SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hike-trip-plan-trusted-contact

Who should you leave your written trip plan with before a hike?

A trusted contact who is not going on the trip, so they can call for help if you are late.

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  1. A trusted person who is staying home ✔
  2. The friend hiking with you
  3. The park ranger station

Why: A trip plan says where you are going, who is with you and when you will be back. The Park Service says to give it to someone not on the trip, who calls authorities if you do not return.

Huh, didn't know that: The Park Service says not to leave your trip plan with the park: they will not accept it.

The dad joke
I left my trip plan with my grandma. Now she knows the trail better than I do.
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References

Answer: A trusted person who is staying home. A trip plan says where you are going, who is with you and when you will be back. The Park Service says to give it to someone not on the trip, who calls authorities if you do not return.

  1. NPS: Trip Plan www.nps.gov/articles/gtgtripplan.htm
    A Trusted Contact is someone who is not going on the trip with you.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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