Hiking Alone Or Hiking In A Group

[Bradsalex]

I enjoy hiking alone...although I never get a chance to do it. I like to take my family out with me but there are times when I would like to just go off and spend all day out there. A 5 year old and 2 year old don't accommodate that very well. We enjoy that short hikes but I would be much happier doing a 10+ mile or a weekend 40 mile trip. I have a friend that used to do a lot of backpacking in the boy scouts that I like to go with too. Our families usually go together, then he and I will head further on the trail while the family goes back to the car.

But all-in-all to answer the question I would much rather hike alone.

[HikerChick]

I'm an alone hiker for the most part; if it is going to be a group thing, I prefer a group of 4 or less. I once took an entire class of high schoolers on a hike, and it was such a chore keeping the go-getters going slowly enough and the slowpokes fast enough so that we didn't lose anyone.

[failghe]

I usually go it all alone with my 2 dogs, so maybe not totally alone. The girlfriend cannot keep up or go as far, so when she goes it is a short 1-3 miles. I like the 5-10 miles or longer depending on time.

[oldsarge]

I like being alone most of the time. On occasion I will go with a few others, but there's nothing better than the solitude of being out there alone in the peace and quiet.

[IndianaHiker]

Originally Posted by 2coastcamper

For reference: Aron Ralston was his name. He was in canyons in Utah. If anyone hasn't read his story yet; it's worth the read ... Google it.

The movie is also very good its called "127 Hours" and is in theaters now. The book is called "Between a Rock and a Hard Place"

[hikinmike]

I used to frequently hike and backpack alone. Have made a few friends along the way that are always enjoyable companions. Having acquired some limitations, it's now wiser to be out with some company. I've always benefited from the company of people who can teach or show me something new, or heretofore unknown.

[Rider One]

It depends on my mood and my goals for the trip. There are outings where it's about the bonding of friends and family, and then there are treks when it's a spiritual bonding I'm after, and that's when I go alone.