

I had been concentrating so much on trying to get back onto the track, I hadn’t been paying attention to what was around me - I had no idea how to get back to the clearing. I knew the path was still to my left, but couldn’t guess how far away it would be. I still had a fair idea in which direction the car was, it was probably only 2km away, and I knew that the fire trail I’d parked on curved down the hill not far from where I had parked. So if I just kept walking straight, either I would eventually run into the foot track, or the fire trail. 

I kept walking in the direction I knew the car to be, and managed to find my way onto the track about 100m from the car. The whole ordeal probably only added an extra 15 minutes to my time. But it was a lesson to me in how quickly something like this can happen, and that it can happen to me the same as everyone else. I also recognise that I was lucky for being so close to the trailhead, and being in an area that would have had me find the fire trail before it got dark. It could have been a lot worse.

So, I write this article from first hand experience and you can learn from my mistakes. Here’s ten tips on what to do if you find yourself lost on a hike. 

1. Stop and Stay Calm

The moment you realize you’re lost, stop walking. Take a deep breath and resist the urge to keep moving in the hope of stumbling upon the trail. This can lead you further off course. Instead, pause, collect your thoughts, and assess your situation.

2. Try to Retrace Your Steps

If you’re confident that you haven’t gone too far off course, try backtracking carefully. Look for familiar landmarks, footprints, or trail markers you may have passed. However, if retracing your steps doesn’t feel right or only confuses you more, stop and move on to the next step.

3. Use the “S.T.O.P.” Method

One of the best ways to stay safe when lost is the S.T.O.P. method:

• Sit down and take deep breaths to calm yourself.
• Think about how you got to this point and what you know about your location.
• Observe your surroundings, look for trail markers, distant sounds (like traffic or water), and check the time before darkness falls.
• Plan your next steps wisely instead of acting on impulse.

4. Check Your Map, Compass, or GPS

If you have a map, compass, or GPS device, now is the time to use it. Even a phone with offline maps (like AllTrails or Gaia GPS) can be helpful if you have some service. Apps like Google Maps not only pin your location, but show you the direction you’re facing on the screen. So if you have a rough idea of where your destination is on the map, you can point yourself in the right direction. Identify key landmarks around you and compare them to your map.

5. Use Your Whistle or Call for Help

If you think rescuers might be looking for you, make noise! A whistle (three blasts) is an internationally recognized distress signal. If you don’t have a whistle, call out loudly or use a heavy stick to bang on a tree.

6. Look for a High Point or Open Area

If possible, carefully make your way to a higher vantage point (like a ridge or hilltop) where you might be able to spot familiar landmarks, trails, or bodies of water. If a high point isn’t accessible, an open area is another good option where searchers might see you.

7. Follow a Water Source (with Caution!)

If you come across a stream or river, it may lead to a main trail or road. However, this should be a last resort because following a water source can sometimes take you into dangerous terrain. Only attempt this if you are confident in your navigation skills.

8. Stay Put if It’s Getting Dark or You’re Injured

If it’s close to nightfall or you’re too tired or injured to keep moving, your best option is to stay in one place and make yourself visible to rescuers.

• Set up a small camp if you have supplies.
• Build a small fire (if safe and allowed) to stay warm and signal for help.
• Place brightly colored items (like a jacket or backpack) in an open area to make yourself more visible.

9. Conserve Your Energy and Stay Warm

Getting lost can be exhausting, both physically and mentally. If you’re in the wild overnight, staying warm and dry is key. Layer up, find shelter under a tree or rock overhang, and avoid sweating too much to prevent hypothermia.

10. Wait for Help and Keep a Positive Mindset

If you’ve followed these steps, search and rescue teams will have a much better chance of finding you. Staying positive and calm is just as important as any survival skill. Most lost hikers are found within 24 hours, especially if they stay put and make themselves easy to find.

Final Thoughts

Getting lost on a hike is scary, but being prepared can make all the difference. Before heading out, always tell someone where you’re going, pack essential gear (PLB, map, compass, whistle, and extra layers), and stay aware of your surroundings. And if you do find yourself off track, remember: stay calm, think clearly, and trust that help is on the way.