NIGHT HIKING 101 - Hike For Life, Co.
NIGHT HIKING 101 - Hike For Life, Co.
· What makes night hiking different from daytime hiking? What makes it differ from early morning hiking that is also done in the dark?
Night hiking is typically done either at sunset or after sunset with very low light. The entire hiking experience can differ when hiking at night as compared to hiking during the day. Nerves/excitement/challenges are all amplified while hiking on a dark trail.
→ Early morning hiking is like trying to outrun the sunrise. You know the heat of the day is coming and you want to see where you can get before it gets to you. It is a fun mental challenge.
→ Night hiking is about embracing the darkness and slowing down. No race needed, the darkness is going nowhere. It is a rigorous mental challenge that requires you to step out of your comfort zone.
· How does our connection to nature change at night versus in the daytime?
Hiking at night can provide an entirely new perspective on hiking even for the most seasoned trail users. New experiences may include: heightened senses, increased awareness, increased heart rate.
During the day, a squirrel running in the bush is a squirrel running in the bush, maybe you say “squirrel” - it’s fun.
During the night, a squirrel running in the bush will stop you in your tracks. You will question your every decision as you wonder what that noise was - it’s exciting.
· What advice can you give for feelings safe on the trail? What about a person who wants to avoid crowds or whose identity may not historically have been welcomed in outdoor spaces?
The outdoor space is becoming ever inclusive. Groups like Black Camp Too are spreading the message of inclusion in outdoor spaces. They provide resources like advice, education & gear to new and experienced trail users.
(https://www.blackfolkscamptoo.com/)
All the same, many people may find themselves still feeling out of place or unwelcomed in certain environments. Adopting a night approach would be a temporary fix to this. However; conversations among local organizations would be a great way to work to make our outdoor spaces more welcoming to all adventurers in places where comfortability may not yet be present.
One major facet of a successful night hike is having prior knowledge of the trail and route. It would seemingly be difficult for a hiker who is not familiar with hiking during the daytime to find joy as a nighttime only hike.
· Who is night hiking for?
Here is a profile of your likely night hiker:
Hikers who want a new adventure.
Stargazers - Colorado has “dark spots” which have reduced light pollution. Night hiking in these locations is an ideal place to stargaze and research stars.
Hikers who cannot go out during the day due to work or family responsibilities.
Hikers who are sensitive to the sun but still love to see nature. Those who are hoping to escape the weekend crowds or the daytime heat.
Some parents may find that hiking at night is also a better time to get all of the family schedules aligned. Small children may enjoy the cooler climate of the night time and riding in the stroller can be a calming way to end the day. Hike it baby gives some great advice for active parents who want to enjoy hiking at night. BOB makes a Lunar stroller that reflects ample light and also performs well on the trails.
(https://hikeitbaby.com/blog/hiking-at-night-safety/ - Makayla O’keefe)
· Who is night hiking not for?
Here is a profile of a hiker who may want to avoid night time trails.
Hikers who are afraid of the dark.
Hikers who are afraid of rustling bushes, weird noises, things that go bump etc.. People who are nursing an injury.
Hikers who are working on balance, footing.
Hikers battling with vertigo or sea sickness.
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What are the “Dos and Don’ts” of night hiking?
Bring multiple light sources - and bring extra batteries. Rei.com gives great suggestions on types of lights you may want to use depending on the trail you are on. These include finding a comfortable fit, using a red light, etec…
(https://www.rei.com/blog/hike/night-hiking-basics - REI Staff)
Slow down your pace - be ready to hike at a slower speed even on a trail that you are very familiar with. Be mindful of footing and trail edges as you operate in the dark.
Give your eyes time to adjust - show up to the trail 10-20 minutes early and have a seat at the dark trail head. Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness of the trail.
Have your supplies - just like a day trip, have ample water, have bug spray, have food. Any resource you would use during a day hike, make sure you also have for night time.
The list below is also a great group of Do’s..
· How can people stay safe and get the most out of their experience?
Tell your family/roomates/friends exactly where you are going and estimate how long you think you will hike for. Text before you get to the trailhead.
Hike a common trail that you know well.
Go with a group and talk it up!!
Have lights ready, have power sources available.
The hike is about the experience, not the destination, its okay if you have to turn around.
BE FAMILIAR with local park and city regulations. Some areas like Cheyenne Canon in Colorado Springs will close their gate on nights and all cars should be cleared from trail heads prior to that hour.
DONTS:
Dont be in a rush
Dont go off trail.
DONT GO OFF TRAIL.
Dont hike a trail for the first time at night
Dont forget to tell someone where you are going
Dont forget water!!
· What about wildlife, and bringing a dog? Do you carry any type of protection like bear spray or a firearm?
Some dogs can be skiddish in unknown places and night hiking can be a time where your dog may not be as comfortable on the trails as he/she may normally be. Dogs have better night vision than humans but still may not enjoy the unknowns of a dark trail.
If your dog were to slip leash or break away on a dark trail, both the owner and dog could easily be in a bad situation.
I tend to stay on trails that I know well and I know dont have wildlife habitats close by. There is always the chance of coming across an animal on the trails so bear spray is always a good idea, day or night. Poles can also be used as defense.
We do not carry firearms on the trail. I would suggest this even more so at night because chances of you discharging your firearm at an unknown object are high.
