GOING SOLO

Going Solo on this trip is asked often. Asked by both Male and Female. The Young and the more broke in. To answer this in general, and to the general population out there. We value the opinion of well seasoned Backpackers. Also of the type that are not extreme or overly macho. The consensus is it is definitely NOT recommended.

Going Solo is never recommended by level headed experienced outdoors people, search and rescue, first responders, or law enforcement. Not just on this trek, but backpacking, and hiking in general.

If a person could predict when something might go wrong, no one would ever have an accident, or end up getting killed.

This area is no different. You can’t predict what nature will throw at you, what kind of wacko person you might stumble into, or what kind of accident or medical crisis you may suffer. There is safety, security, and support in numbers. Numbers meaning; more than one!

If you research the news from this area you will find some articles that may concern you. Is this area any less safe than city living or hazards there? I truly doubt it.

The potential to get hurt or injure yourself is always higher trekking in desert terrain, and remote area’s though. Whether it is this specific area, or some other area in the desert southwest.

Have I ever solo backpacked? I have to admit I have. I have done a section of the Pacific Crest Trail as a solo backpacker. Believe me I attempted to fill passes I had with at least one other soul.

I remember starting off on that PCT trip. My own personal argument played out in my head. I fully accepted the fact many bad things could happen. Even simple things, in that remote area, that could all lead to serious outcomes including death. But I accepted the risks and decided I would face what might come to be.

Some stuff did happen on that trip. Nothing that ended up leading to anything serious or life altering. But would I recommend doing solo backpacking trips? Into the Havasu Falls area? My response would be a big NO!