There's a moment on every hike when you feel it: that quiet, gnawing feeling that the trail you’re on doesn’t look quite right. Maybe the turn you expected didn’t appear. Maybe the sun is dipping lower than you thought, and you can’t quite place your position. It’s a feeling of disorientation, of being just a little bit out of sync with the world. And in that moment, the most important thing you can do is not to panic. Easier said than done. Let’s talk through this.
Over my many years of hiking, I’ve learned that the greatest dangers in the woods aren't the things that bite or the jagged rocks you might trip on. The greatest danger is often between the ears and generates something irrational: fear. Fear can cloud our judgment and push us to make reckless decisions. The wisdom we’ve gathered over a lifetime tells us that rushing into the unknown is rarely the right answer. In the woods, that wisdom can save your life.
If you ever find yourself lost, the first and most critical step is to remember the simple but powerful acronym: S.T.O.P. It’s a timeless piece of advice that works for everyone, no matter your age or experience level.
S - Stop. The very first thing you must do is stop moving. Don’t take another step. Continuing to walk without knowing where you are only serves to deepen the problem and make it harder for searchers to find you. Take a deep breath. Sit down if you need to. The simple act of stopping yourself can prevent a wave of panic from taking over. Remind yourself that you have the tools and the wisdom to handle this.
T - Think. Now is the time to gather your thoughts. What’s the last landmark you remember seeing? How long ago was it? Do you remember crossing a stream, a trail junction, or a prominent rock? Think about the terrain, the direction of the sun, and your surroundings. Is there a faint trail you might have missed? This is not the time for guesswork, but for careful reflection – a step by step rewind.
O - Observe. Take a moment to truly observe your surroundings. Look for any clues that might point you back to where you were. Can you hear a road? A river? Are there any footprints or broken branches that might be yours? This is also the time to observe what you have with you. What’s in your pack? Do you have food, water, a map, a whistle, or a headlamp? Knowing your resources is key to the next step: making a plan.
P - Plan. Based on your thoughts and observations, it’s time to make a plan. And here’s the most important part of this step: unless you have a very, VERY compelling reason for another plan, your plan should be to stay put. If you’ve told someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back, they will know where to look. By staying in one spot, you make it far easier for search and rescue to find you. If you absolutely must move, your plan should be to create a signal. Use your whistle (three short blasts is a universal signal for distress), build a smokey fire, or lay out bright clothing in an open area. The goal is to make yourself visible and audible.
Getting lost is a humbling experience, but it doesn’t have to be a terrifying one. With a bit of foresight and the wisdom to listen to your instincts—and not your fear—you can turn a moment of panic into a testament to your patience and resilience.
The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone; there are people who will be looking for you. And by staying calm and staying put, you make their job much easier.