Sharing your love of hiking and exploring is a wonderful way to motivate and inspire others to get out and do the same. Hiking has many benefits, just a few are fitness, enjoyment, and connecting with nature. With this Guide to Leading A Hike, I hope to share a simple process you can use repeatedly to ensure anyone you take hiking, whether formally or informally, is prepared for the adventure ahead.
I am so grateful that I have been able to lead hikes in Canada and around the world. Every time I take out a group, I use this simple outline to ensure 2 things;
- I am prepared – with my guide kit, an emergency plan and what I want people to take away from the experience
- Participants are prepared – physically, mentally and emotionally
Leader Preparedness
Always lead a hike on a trail you have previously hiked so you are familiar with the route, hazards, time it takes, places to stop etc.
A hiking leader should always carry the 10 Essentials;
- First Aid Kit (appropriate to the size of the group and know how to use items in your kit)
- Whistle
- Communication Device (appropriate to the area)
- Headlamp/Flashlight
- Water & Food
- Weather Appropriate Clothing + Warm Layer + Rain Gear
- Wear terrain appropriate footwear
- Lighter & Fire Starter
- Pocket Knife
- Map & Compass (plus knowledge to use them!)
General Guidelines for Leading a Hike
Group Management Strategies
- Keep everyone together by setting a pace that is manageable by everyone in the group OR
- Set specific places to regroup every 20-30 mins.
- Have a designated leader (always in the front, no one goes ahead of this person) and a designated sweep (always the last person, no one behind).
- Do a head count before leaving, periodically throughout, and at the end.
- Be sure to leave enough time to return to the trail head before dark.
- Leaders shouldn’t hike with more than 10 people alone. After a group of 10, ask another experienced hiker (ideally with first aid) to assist you.
Participant Care
- The leader should be periodically checking with the group about the pace, their water and food intake, bathroom needs, gear comfort etc. Deal with issues before they become problems.
- Allow time for people to enjoy the area. Share any tid bits you know (history, nature interpretation etc.)
Participant Preparedness
Before the Hike (1 week to 1 day before)
As a hike leader, it’s your responsibility to ensure your participants show up prepared. I recommend you download our Day Hike Checklist and email it to everyone before the hike. You can also share the Day Hike Checklist post in your Facebook group or other online platform for reference.
Remind everyone the day before to review the checklist and double check they have everything. You may also provide an update on the weather or any other important information at this time. Let people know what will happen if they show up late.
At the Trailhead
You should allow 30-45 min for this process for a group of 6-10 people. Allow more time the bigger the group gets. Like anything, practice makes perfect and it’s helpful to print this out and take it with you!
Introduce the Hike and do a Quick Safety Briefing
- Introduce yourself and anyone assisting
- Encourage others to introduce themselves – sharing what they are looking forward to about the hike can break the ice
- Discuss the trail – how long (km and time), how often you plan to stop, where should people use the bathroom, generally what to expect along the trail, hazards and other goals
- Discuss the weather and what time you plan to be back (before dark)
- Identify the location of the group medical kit, communication devices, and who has first aid in the group, also ask if anyone has any medical or physical conditions the group should be aware of.
- Review emergency procedures – what will happen if someone gets hurt or what to do if you get separated from the group
- Ensure everyone is properly dressed and has the 10 essentials in their day pack
- Confirm everyone vehicles are locked and keys are safe
- Identify the leader and the sweep
- Allow time for questions or comments
- Give everyone 10-15 min to use the bathroom, tighten boots, prep poles etc.
- Have a great hike!
A few tips to help you confidently deliver our Guide to Leading a Hike;
- Relax! People appreciate that you’re organized and have their safety at the top of your mind.
- Make eye contact with each person throughout your delivery. This helps establish a relationship and builds their confidence in you as a leader. Do not wear sunglasses.
- Use a map or trailhead sign to help you show the route and terrain.
- Answer any questions honestly. If you do not know the answer, that’s ok! make a note to look it up later and share it with the person who asked along the way or post hike via email.
I hope this Guide for Leading a Hike is a helpful and valuable resource for you. You’re about to share the magic of hiking with many people and they need it more now than ever. Leading hikes is such a rewarding way to give back to your community, workplace or school. It’s also a valuable skill builder and being a leader will filter through into other parts of your life.
Join the Conversation!
Any questions or comments leave them below or join our Active Adventure Hub Facebook Group and connect with experienced guides and other avid hikers!
