Getting Lost on a Hike

Whether you are taking a stroll through a park or trekking through the wilderness, getting lost can be a stressful turn of events. If you ever find yourself somewhere you’re not supposed to be, remember the acronym S.T.O.P. to keep your cool and make your way back home.

Stop

Realizing you are lost might induce a sense of panic, so it is important to just stop and take a breath to calm down and gather your thoughts. If you don’t know where you are or which way to go, moving will only get you more lost and decrease your chances of being found by rescuers.

Think

Even in the wilderness there are natural signs and landmarks that will clue you in on your location. Pay attention to the sun to figure out which way you are oriented. Take a moment to think about how you got where you are. Streams, fallen trees and rock formations are all natural landmarks to document your trail.

Observe

Using a compass and map, you can identify where you are by identifying landmarks. Use this step to assess your situation and what you need to do to get home. Moving in the dark is not advised, so estimate how much daylight you have left. Clean water and the condition of you and your party also need to be assessed before moving out.

Plan

Use your observations to prioritize your needs and come up with a plan. If you can estimate your location, figure out a known destination you can get to before it gets dark. Use cloth, rocks or sticks to mark your trail along the way, but if you are not sure of your route, your safest bet is to stay put.