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 A few months ago in the news, there was a serious concern at Saguro National Park in Arizona, regarding a lack of social distancing by hikers. Fast forward to September 2020, where Social Distance Hikes is the new trend with best practices. Where other activities have halted, hiking in this era of social distance is a preferred activity because the outdoors can more than facilitate the distancing required to maintain Covid-19 standards. 

Based on our research, we have identified a number of best practices in organizing Social Distance Hikes for groups but some are applicable to individual hikers as trails usually have other hikers present. These best practices are subject to the rules governing the area in which you are hiking. Please ensure that you check with local authorities before you organize social distance hikes.

1. Sensitize Group Before Hike-Sensitize your group at least 2-3 days before a hike so that the hike is classified as a "Social Distance Hike". Sensitization is necessary before the hike so that hikers can mentally condition their mind that the normal practices during group hikes would not be allowed. This sensitization should be in the form of a Social Distance Hike Rule Book or pamphlet which would contain some of the information discussed in this article.

2. Identify a Group Leader - Since this is not the usual hike, where a couple of hikers come together, it is very important that there is a Group Leader identified. This person has the responsibility to make sure everything is organized and in place for the hike.

3. Research Trail Activity Level -Hiking should be done at a trail that is not popularly used by hikers during these times. This will unfortunately take some amount of investigation. As you would not want to arrive at the trailhead and see numerous cars parked indicating a very crowed trail. At the end of the day, you can control hikers in your group to an extent but you can't control hikers in other groups.

4. Wearing of Masks/Covering Mouth and Nose Area -All participants should wear a mask or at least have their nose and mouth area covered.

 5.Stay 25 feet Away - Better to be safe than sorry. According to Professor Jose-Luis Jimenez, a University of Colorado Scientist, who specializing in Aerosol Sciences. He states this is necessary, because if you have a virus you are emitting 20 times more of the virus where physical activity occurs such as running, jogging, or hiking. Everyone should think of the virus as a smoker. When a smoker smokes, the smoke can be smelt from very far away. Professor Jimenez also states that Research out of MIT indicates that in cases where someone coughs or sneezes the virus can spread up to 45ft. Please see 3rd video below with interview with Professor Jimenez.

So the tips above can be used as you plan your next 'Social Distance Hike', Happy Hiking!!

You can watch the videos below to see clips regarding social distancing whilst hiking.