Why Hitchhike?

Long distance trails like the Colorado Trail do not always run directly through towns. In order to resupply, hitchhiking is a great option. There are countless horror stories of hitchhiking which gives it a bad reputation but it actually can be one of the most rewarding experiences on the trail. Lasting friendships and true human kindness have been found by hitchhiking.

Hitchhiking Made Easy

The following tips are aimed at maximizing the chances to get picked up by a driver. The goal is always to make it as easy as possible for the driver to make a decision and pull over. Put yourself in the drivers shoes and think what you can do to make it easier for them.

The Thumb

The universal sign for hitch hiking is holding your arm out straight and giving drivers a thumbs up. This indicates that you are looking for a ride. Whip that thumb out and make sure the drivers can see it.

Correct Side

Stand on the right side of the road. Make sure you know the direction of the town you want to reach and stand on that side. This is an easy mistake to make and awkward when the driver says you want to go the other direction.

If you are directionally challenged, download the Maps.Me app on your smartphone. It allows you to download maps for offline use with the phones GPS. Point your phone down the road and if the arrow points towards the town you want to hitchhike, you are all set. If you are hiking the Colorado Trail use the Colorado Trail App.

Visibility

Stand in an area with high visibility from far distances. You want to see you and have the most time possible to make a decision on picking you up. A lot of people want to pick up friendly looking hitchhikers but they are flying down the highway going 60 and don’t have enough time to make a decision or stop.

Up-Road

Stand in an area that gives the driver space to pull over. As shown in the picture above, the best spot to stand is up-road of a parking lot, which allows the driver an area to stop after they have made their decision to pick you up. This makes it as easy as possible for the driver to pull over.

Ride Brides

Ladies are much more likely to be picked up because drivers don’t generally associate them with bloodthirsty mass murderers. If you are a girl, great; Hitchhiking will be easier for you. If you are not a girl, try to meet up with one. A lady who helps your chances to hitchhike is called a “Ride Bride”. It may be necessary to hike with a ring pop for future ride bride proposals.

Signs

Any information you can give the driver will help them make a decision on stopping for you. Use cardboard to make a sign stating the town you want to go to, the miles and direction, or simply that you are a hiker and want to go to the nearest town.

Don’t look homeless

After days of backpacking it is easy to look homeless. It is much less likely a driver will stop for you if they think you are homeless. Try to do everything possible to show you are not homeless. Waving your hiking poles is a great way to show you are a hiker and get drivers attention.

Smile and dance

I would rather pick someone up if they looked fun to talk to. Jump around and do a little dance to get drivers attention. It may be exhausting after a long hike but worth the time you save waiting for a ride.

Have your destination ready

Have your smart phone ready to map the route to your hostel or grocery store when you get service. This makes it easy for you and the driver. Some driver will not be familiar with the location and might drop you off on the wrong side of town if you are not prepared. If you are in a remote area with no phone service, use a mapping app with downloadable offline maps like “Maps.Me”.

Payment

Offering money for gas is appreciated but generally not accepted. It is up to you and how you felt about the driver. Some hikers will wave cash to get attention of drivers but usually this is not needed.

Don’t get Frustrated

Hitch hiking can take 5 minutes to hours. Keep your head up and stay positive. There have been stories of hikers getting frustrated and walking into the road to stop cars and get a ride. Don’t be that guy. Be persistent and follow the guidelines laid out above and you will have a ride in no-time.

Escape Plan

It is smart to have a hitchhiking escape plan. Most drivers are kind and generous but you are putting your trust in a stranger and you never know what could happen. An example of something you could say to discreetly leave the vehicle is:

“I am feeling really car sick. I have not been in a car for a while and I think I am going to throw up. Can you pull over?”

This plan works because no driver wants to clean up a mess like that. If that doesn’t work ask them directly to leave. If all else fails call 911. Don’t be afraid to contact police if you are not comfortable with the driver or the situation.

Alternates to hitchhiking

Public Transit

Some towns offer free buses or other forms of transportation. For example, Summit County offers a free public bus that comes every 15 minutes. Colorado Trail hikers can use the bus stop practically on the trail to take them into Breckenridge for free. Other towns like Lake City have free volunteer-run shuttles that run from the town hostel at noon and reach the nearby trail at 12:30 everyday during the hiking season. A little time spent on public transit can save a lot of time hitchhiking.

Trail Angels

A trail angel is a person who looks after backpackers. They will leave drinks and snacks in coolers for hikers to find and many will drive you to town. Try to get in contact with a trail angel over social media to schedule a ride. Local hostels often will have a list of known trail angels.

Friends or Family

Ask a family member if they can pick you up at a certain time and location. This can be easier said than done and one group is often waiting for a while. This could be great if you are a great planner or have a GPS transmitter.

Scheduling a Ride

Some towns have people who will pick you up for a price. Ride information can be found on social media sites or at hostels.

Taxis or Uber

In some areas there will be service to call a taxi or request an uber. This is rare and usually not used.

Success Stories

“A man in an old camper picked us up. He not only drove us to town but also cooked burgers for us and played guitar. Then he took us back to the trail and gave us $20. It was the nicest and unexpected thing to ever happen to me. We still keep in touch to this day” – Jenny ’17

“Four ladies picked my group up on their way back from hiking a 14ner. We squeezed all eight of us and their dog in their little car. We all smelled terrible but it was so fun.” – Matt ’17