The Right Time to Bail: Outdoor Safety Tips Every Hiker Should Know

On a freezing night in early May, a search and rescue crew set off into a squall on a high-stakes mission: a 63-year-old man had vanished somewhere near Franconia Ridge. He’d been missing for three nights, alone in knee-deep snow, with no tent, no extra clothing, and no real mountain experience. This was his first hike in over 20 years. 

As the hours passed, the stakes grew. They shouted his name into the biting wind, blew their whistles into the dark. They squinted into the snow for boot tracks, a dropped glove—anything. Just when they had called off the search, a hiker burst into their midst with news: the man had been found. He was alive.

While this is a remarkable survival story with a happy ending, the question remains: What if he had turned around? What if he had recognized the early signs of danger—fatigue, weather, fading daylight—and made the choice to head back? Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or are planning your first trip, understanding when to call it quits can mean the difference between a great story and a dangerous rescue. Here are some outdoor safety tips that will help you know when it’s time to bail. 

1. Hiking Safety Starts with Planning Ahead

Good decisions begin before you hit the trail. The best way to avoid unecessary risk is to show up prepared. 

• Check the weather forecast. Avoid hiking in thunderstorms, icy conditions, or extreme heat. If you’re hiking in the White Mountains, always check Mount Washington Observatory’s Higher Summits Forecast. 

• Carry the 10 Essentials. These include map and compass, extra food and water, layers, headlamp, fire starter, and first aid.

• Study your route. Identify possible bailout points, trail intersections, and emergency exit routes.

• Set a turnaround time. Plan to return before sunset—and remember, the group moves at the pace of the slowest hiker.

• Tell someone your plan. Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member, including your estimated return time.

2. Listen to Your Body on the Trail

Hiking isn’t a test of toughness. Knowing when to turn back is a mark of a smart hiker.

• Hunger or dehydration: Running low on fuel? Turn around before you hit empty.

• Injury or fatigue: If you twist an ankle or feel unusually exhausted, don’t push it. Stop before the going gets tough

• Disorientation: If the trail becomes unclear or your surroundings feel unfamiliar, stop. Use your map or GPS to retrace your steps.

• Gut instinct: If something really doesn’t feel right, that’s all the reason you need to turn around. Your intuition is your best guide.

3. Watch for Nature’s Warning Signs

Even on well-marked trails, nature can turn quickly.

• Weather changes: Sudden wind, falling temperatures, or dark puffy clouds? Time to head down. If you do get caught in extreme weather, do your best to stay dry, seek cover in low, even forests, and stay away from caves and open summits.
• Hazardous terrain: Wet rocks, fallen trees, unstable footing, and fast-moving stream crossings increase your risk of injury. Turn around before you’re forced into a tricky descent. Here are some safety tips for hiking in winter, or during the shoulder season. 
• Wildlife encounters: Moose, bears, or snakes? Keep your distance, stay calm, and be willing to change your route.
• Diminishing daylight: Don’t get caught hiking in the dark unless you’re fully prepared. Pack a headlamp and extra batteries if there’s any chance you’ll be out after sunset.

Every hike comes with unknowns—but turning back doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’ve made a responsible, informed choice for yourself, your group, and the environment. Whether it’s shifting weather, fading light, or just a gut feeling, knowing when to say “not today” is one of the most important outdoor skills you can have. The summit will be waiting for you when you return.

Photo by Nils Caliandro.