Who this is for
Anyone heading out on a day hike, especially a first hike, a new trail, or a hike alone. The National Park Service (NPS) advises leaving a trip plan with someone who is not on the hike, because it helps search and rescue teams.
How to use it
- Print this page and fill it in by pen. Nothing you write here is saved or sent anywhere.
- Give it, or a clear photo of it, to someone you trust who is not hiking with you. Keep it private; do not post your plan publicly.
- Agree on a "call for help" time with your contact.
- When you are back at your car, tell your contact you are out. If plans change on the day, tell them before you start.
1. The hike
| Item | Write it here |
|---|---|
| Date | |
| Park, forest or area | |
| Trail name and trailhead | |
| Planned route (and any other route you might take) | |
| Start time | |
| Turnaround time | |
| Expected back at the car | |
| If you have not heard from me by ______, call 911 |
2. Who is going
| Name | Phone |
|---|---|
3. Vehicle
| Item | Write it here |
|---|---|
| Make, model and color | |
| License plate | |
| Where it is parked |
4. What we are wearing and carrying
Responders ask about clothing colors and gear, so write them down.
| Item | Write it here |
|---|---|
| Jacket, shirt and hat colors | |
| Backpack color | |
| Shoes |
Gear we are carrying (tick what applies):
- Paper map
- Phone and spare battery
- Two-way satellite messenger or personal locator beacon
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Whistle
- Extra layer and rain shell
- Emergency blanket
- First-aid kit and personal medicines
- Water: about ______ quarts each
- Extra food
5. Health notes (optional)
Write only what you are comfortable sharing, such as a condition, a rescue medicine you carry (for example an inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector) or a serious allergy. Responders ask about medical conditions.
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
6. For the person holding this plan
If I have not contacted you by the time in section 1:
- Try calling and texting me.
- If you cannot reach me, call 911. Say that a hiker has not returned, and give the park or area, trail name, planned route, start time, number of people, vehicle, clothing colors, gear and any health notes from this sheet.
- Stay reachable at your phone number in case responders call back.
Limitations
- This plan does not replace calling 911 yourself if you are hurt, lost or in danger. If you are lost and cannot retrace your steps, NPS advises calling 911 if you can and then staying where you are unless your life is in immediate danger.
- Cell service is often missing on trails. Your contact may not hear from you even if you are fine, which is another reason to agree on a clear time.
- NPS notes that help can take hours or days to arrive, depending on location, weather and resources. Carry the Ten Essentials either way.
For the full checklist of what to check and pack, see your first day hike: a practical checklist.
Sources
- Hike Smart — National Park Service, updated June 13, 2024.
- Outdoor Emergency Plan — National Park Service, accessed October 21, 2026.
- Hiking Safety — Yosemite National Park, updated November 19, 2022.
- 10 Essentials — National Park Service, updated May 28, 2026.
Printed from kpsgill.com. Check the page online for the latest version.