Planning anything with a group can be difficult and a hike is no exception. Whether your group is 3 or 13 large, these rules of thumb can help all those involved have a great time.
Gather Wishlists & Requirements
In preparation for your hike, gather information from your group as to what a successful and comfortable hike looks like. It’ll be important to measure expectations here in regards to things like, trails people hate or love, how many miles they’re comfortable with, and whether they have any time constraints. Here are some helpful leading questions:
- What is the maximum distance you think you can tolerate?
- What is the minimum distance you’d like to complete to feel like you had a decent hike?
- Are there any trails you definitely want to stay away from?
- Are there any trails you’ve been eyeing that you’d like to do?
- How far of a drive are you willing to make to get to the trailhead?
- Do you have any time constraints on that date?
- What’s the earliest you’d feel comfortable starting?
Set expectations
After the details of your hike have been finalized, there is still much to be prepped for. Keep an eye on the weather and ensure that all parties feel comfortable with the forecast for the day. Also set expectations about packing. If there is a more experienced hiker in the group this usually falls on them to remind others about what would be wise to pack. Here are some examples:
- We’ll be out for X hours so try and pack at least Y liters of water.
- Make sure to pack snacks
- It’ll be 32 on the ground but likely a lot colder at elevation so bring your gloves, layers, hat, microspikes etc.
- We’ll be out for X hours so bring a lunch
Set Rules
Not that you don’t have to project manage your group hike to the Nth degree but setting some ground rules can be helpful such as
- Stay together, no one should be running off on their own
- We can drift apart so long as we set some points along the trail where we meet back up
Choose a Pacer
If your group decides to stay together as a pack, it’s helpful to put the slowest member in front so they don’t feel like they’re racing to keep up the whole time. Slow and steady makes it to the top.
Communicate
Never be afraid to speak up in a group! Ask for breaks if you need it. Speak up if you’re hurt or if you’re uncomfortable with the trail or sudden change in weather. Essentially, staying safe is the primary objective, completing the hike is second.
The Wild East 