Solo hiking as a woman can be one of life’s most empowering adventures, offering solitude, self-reliance, and breathtaking natural beauty. While safety concerns might initially give pause to American women considering international trails, many countries offer well-maintained paths with established safety protocols, regular foot traffic, and welcoming cultures that make solo female hiking not just possible but truly enjoyable.
From the lush rainforests of New Zealand to the ancient pilgrimages of Europe, the world offers incredible options for women seeking to explore beyond U.S. borders. This guide highlights some of the most rewarding international trails for solo female travelers, with insights on safety, logistics, and what makes each destination special.
The Camino de Santiago, Spain
Perhaps the most famous pilgrimage route in Europe, the Camino de Santiago offers an ideal introduction to international solo hiking for American women. This network of ancient pilgrimage routes stretches across Europe, with the most popular path being the Camino Francés, which runs approximately 500 miles from the French border to Santiago de Compostela. The well-established infrastructure includes affordable albergues (hostels) every few miles, making it easy to adjust your daily distance based on how you feel.
Many solo female hikers report feeling extremely safe on the Camino due to its popularity, with a steady stream of fellow pilgrims creating a supportive community atmosphere while still allowing for solitude when desired. The route’s combination of historical significance, cultural immersion, and physical challenge makes it particularly meaningful for women seeking both adventure and reflection.
Kumano Kodo, Japan
Japan’s ancient pilgrimage route, the Kumano Kodo, offers American women a remarkable blend of spiritual significance, cultural immersion, and natural beauty in a country known for its safety and respect for travelers. Dating back over 1,000 years, this UNESCO World Heritage network of trails winds through the mountainous Kii Peninsula, connecting sacred shrines amid cedar forests and traditional villages.
The well-marked paths, comfortable ryokan (traditional inns) with hot spring baths, and reliable public transportation connections make logistics straightforward even for those who don’t speak Japanese. Solo female hikers consistently praise Japan for its extraordinarily low crime rate, helpful locals, and cultural respect that minimizes harassment concerns. The 2-7 day Nakahechi route offers the most accessible experience, with the perfect combination of challenging hiking and cultural rewards.
Tour du Mont Blanc, France/Italy/Switzerland
Circling the magnificent Mont Blanc massif through three countries, this iconic European trek delivers alpine splendor without requiring technical mountaineering skills. The approximately 110-mile route typically takes 7-11 days, offering a perfect balance of challenge and accessibility for solo female hikers with moderate experience. The trail’s extensive infrastructure includes mountain refuges (huts) that provide comfortable overnight accommodations and hearty meals, eliminating the need to carry camping gear or extensive food supplies.
Hikers frequently cite the Tour du Mont Blanc’s safety for solo women, attributing this to regular trail traffic during season, well-maintained paths, and the respectful outdoor culture of the Alps. The international nature of the experience—crossing through French, Italian, and Swiss villages—provides rich cultural variation while maintaining consistently high standards of trail maintenance and accommodation quality.
Queen Charlotte Track, New Zealand
New Zealand has earned its reputation as one of the world’s safest and most welcoming destinations for solo female hikers, and the Queen Charlotte Track in the South Island exemplifies this perfectly. This 44-mile coastal trail winds through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds, offering a moderate hiking experience with stunning blue water views, native forests, and abundant birdlife. What makes this trail particularly appealing for solo female travelers is its unique “tramp and stay” system, where comfortable lodges and resorts along the route allow you to hike with just a daypack while your main luggage is transferred between accommodations.
The well-organized water taxi services, clear trail markings, and New Zealand’s famously friendly culture create an environment where American women can feel confident hiking alone. The country’s strict conservation ethic means you’ll experience pristine natural environments with the reassurance of well-maintained facilities.
West Highland Way, Scotland
Scotland’s premier long-distance trail offers American women a perfect blend of wilderness immersion and practical convenience. The 96-mile route from Milngavie (near Glasgow) to Fort William traverses some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes, including the shores of Loch Lomond and the dramatic valley of Glencoe. Despite the wild feel of much of the trail, the path remains well-marked and frequently traversed, with reliable accommodation options ranging from hostels to B&Bs in villages along the way.
Solo female hikers particularly appreciate the Scottish culture of respect and assistance for walkers, with locals often going out of their way to ensure hikers’ wellbeing. The trail’s multiple access points allow for flexible itineraries, and reliable public transportation connections make logistics straightforward even for first-time international hikers. Despite Scotland’s notoriously changeable weather, proper preparation makes this trail accessible for much of the year.
Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
For women seeking otherworldly landscapes in one of the world’s safest countries, Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail offers an unforgettable 34-mile trek through a volcanic wonderland. The trail traverses rainbow-colored rhyolite mountains, black sand deserts, geothermal areas, and glacial rivers, creating a photographer’s paradise and a nature lover’s dream. Iceland consistently ranks as one of the world’s safest countries for women travelers, with extremely low crime rates and a culture that strongly respects personal boundaries.
The trail features six mountain huts spaced at comfortable hiking intervals, creating natural communities of hikers each evening and eliminating the need for solo camping if preferred. While the hiking season is short (typically mid-June through September) and weather can change rapidly, proper preparation and respect for local conditions make this an accessible adventure for moderately experienced hikers. The relative proximity to the U.S. East Coast (just a 5-6 hour flight) makes Iceland particularly appealing for American women seeking international hiking experiences.
Overland Track, Tasmania, Australia
Tasmania’s premier wilderness trek offers American women an opportunity to experience some of the Southern Hemisphere’s most pristine alpine and temperate rainforest environments. The 40-mile track through Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park typically takes 5-6 days, with basic but well-maintained public huts providing shelter along the route (though carrying a tent is recommended). Australia’s reputation for friendly, straightforward communication and a strong outdoor culture makes many solo female hikers feel immediately comfortable.
During the peak season (October-May), the track operates on a one-way system with limited daily departures, ensuring you’ll encounter other hikers regularly without the trail feeling crowded. This balance of solitude and security, combined with Tasmania’s remarkable wildlife including wombats, platypus, and Tasmanian devils, creates an unforgettable experience for nature-loving solo travelers. The advanced booking system requires planning ahead but ensures a well-managed wilderness experience.
Torres del Paine W Trek, Chile
Patagonia’s iconic W Trek offers some of South America’s most dramatic mountain scenery in a well-established hiking environment that many solo female travelers find approachable and rewarding. The W-shaped route (typically covered in 4-5 days) takes hikers through the highlights of Torres del Paine National Park, including the granite towers that give the park its name, massive glaciers, and turquoise lakes. The trail’s popularity means you’re rarely completely alone, creating a natural safety network while still allowing for plenty of personal space and reflection.
The refugio (mountain hut) system provides comfortable accommodation with meals available, though camping options exist for those seeking more solitude and budget flexibility. While Spanish language skills are helpful, the international nature of the trail means English is widely spoken among staff and fellow hikers. The remote location requires more complex travel logistics than some other trails on this list, but the extraordinary landscape rewards the effort.
Coastal Walk, Cinque Terre, Italy
For American women seeking a shorter international hiking experience that combines natural beauty with cultural immersion, Italy’s Cinque Terre coastal path offers a perfect solution. This network of trails connects five colorful fishing villages perched on the cliffs of the Italian Riviera, with the classic route covering about 7.5 miles (though distances vary depending on which path sections are open). What makes this trail particularly appealing for solo female travelers is the perfect balance between hiking in beautiful Mediterranean landscapes and enjoying the safety and comfort of staying in charming villages each night.
The proximity of the villages means you can adjust your daily hiking distance based on your interests and energy level, perhaps stopping for a leisurely seafood lunch or a swim in the crystal-clear waters. Italy’s respect for solo female travelers, especially in this tourism-oriented region, combined with the consistent presence of other hikers on the trails, creates a comfortable environment for women exploring independently.
Kungsleden (The King’s Trail), Sweden
Sweden’s premier long-distance trail offers American women a chance to experience the magical landscapes of Lapland with the reassurance of Sweden’s exceptional safety record and progressive gender equality. The full 270-mile trail traverses Sweden’s most spectacular mountain terrain, though most hikers focus on the northernmost 65-mile section from Abisko to Nikkaluokta, which can be completed in about a week. The Swedish Tourist Association maintains a system of mountain huts spaced a day’s hike apart, providing simple but comfortable accommodation, cooking facilities, and the company of fellow hikers.
Sweden’s “allemansrätt” (right of public access) philosophy creates a culture where hikers are welcomed and respected throughout the trail. Solo female hikers frequently note the feeling of security that comes from hiking in a country consistently ranked among the world’s safest and most gender-equal. The trail’s excellent accessibility via public transportation makes logistics straightforward, while the pristine Arctic environment—complete with midnight sun in summer—creates an unforgettable experience.
Milford Track, New Zealand
Often called “the finest walk in the world,” New Zealand’s Milford Track offers American women an opportunity to experience one of the planet’s most spectacular wilderness environments within a well-regulated system that prioritizes safety and conservation. This 33.5-mile journey through Fiordland National Park takes hikers through rainforests, past thundering waterfalls, and over an alpine pass before concluding at the breathtaking Milford Sound. The track operates on a strictly managed one-way system during the Great Walks season (late October to late April), with a limited number of hikers starting each day and staying in Department of Conservation huts with resident wardens.
This system creates natural hiking cohorts that many solo female hikers find reassuring without feeling restrictive. New Zealand’s strong safety record, commitment to environmental protection, and culture of looking out for fellow hikers make this an ideal destination for women traveling alone. The track’s popularity means booking well in advance is essential, but the advance planning pays off with an experience of unparalleled natural beauty.
Practical Safety Tips for Solo Female Hikers Abroad
While the trails highlighted in this article are chosen for their relative safety, international solo hiking still requires thoughtful preparation. Always research local emergency protocols and save important contact numbers before departure. Consider carrying a satellite communication device like a Garmin inReach for remote trails where cell service is unreliable. Many solo female hikers find value in sharing their detailed itinerary with someone at home and establishing regular check-in times. When staying in shared accommodations like mountain huts or hostels, a small padlock for your backpack and a sleeping bag liner can provide additional security and comfort.
Connecting with women’s hiking groups online before your trip can yield up-to-date trail information and sometimes even hiking companions for portions of your journey. Finally, trust your instincts—if a situation feels uncomfortable, it’s always valid to change your plans, whether that means taking a rest day, adjusting your route, or seeking different accommodation.
Preparing for Cultural Differences
American women hiking internationally will encounter varying cultural norms that may affect their experience. Researching appropriate hiking attire for your destination can prevent unwanted attention—for example, in more conservative regions, longer hiking pants might be preferable to shorts despite the weather. Learning basic phrases in the local language demonstrates respect and often leads to warmer interactions with locals, even if just mastering “hello,” “thank you,” and “help.”
Understanding local attitudes toward solo female travelers helps set realistic expectations; countries like New Zealand and Sweden where independent women travelers are commonplace will feel different from places where this is less common. Many solo female hikers find that staying in women-only dormitories when available in hostels or huts provides an additional comfort level in unfamiliar environments. Finally, connecting with local women’s hiking groups or guides, even just for an initial orientation hike, can provide cultural context and local knowledge that enriches your entire journey.
Conclusion
The international trails highlighted in this guide represent some of the world’s most rewarding hiking experiences for American women traveling solo. From the spiritual journeys of ancient pilgrimage routes to the breathtaking wilderness of Patagonia and New Zealand, these destinations offer the perfect balance of adventure and security. What makes these trails particularly suitable for solo female hikers is the combination of well-maintained paths, reliable accommodation options, and cultures that respect travelers.
While each journey requires proper preparation and awareness, the rewards are immeasurable—not just in stunning landscapes and cultural discoveries, but in the profound sense of capability and independence that comes from navigating these magnificent trails on your own terms. For American women willing to step beyond familiar borders, these international hiking experiences offer transformative adventures that often become life’s most treasured memories.
