Are you ready to lace up your boots and hit the hiking trails – solo? Whether you’re just beginning your solo travel journey, or you’re a seasoned explorer searching for your next empowering escape, hiking offers a perfect mix of adventure, solitude, and connection with nature. Today, I am sharing the best hiking trails for solo female travelers. These are safe, scenic, and mostly beginner-friendly hikes that will inspire confidence and ignite your sense of wanderlust. Let’s explore the best hikes for solo travelers and discover why women’s hiking adventures are one of the most liberating ways to travel.

Best Hiking Trails for Solo Female Travelers: Safe, Scenic, and Empowering Adventures

Angels Landing in Zion National Park

There are quite a few women’s hiking adventures you can go on while on vacation in Zion National Park. However, the best hiking trail for a solo female traveler is Angels Landing.

This strenuous hiking trail is almost five and a half miles long round trip. The trail is carved into the red rock cliffs of Zion Canyon.

The most challenging part of this hiking trail is the last half mile. You must hold onto chains as you scale the narrow ridge.

Don’t worry, you will have plenty of time to prepare to conquer the chains. Right before you reach that section of this hiking trail, you will find the Scout Lookout. The views from this section of the hiking trail are amazing.

One of the reasons this is one of the best hiking trails for solo female travelers is there are always fellow hikers on the trail. There is also a mandatory shuttle system for easy access to the trail from the parking area.

When you are not hiking in Zion National Park, you will find yourself shopping in Springdale. There are cafes in Springdale as well, so you can easily grab a bite to eat. After all, I’m sure you will be hungry after all that hiking.

**It is important to note that you will need to obtain a permit to hike this trail in Zion National Park.**

Cinque Terre Trail in Liguria, Italy – An Amazing Hiking Trail for Solo Female Travelers

One of the top hiking destinations for solo women travelers is the Cinque Terre Trail in Liguria, Italy. This easy to moderate trail will take you through five towns.

Imagine walking along the coastal cliffs, as you admire stunning terraced vineyards and pastel villages. I recommend taking the time to stop at many of those villages to dine with the locals.

It is possible to hike the entire seven and a half miles of this trail in one day. However, you can choose to tackle this best hike for solo travelers in two or three days if you want to spend more time in the individual towns.

In Monterosso, you can enjoy the fine wine. And it is all about the artisan goods in Vernazza.

There are always people hiking this trail in Italy, so you will never find yourself alone. And if you need a change of scenery, take a boat tour to see everything from a different perspective.

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Kalalau Trail in Kauai, Hawaii

The Kalalau Trail is another hiking trail that requires a permit. But only if you decide you want to hike the entire trail. If you stick to the first two miles, you will not need to obtain a permit.

The first two miles of the Kalalau Trail will take you to Hanakāpī’ai Beach. The trail hugs the Nā Pali Coast. You will find yourself walking through lush rainforests. Climbing the ridges and walking down deep into the valley will offer you plenty of opportunities to see new sights.

When you’re not on the well-worn path of this hiking trail, you may find yourself kayaking along the Wailua River. Or relaxing at Hanalei Bay. Of course, you won’t be able to resist grabbing a bite to eat from one of the food trucks in Hanalei Town.

Queenstown Hill Time Walk in Queenstown, New Zealand

It is easy to combine a once-in-a-lifetime vacation with a women’s hiking adventure when you choose to visit New Zealand. The Queenstown Hill Time Walk is a moderate four-and-a-half-mile hike through pine forests.

While walking on this best hiking trail for solo female travelers, you will see incredible views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Don’t rush past it all in order to reach the summit to see the “Basket of Dreams” sculpture.

This may be one of the top hiking destinations for solo women travelers in New Zealand. But there are many others you can choose to do during your vacation.

I also recommend visiting a few of the wineries in Gibbston Valley. Go paddleboarding on the lake. And taking a day trip to Milford Sound.

South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is packed with different hiking trails. Many of those hiking trails are perfect for solo female travelers. The South Kaibab Trail can be one of the more strenuous hiking trails in the Grand Canyon. Keep that in mind while planning your solo female vacation.

The South Kaibab Trail has a couple different turnaround points. The Ooh Aah Point is almost two miles round trip. And the Cedar Ridge turnaround point is three miles round trip.

This hiking trail for solo women travelers is well-maintained. And the employees patrol the trail regularly. They offer regular trail updates to keep hikers safe. They also have water filling stations, so you can refill your water bottles as needed.

I recommend tackling this hiking trail early in the morning to beat the heat of the day. After your hike, you can attend a ranger talk to learn more about the canyon. I also recommend taking the free shuttle to the different viewpoints. This will ensure you see this massive canyon from different vantage points.

A mule tour is another option for experiencing the depths of this gorgeous canyon.

Maroon Bells Scenic Loop in Aspen, Colorado – A Beginner-Friendly Hiking Trail for Solo Female Travelers

Maroon Bells Scenic Loop in Aspen, Colorado is one of the best beginner-friendly hikes for solo female travelers. This easy hiking trail is three miles round trip. It goes all around Maroon Lake.

During your walk along this flat hiking trail, you will capture views of the lake, as well as the twin peaks of the Maroon Bells. The trail is safe, thanks to being a regularly visited area with an active ranger presence. Plus, you will love the shuttle that will take you to this hiking trail from Aspen.

After your hike, you may want to get a massage at a local spa or grab a beer or two from Aspen Brewing Company. And if you want more spectacular views of Aspen, consider a ride on the Silver Queen Gondola.

Check out the best places to disconnect and unwind as a solo female traveler. 

Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls in Yosemite National Park

The Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls is an amazing solo female hiking trip. This moderately strenuous hiking trail is six and a half miles round trip. The trail consists of stairs carved in the granite. Simply follow those stairs to two massive waterfalls. Be prepared to get wet from the mist during the spring and early summer months.

The steady incline of this hiking trail will build your confidence with every step you take. Oh, and park rangers are always nearby in case you need a little help once or twice.

It is so easy to stay active inside Yosemite National Park. I recommend riding a bike around Yosemite Valley to see even more of this beautiful destination.

Lauterbrunnen Valley Trails in Switzerland – One of the Best Hiking Trails for Solo Female Travelers

There are quite a few hiking trails within the Lauterbrunnen Valley. But one of the best hiking trails for solo female travelers is the portion between Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg. That section is three and a half miles long.

During this easy hike in Switzerland, you will stroll past rushing waterfalls, flower-dotted meadows, and storybook villages. Basically, you will feel like you have stepped into the pages of a fairytale.

This section of the hiking trail for solo female travelers is popular with families. So, you will feel safe the entire time you are hiking. Plus, the transportation system in this country makes it easy to reach the trailhead.

Another fun adventure in Switzerland is visiting the Trümmelbach Falls, which are hidden inside the cliff walls. A ride on the train to Jungfraujoch will take you to the “Top of Europe”. And complete your solo female journey with a little coffee in Mürren.

My Tips for Solo Women’s Hiking Adventures: Stay Safe, Be Confident, and Enjoy the Journey

Start Small and Build Your Confidence

Starting small with solo female hikes and vacations is always the way to go. You really don’t need to reach the summit on Kilimanjaro on your first solo female hiking trip.

I recommend starting with a well-trafficked trail near your home or in a national park. After all, your confidence will grow with every step you take. Once you realize you can read a trail map, nothing will stop you from summiting as many mountains as you wish.

Choose the Right Trail for Your Experience Level

Trust me when I say you don’t want to tackle a strenuous trail on your first hike. It is best to start with beginner-friendly hikes for solo female travelers. These hikes offer clear signage, mobile signal coverage, easy entry and exit points, and are popular amongst other hikers.

All Trails can be helpful with choosing the best hiking trails for solo female travelers.

More tips for solo female travelers.

Tell Someone Your Plans

It is never a good idea to go out hiking without letting anyone know where you are going, what trail you are taking, and when you plan to be home. Accidents can happen and the person who knows where you are can alert the authorities if you do not return home.

Pack Like a Pro for the Best Hiking Trails for Solo Female Travelers

It is important to pack like a pro every time you hit the hiking trails. Even if you are simply heading out for a day hike.

As a solo female traveler, you should pack the following in your backpack:

• Plenty of water
• High protein snacks
• First aid kit
• Portable phone charger
• Sun protection
• Lightweight rain jacket
• Flashlight
• Personal safety items like a whistle, pepper spray, or alarm

Download Offline Maps and Trail Info

Cell service can be spotty. Especially in remote areas. I recommend downloading offline maps and trail information, so you never need to wonder if you are going the right way.

Best travel apps for solo female travelers exploring the world. 

There’s something magical about heading out on a hike with confidence, curiosity, and a granola bar or two. These best hiking trails for solo female travelers aren’t just paths through nature. They’re journeys of empowerment, resilience, and joy. Every trail during an adventurous solo female hiking trip offers a chance to reconnect with yourself and the world around you. And your next women’s hiking adventure will definitely be filled with breathtaking views, new friendships, and a stronger, more fearless you.

So, are you ready to have me plan your next solo female hiking adventure?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized planning session with me. Clicking the link will take you directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

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