Free and ungated

Group hike planning template

Copy this checklist into your planning notes or use it to build a shareable trip brief. It covers the details a route link cannot: who meets where, who carries what, what changes the plan, and how everyone confirms they are ready.

Trip basics

  • Trip name and dates
  • Trip leader and backup leader
  • Trailhead and meeting time
  • Departure time and expected return
  • Group size and participant list

Route and timing

  • Route link and GPX file
  • Distance and elevation gain
  • Expected pace and regroup points
  • Turnaround time
  • Camps, water sources, and bailout routes
  • Offline map and navigation backup

Permits and logistics

  • Permit number and named permit holder
  • Parking passes or shuttle plan
  • Carpool drivers and riders
  • Land rules, closures, fire restrictions, and food-storage rules
  • Final weather decision time

Shared gear and food

  • Shelter and sleep system owners
  • Water treatment owner and capacity
  • First-aid and repair-kit owners
  • Stove, fuel, and bear-storage owners
  • Meal assignments and dietary needs

Safety and confirmation

  • Emergency contact and check-in plan
  • Satellite communicator owner
  • Known hazards and decision points
  • Medical or allergy information shared only with the people who need it
  • Confirmation that every participant opened the final brief

Copyable starter brief

TRIP
Name:
Dates:
Leader / backup:

MEET
Trailhead:
Meeting time:
Departure / expected return:
Carpools:

ROUTE
Route link / GPX:
Distance / elevation:
Pace / regroup points:
Turnaround time:
Water / camps / bailout routes:

LOGISTICS
Permit holder:
Parking / shuttle:
Closures / restrictions:
Weather decision time:

SHARED GEAR
Item | Owner | Confirmed

FOOD AND WATER
Meal | Owner | Dietary notes

SAFETY
Emergency contact:
Satellite communicator owner:
Known hazards:
Check-in plan:

FINAL CONFIRMATION
Everyone opened the brief: yes / no

Turn the checklist into one link for your group

Add the GPX route, assign gear and meals, and see who opened the final brief. Your first trip is free.