Celebrate the Solstice Out on the Trail

Guest Post by Paul Ronto from RunRepeat.

Summer is here! Tomorrow, June 21st, is the official first day of summer. It also happens to be the summer solstice, and for those of us in the northern hemisphere, it’s the longest day of light throughout the entire year.

The solstice brings with it Nude Hiking Day, which is celebrated by nudies all over the world every year on June 21st.

Now before you shed your inhibitions, and your clothes, there are a few things you may want to know about hiking in the buff, tomorrow or any day for that matter.  

Is Hiking Nude Legal?

The first question most people have about leaving their clothes behind is whether or not this activity is actually legal. The answer is… Yes and no.

Technically, federal laws do not prohibit nudity in nationally owned parks and forests, however, local laws can restrict nudity. According to an article by the Denver Channel, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) takes the situation on a case-by-case basis.

Our recommendation is to check with before embarking on a nude hike. Call your local forest service office, or parks manager and ask. If you can prove that your intent is not to cause a hazard or a nuisance, you can usually obtain permission from the authorities.

What should I be worried about?

Hitting the trail sans-clothing can be exciting, fun, freeing and well risky… There are a few things to consider if you’ll be hitting the trails nude any time soon.

Being found offensive and getting ticketed is one of your greatest risks especially in a well-traversed area. Public nudity or indecent exposure tickets can be serious so take the precaution and don’t be obnoxious. The point of a nude hike is to enjoy yourself, not make others feel uncomfortable.

Injuries can also easily occur. This makes choosing the right time and place for a hike an important consideration. Sunburn, rashes, and bug bites can also be added nuisances when ditching your clothes.

Finally, you might simply encounter some folks who don’t appreciate your public display of nudity. Think about bringing something to cover up with in case you encounter folks that demand you refrain from being naked, like a park ranger.

For the most part though, hiking nude poses the same risks as a traditional, clothed trek in the woods. Be prepared, plan based on the weather forecast, and stay alert.

Tips for Success

Just because you are stripping down and going an naturel doesn’t mean you should head into the woods with nothing. Be sure to pack the essentials you would normally bring when fully clothed.

Here are a few key things that will be particularly useful when in the nude in nature:

• Bug spray – Keep ticks and other biting creatures at bay, but be careful when applying to sensitive areas.
• Sunscreen – Opt for a high SPF and a hypoallergenic sunscreen for sensitive skin.
• Clothes – Whether you are kindly asked by a ranger to cover up or you find yourself in a scenario where nudity has lost its charm, pack an outfit for a quick cover-up.
• Sturdy footwear – In most situations, you are going to want to wear appropriate hiking footwear, if you’ve left everything else behind.
• Friends – Think about sending a clothed hiker ahead to ensure no one encounters your group unwarned.

If you’d like additional tips on hiking in your birthday suit, check out You Won’t Believe Your Eyes (NUDE HIKING), a great resource from RunRepeat filled with tips on how to find a trail that would be ideal for a nude hike, pros and cons of ditching your clothing, and how to get the most out of your experience.

Written by Paul Ronto: Paul has climbed and hiked all over the world. He’s summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races. He has worked in the outdoor industry at places like The National Outdoor Leadership School, No Barriers USA, and Sierra Trading Post. Today Paul is the CMO at RunRepeat.