Solo travel is no longer a niche interest. It’s a lifestyle choice that inspires freedom, independence, and personal growth. More people are choosing to explore the world on their own terms, seeking meaningful experiences and natural escapes.
When you're on your own, the outdoors becomes more than scenery, it becomes your companion. That’s where the best places for outdoor solo adventures come in. The best places for outdoor solo adventures offer something more than just a postcard view.
They provide safety, accessibility, and unforgettable activities. Whether it’s hiking alpine trails, kayaking across lakes, or camping under starlit skies, these destinations offer solo travellers the perfect mix of thrill and peace.
With fewer distractions and complete control over your schedule, solo outdoor travel is both liberating and transformative. This guide explores the 15 best places for outdoor solo adventures across the globe. Each destination is selected for its natural beauty, safety, and suitability for independent travel.
From tropical coastlines to rugged mountain ranges, these spots promise incredible memories and the kind of solitude that refreshes the soul. Pack light, stay alert, and embrace the wild with confidence.
15 Global Destinations for Solo Adventures
| Destination | Region | Highlight Adventure | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banff, Canada | North America | Lake hikes, scenic drives | First-time solo hikers |
| Queenstown, NZ | Oceania | Bungee, skydiving, hiking | Adrenaline seekers |
| Patagonia, Argentina | South America | Multi-day treks | Hardcore adventurers |
| Lofoten, Norway | Europe | Coastal hikes, kayaking | Photographers, nature lovers |
| Yosemite, USA | North America | Waterfalls, granite cliffs | Easy to moderate hikers |
| Lake Bled, Slovenia | Europe | Cycling, rowboating | Scenic leisure explorers |
| Tasmania, Australia | Oceania | Forest treks, wildlife spotting | Solitude-seeking travellers |
| Iceland (South Coast) | Europe | Glacier walks, hot springs | Solo road trippers |
| Swiss Alps, Switzerland | Europe | Alpine trails, scenic trains | Mountain enthusiasts |
| Costa Rica | Central America | Volcano hikes, canopy walks | Eco-conscious travellers |
| Dolomites, Italy | Europe | High-altitude treks | Food and fitness lovers |
| South Island, NZ | Oceania | Fjordland, national parks | Independent backpackers |
| Scottish Highlands, UK | Europe | Remote hills, historic towns | Peace-seeking hikers |
| Bali, Indonesia | Asia | Volcano hikes, yoga, surf | Mind-body adventurers |
| Torres del Paine, Chile | South America | Glacier valleys, tough hikes | Experienced trekkers |
1. Banff National Park, Canada
Banff is one of the Best Places for Outdoor Solo Adventures, especially for solo hikers who love alpine lakes, well-marked trails, and a strong sense of safety. Explore Johnston Canyon or Moraine Lake, then unwind in friendly hostels or cosy lodges.
This Canadian gem is ideal for travellers seeking a peaceful mountain escape with the added bonus of social options nearby.
- Choose from trails like Johnston Canyon or Lake Agnes.
- Stay in hostels or lodges for social downtime.
- Join park ranger talks and group tours if needed.
- Enjoy moments of quiet at Moraine Lake.
2. Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown ranks high among the Best Places for Outdoor Solo Adventures, combining extreme thrills with solo-friendly convenience. Try skydiving, hiking Ben Lomond, or taking a peaceful lakeside stroll.
With social hostels and plenty of tour options, it's easy to connect with fellow travellers. The vibe is youthful, energetic, and warmly welcoming to solo adventurers.
- Try the Ben Lomond Track or lakefront strolls.
- Locals are used to solo travellers and welcoming.
- Adventure gear rentals are easy to access.
- Enjoy vibrant backpacker culture in town.
3. Patagonia, Argentina
Patagonia stands out among the Best Places for Outdoor Solo Adventures with its rugged terrain and remote beauty. Solo trekkers can explore Torres del Paine or the Fitz Roy range, enjoying epic views, solitude, and a real challenge.
Refugios offer rest along the trail, and nearby towns like El Calafate and El Chaltén rank among the Best Cities to Visit in Argentina for their outdoor access, local charm, and traveller-friendly vibes.
- Explore the Fitz Roy range and Torres del Paine.
- Stay in mountain lodges or hike with small groups.
- Weather can shift quickly – plan accordingly.
- Rewarding for physically fit, confident hikers.
4. Lofoten Islands, Norway
Lofoten is one of the Best Places for Outdoor Solo Adventures, offering dramatic coastal hikes, kayaking, and peaceful wildlife encounters. Hike Reinebringen for breathtaking views, stay in seaside cabins, and connect with locals in quiet villages. It’s a safe, serene haven for slow solo exploration.
- Camp on beaches or stay in cosy cabins.
- Hiking routes like Reinebringen provide jaw-dropping views.
- Kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching are popular.
- Quiet villages make you feel safe and welcome.
5. Yosemite National Park, USA
Yosemite is one of the Best Places for Outdoor Solo Adventures, with iconic spots like Yosemite Falls and Glacier Point offering accessible solo treks. Excellent infrastructure, ranger-led hikes, and stunning views make it ideal for solo travellers seeking safety, beauty, and meaningful nature experiences.
- Popular trails include Yosemite Falls and Glacier Point.
- Campgrounds have solo-friendly vibes.
- Join ranger-led hikes and evening talks.
- Accessibility and signage are excellent.
6. Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled is one of the best places in Slovenia and a favourite among solo travellers. Cycle or walk around this postcard-perfect lake, row to Bled Island, and hike nearby hills. The area is compact, solo-friendly, and full of charming cafés and guesthouses. It’s ideal for first-time solo travellers who want nature and calm.
- Walk or cycle the 6km lake path.
- Rent a paddleboard or rowboat.
- Hike to Mala Osojnica for panoramic views.
- Plenty of hostels for meeting other travellers.
7. Tasmania, Australia
Tasmania is one of the Best Places for Outdoor Solo Adventures, offering solitude and striking scenery. Trails like the Overland Track and Freycinet Peninsula showcase Australia’s wilderness. With friendly locals and good facilities, it’s a top pick for solo hikers craving peace, nature, and rewarding treks.
- Trek the Overland Track or explore Freycinet.
- National parks have reliable facilities.
- Wildlife is abundant and harmless.
- Locals are helpful and friendly.
8. Iceland (South Coast)
Iceland’s South Coast is one of the Best Places for Outdoor Solo Adventures, offering a mix of safety, freedom, and dramatic landscapes. Drive through waterfalls, lava fields, and glaciers. Stay in guesthouses or join tours, then unwind in hot springs perfect for solo road trippers seeking nature and serenity.
- Drive the Ring Road or book guided day hikes.
- Stay in guesthouses with communal areas.
- Safe, even in isolated places.
- Public hot springs offer relaxation after a long hike.
9. Swiss Alps, Switzerland
The Swiss Alps are among the Best Places for Outdoor Solo Adventures, offering epic mountain views and unmatched safety. Hike the Eiger Trail, explore Zermatt, ride scenic trains, and stay in cosy mountain huts. With well-marked routes for all levels, it’s solo hiking at its finest in Europe.
- Try the Eiger Trail or Zermatt hikes.
- Scenic train routes help you move around.
- Mountain huts (“hütten”) offer overnight stays.
- English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
10. Costa Rica (Arenal & Monteverde)
Costa Rica is one of the Best Places for Outdoor Solo Adventures, especially for nature-loving travellers. Hike volcanoes, zipline through cloud forests, and relax in natural hot springs. With eco-lodges, wildlife tours, and a welcoming vibe, it’s perfect for solo explorers seeking adventure and serenity.
- Zipline through cloud forests.
- Explore Arenal Volcano and hot springs.
- Wildlife spotting is easy and fun.
- Well-established hostels and group tours.
11. The Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites in Italy are among the Best Places for Outdoor Solo Adventures, offering scenic alpine treks, cosy mountain huts (rifugi), and regional cuisine. Hike trails like Alta Via 1, enjoy solitude and fitness, then unwind with pasta and vino. It’s perfect for solo travellers who love nature and culture combined.
- Stay in rifugi (mountain huts) for safety.
- Well-marked trails for all skill levels.
- Perfect for solo trekking and photography.
- Add a cultural layer with regional cuisine.
12. South Island, New Zealand
The South Island is one of the Best Places for Outdoor Solo Adventures, offering glacier valleys, coastal bike routes, and iconic Fjordland hikes. It’s safe, scenic, and solo-friendly. With vibrant hostels and easy transport, every trail feels made for personal discovery and meaningful connections on the road.
- Hike the Routeburn or Abel Tasman tracks.
- Lakes, fjords, and glaciers await.
- Infrastructure suits independent travellers.
- Connect with others on popular hiking circuits.
13. Scottish Highlands, UK
The Scottish Highlands are among the Best Places for Outdoor Solo Adventures, offering moody trails, ancient castles, and remote beauty. Walk the West Highland Way or climb Ben Nevis. With safe wild camping and warm inns, it’s a perfect blend of solitude, history, and cinematic scenery for solo hikers.
- Hike Ben Nevis or explore Isle of Skye.
- Stay in local inns or B&Bs.
- Public transport links towns and trails.
- Weather changes fast – be prepared.
14. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is one of the Best Places for Outdoor Solo Adventures, offering more than just beautiful beaches. Hike Mount Batur at sunrise, explore jungle waterfalls, and join yoga or surf retreats. It’s spiritually uplifting, solo-friendly, wellness-focused stays that connect you with like-minded travellers.
- Hike Mount Batur at sunrise.
- Explore waterfalls and rice terraces.
- Join yoga classes or surf camps.
- The solo travel community is strong.
15. Torres del Paine, Chile
Patagonia is one of the Best Places for Outdoor Solo Adventures, especially for seasoned trekkers. Take on the famous W Trek, staying in well-spaced campsites or cosy refugios. You'll encounter glaciers, turquoise lakes, and granite spires all in a remote, wild landscape that offers solitude, challenge, and stunning natural beauty.
- W and O circuits offer multi-day challenges.
- Camping and refugios (shelters) are well-spaced.
- Spectacular scenery with minimal crowds.
- Requires fitness, planning, and some Spanish.
Final Words
Outdoor solo travel brings unmatched clarity and confidence. The best places for outdoor solo adventures are not just beautiful they’re welcoming, safe, and rewarding. You set your pace, control your route, and own every decision. That freedom is the heart of why solo outdoor trips are on the rise.
Whether you choose the waterfalls of Iceland, the peaks of Patagonia, or the coastlines of Costa Rica, each destination on this list offers the perfect setting for solo explorers to recharge. So, lace up your boots, zip up your jacket, and go where your heart leads. These adventures will leave you stronger, freer, and more inspired than ever.
Also Read: 10 Best Solo Travel Destinations Worldwide to Explore Now
FAQs
What makes a place great for solo outdoor travel?
Safety, scenic trails, helpful locals, and easy navigation make a destination ideal for solo outdoor adventures.
Are these places safe for solo hikers?
Yes, most have clear trails and solo-friendly facilities, but always check weather, carry essentials, and stay alert.
Can I meet people while travelling solo?
Absolutely. Many places offer hostels, guided hikes, and group tours perfect for meeting fellow travellers.
Do I need hiking experience?
Not always. Places like Yosemite and Lake Bled are great for beginners, while Patagonia suits experienced trekkers.
How do I prepare for solo outdoor trips?
Pack smart, research trails, check local weather, and book key stays ahead of time especially in remote areas.
When should I go on a solo outdoor adventure?
Visit based on seasons: summer for Europe, November–March for Patagonia, and dry seasons for tropical spots like Bali.
