How to plan a hike step by step

Planning a hike means answering five questions before you leave: where am I going, how long will it take, what will the weather be like, what will I do if something goes wrong, and who knows where I am?

1. Study the route on a map

Locate the route on a topographic map, not just an aerial photo. Look at the contour lines to see where the steep climbs are, the junctions where you could take a wrong turn, and the water sources. Download the map for offline use and, if you can, bring a paper copy.

2. Work backward to set your schedule

Start with the time you want to be back, then subtract the estimated hiking time and a one-hour buffer: that gives you your departure time. Also set a “turnaround time,” the point when you will turn back no matter where you are.

3. Check the mountain weather forecast

Use a mountain-specific forecast that provides the snow level, winds at higher elevations, and the chance of thunderstorms, not just the forecast for the town in the valley. Check it the day before and again before you leave.

4. Prepare a plan B

• A shorter variation in case the group is moving slowly.
• Bailout points: where you can descend to the valley if the weather worsens.
• A completely different route in another area if the forecast changes significantly.

5. Check your backpack and logistics

Pack your backpack the night before using your standard checklist, charge your phone and power bank, check your headlamp, and confirm how you will reach the starting point: parking, whether access is restricted, and whether you need a reservation or permit, which is common in protected natural areas.

6. Let someone know your plans

Share your exact route, expected return time, and car's license plate number with someone. If you do not return, that information is the first thing emergency services will ask for when they call 112.

When you return, write down how long the hike actually took. After a few hikes, you will have your own adjustment factor, which is much more reliable than any formula.