The Ultimate Guide for Solo Female Beginners: Hiking Adventures on the West Coast
Your first solo hiking adventure as a beginner can be both thrilling and a bit daunting. Whether you’re dreaming of the dramatic cliffs of California, the lush forests of Oregon, or the mesmerizing deserts of Arizona, the West Coast offers some of the best hiking experiences for newcomers. This guide is packed with tips and insights to help you plan an unforgettable and safe journey.
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Choosing Your Perfect Hiking Destination
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and head out on a solo hiking adventure—awesome! But where should you go? The West Coast is a hiker’s paradise, with stunning trails along California’s rugged coastline, Oregon’s lush forests, and Arizona’s breathtaking canyons.
California Coastal Hikes: Think dramatic cliffs and serene ocean views. Check out the Big Sur coast for some beginner-friendly trails that still pack a punch in terms of scenery.
Oregon’s Forest Trails: If you’re looking for something magical, the mossy forests of Oregon are for you. Try out the numerous trails of the Columbia River Gorge, hidden gems along the Pacific Coast or hike around Mount Hood for a serene yet adventurous experience.
Arizona’s Desert Beauty: For those craving a unique landscape, Arizona’s desert hikes, like the ones in Sedona or near the Grand Canyon, offer an otherworldly experience. The colors, the rock formations—pure magic.
👉 Pro Tip: Not sure where to go? Check out my free travel guides on Thatch for some inspo!
👉 Explore top hiking destinations with Viator for your next solo adventure!
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Budgeting for Your Adventure
Once you’ve got your destination in mind, it’s time to get real about costs. Hiking can be a budget-friendly way to travel, but there are still a few things to consider:
Accommodation: From cozy B&Bs to budget-friendly hostels, your choice of stay can greatly impact your budget. Websites like Booking.com often have deals on places near popular hiking spots.
Gear Costs: Investing in good gear can make a world of difference. Brands like REI and Backcountry offer high-quality hiking boots and backpacks that will last you many adventures.
Travel and Permits: Don’t forget to factor in transportation costs, park entry fees, and any permits you might need for more popular trails.
👉 Pro Tip: Subscribe for free to my Thatch travel page so you can always be alerted when free travel guides are published.
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Get a Travels Rewards Credit Card
One of the smartest moves for any solo traveler is to get a travel rewards credit card and learn how to use them to your advantage. These cards can help you save on flights, accommodations, and more, making your dream hikes even more accessible.
Look for a card that offers:
- No foreign transaction fees (great for cross-border hikes!)
- Generous sign-up bonuses that can be redeemed for flights or hotel stays
- Cashback on travel expenses, which can go towards your next adventure
👉 Explore benefits with any Southwest Credit Card and earn a free companion pass!
My all time favorite credit card travel hack is earning the Southwest Companion Pass. One of my favorite travel accounts on instagram: @theloverspassport shared a promo offer back in January that honestly sounded too good to be true.
Here was the deal: open a new Southwest card (any type), spend $4k within 90 days, get a free companion pass until the following February. What that means: I book a flight, then my companion books a flight for FREE. No limits, no black out dates, only pay the booking fee (which for domestic flights was a whopping $5.60).
After convincing Jordan to get on board and just days after the closing of the first billing cycle, we had our FREE companion pass and IT WORKS! We had 4 trips already in the works (Florida for Spring Break, our Oregon road trip, Mexico for a work conference, and Vegas in August). For all three domestic flights I was able to add him on for $5.60 round trip and the flight to Mexico was around $70! We immediately saved just over $1500!! I honestly couldn’t believe it. Click here to explore the different card options.
The best part: You can actually change your designated companion up to 3 times per calendar year. We will be doing this to fly one of the kiddos free for fall break, since Jordan also has flight credits to use.
➡️ Have you told your credit card companies that your are traveling? Don't forget this important step to avoid any inconveniences with being locked out of your credit card.
I am no expert on hacking points and miles, though have aspirations to put this on the top of my list to learn in 2025. For now, I am loving my companion pass and feel like I am totally hacking the system 😀
In addition to earning a free companion pass, I have loved to fly Southwest for many reasons:
- Free cancellations, no point or credit expirations!!
- (2) free checked bags per customer
- Phenomenal customer service: ALWAYS
- Killer deals monthly: “Getaway deals” for those quick & spontaneous weekend getaways
- Kid friendly: free early boarding, free to check or gate check (1) stroller, (1) carseat, kids can also bring (1) personal item, (1) diaper bag, (1) checked bag at no additional cost (including lap child).
Gearing up with Essential Hiking Gear
Having the right gear is crucial, especially for beginners. You don’t need to go overboard, but a few key items will make your hikes safer and more enjoyable.
- Hiking Boots: Good boots are a must. Brands like Merrell offer comfortable and durable options. I have had this pair for 3 years and they have held up very well.
- Backpack: Choose a lightweight, supportive pack that fits all your essentials, like this one or this one.
- Navigation Tools: Even if you’re sticking to well-marked trails, a map and compass or GPS are handy to have. All-Trails is a MUST when hiking in poor service areas.
- Safety Gear: A first-aid kit, whistle, and multi-tool can come in handy.
👉 Shop top-rated hiking gear at REI to ensure you’re well-prepared for the trail.
Staying Safe and Confident on the Trail
Safety should always be a priority, especially when hiking solo. Here are a few tips to keep you safe and confident on your adventure:
- Tell Someone Your Plans: Always let a friend or family member know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
- Stay On Marked Trails: It’s easy to get disoriented in unfamiliar territory, so stick to marked paths.
- Pack Smart: Bring enough water, snacks, and layers to stay comfortable in varying weather conditions.
- Know Your Limits: Don’t push yourself too hard; listen to your body and take breaks as needed.
Joining the Adventure: Group Trips & Community Support
While solo hiking is an empowering experience, joining a group hike can be a fantastic way to meet new people and share the adventure. Platforms like Trova Trip offer curated group hikes led by experts. Imagine exploring new trails with like-minded adventurers!
Survey Alert: I’m excited to start hosting group hiking trips and would love your input. Take this quick survey to help shape our next adventure! There’s no commitment required, and your feedback is invaluable.
👉 Learn more about Trova Trip and start planning your next group hike today!
Ready to lace up your boots and hit the trail? Whether you’re soaking in the coastal views of California or exploring the serene forests of Oregon, solo hiking is an incredible way to connect with nature and yourself. Happy trails, and maybe I’ll see you out there on one of our future group hikes!