A Simple Trail Running Safety Plan: Tell Someone, Navigate Offline, Turn Around

Quick answer: A simple trail running safety plan has four parts: research the route and weather, leave your plan with someone who is not coming, carry a way to navigate that works without phone signal, and set a turnaround time you stick to. Carry enough water, food and a layer for delays, and a light in case you finish late.

1. Research before you go

The National Park Service advises researching the route and terrain and checking the weather before you head out. Our route planning guide walks through water, daylight and places to turn back.

2. Tell someone your plan

Leave your plan with a trusted friend or family member who is not going with you, as the NPS recommends. Include:

  • where you are starting and your route
  • when you expect to be back
  • who to call if you have not checked in by an agreed time

3. Navigate without relying on signal

Navigation is the first item on the NPS Ten Essentials list: map, compass and GPS. On a run, that usually means:

  • downloading the map or route to your phone or watch before you leave, so it works offline
  • keeping your phone charged and in a pocket you can reach
  • carrying a paper map on remote routes
  • checking your position at junctions instead of guessing

4. Set a turnaround time

The NPS advice: be aware of when you set out and turn around so you are not caught in the dark, and set a turnaround time if the trip is taking longer than planned, then stick to it.

5. Carry for delays

If something goes wrong, you may be out longer than planned. On longer or remote runs, carry extra water, food, a warm layer, a light and a small first-aid kit, all from the NPS Ten Essentials. The trail running gear checklist shows what to take by distance.

6. If you get lost

  • Stop and stay calm.
  • Check your map or GPS and go back to the last point you were sure of.
  • If you cannot work it out, stay where you are, put on a layer and call for help if you have signal.

Safety plan checklist

  • Route and weather checked
  • Plan shared with someone at home
  • Offline map downloaded, phone charged
  • Turnaround time set
  • Water, food, layer, light and first aid for delays

Sources: NPS, Hike Smart; NPS, Ten Essentials.

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