Lightning Safety for Bikepackers & Hikers: How to Stay Safe in the Backcountry

Lightning is no joke. When you’re bikepacking or hiking in the backcountry, storms can roll in fast, especially at high elevations, leaving you exposed with nowhere to run. Lightning safety for bikepackers & hikers isn’t just another consideration—it’s survival.

I’ve hiked over 10,000 miles and ridden probably three times that, and I can say without hesitation: lightning is the thing that scares me the most. My worst experience? The CDT. One night at 10,000 feet, stuck in the San Pedro Wilderness, caught in a brutal mix of snow and lightning. The only snow-free ground was an open field (wrong place to camp), and I laid in my tent (wrong thing to do), praying for the sun to rise. Hands down, the longest, scariest night of my life.

With more people than ever heading into remote areas, lightning safety for bikepackers & hikers matters more than ever. But there’s a lot of conflicting information out there, and even the experts don’t always agree. I put this post together to share what I’ve learned from experience, research, and expert sources—so you can make informed decisions in the backcountry.

This guide covers lightning facts, storm warning signs, the safest places to shelter, and what to do if you’re caught in a storm. But it’s not a substitute for doing your own research. Lightning is unpredictable, and the best thing you can do is stay informed, stay aware, and have a plan.

One Thing You Need to Remember:

There is NO safe place outdoors when thunderstorms are nearby.
If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.

Let’s get into it—because knowing what to do before, during, and after a storm could be the difference between walking away and becoming another statistic.

Lightning Facts: What Every Bikepacker & Hiker Should Know

Lightning safety for bikepackers & hikers starts with understanding the facts—know the risks, the science, and why preparation matters.

Understanding lightning isn’t just about curiosity—it’s about survival. Here are some key facts that highlight its power and unpredictability:

Extreme Temperatures: A lightning bolt can heat the surrounding air to around 50,000°F, which is five times hotter than the surface of the sun.
High Voltage: A single lightning flash carries up to one billion volts of electricity and can power a 100-watt light bulb for over three months.
Global Frequency: Around 100 lightning bolts strike the Earth every second, adding up to nearly 8 million strikes per day worldwide.
Unexpected Reach: Lightning can strike more than three miles away from a thunderstorm, even in areas where there’s no rain.
Peak Danger Months: 92% of lightning-related injuries and deaths happen between May and September, with the most incidents occurring between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
World’s Lightning Hotspot: Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela holds the record for the most lightning activity, with storms occurring 140-160 nights per year and up to 40,000 lightning strikes in one night.
Survival Rates: About 90% of people struck by lightning survive, but 25% suffer long-term physical or psychological effects, such as memory loss, nerve damage, or chronic pain.
Fulgurites – Nature’s Glass: When lightning strikes sandy soil, it can fuse the grains together, creating glass-like tubes called fulgurites, which preserve the path of the strike.
Lightning’s Speed: While a lightning flash travels at the speed of light (670 million mph), the actual strike moves at around 270,000 mph—fast enough to circle the Earth in just over five minutes.

These facts prove just how powerful and unpredictable lightning can be. When you’re out bikepacking or hiking, knowing what you’re up against is the first step to staying safe.

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Before → Preparing for Lightning in the Backcountry

Lightning safety for bikepackers & hikers starts with smart preparation—know the risks, plan ahead, and pack the right gear.

Lightning safety for bikepackers & hikers isn’t just about what you do in the moment—it starts before you even roll out. Storms can build fast, especially in the mountains, and if you’re not paying attention, you could find yourself in a seriously bad spot. Checking the forecast, knowing where you’re exposed, and having a plan for emergencies can be the difference between riding it out safely or getting caught with nowhere to go. A little prep goes a long way, so don’t wait until the sky turns black—think ahead, stay sharp, and keep yourself out of trouble.

Trip Preparation: Lightning Safety for Bikepackers & Hikers Starts Here

Check the Weather Forecast: Always check the weather forecast for your route and destination before you start your trip. This helps you plan and avoid areas with predicted thunderstorms.
Know Your Route: Be aware of areas where you might be more vulnerable to lightning strikes, such as high ridges, open plains, or isolated tall objects.

Example of knowing when a storm is approaching from this Lightning Safety for Bikepackers & Hikers Guide.

Emergency Preparedness: Gear & Knowledge That Can Save Your Life

Carry a First Aid Kit: Have a well-stocked first aid kit that includes supplies for treating burns and other injuries.
Know the Emergency Numbers: Have a way to contact emergency services if needed, and know the local emergency numbers for the area you’re biking through.
Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with basic first aid and CPR techniques in case you or someone in your group gets struck by lightning.
Carry a Satellite Messenger: A two way satellite messenger can not only give you weather forecasts, they can be used to call for help if needed.

During → Staying Safe When Lightning Strikes

Understanding lightning safety for bikepackers & hikers can mean the difference between a close call and disaster—stay alert and act fast.

No matter how much planning you do, sometimes storms come out of nowhere. That’s when lightning safety for bikepackers & hikers becomes real. Spotting storm signs early, knowing where to take cover (and where not to), and making the right call fast can be the difference between a near miss and a disaster. Out here, you don’t get second chances—when the sky turns dark and the thunder kicks up, it’s time to move, think smart, and stay alive.

Recognizing Storms: Early Warnings for Lightning Safety

Be Aware of the Signs: Keep an eye on the sky. Darkening clouds, increasing wind, and distant thunder are indicators that a storm is approaching. Watch for the development of large, well-defined rising cumulus clouds. Cumulus clouds have flat bases and dome or cauliflower shapes. Cumulus clouds can develop into thunderstorms.
Plan Your Shelter: Identify potential shelters along your route. Good options include buildings, vehicles, or dense forests with evenly spaced trees of uniform height.

When a Storm Approaches: Critical Steps to Avoid Lightning Strikes

Get to Safety Early: If you see signs of a storm, try to reach a safe location before it hits. Don’t wait until the last minute to seek shelter.
Avoid High Ground: Move to lower elevations if possible. Stay away from peaks, ridges, ponds, lakes and other bodies of water, and high areas.
Stay Away from Isolated Tall Objects: Avoid standing under a lone tree or near tall objects like towers or poles, which can attract lightning. Best to find a forested area with well spaced trees, that are equal in height.

If You Get Caught in a Storm

Find Low Ground: Seek shelter in a low area such as a valley or ravine, but be mindful of flash floods.
Avoid Overhangs & Caves: Rock overhangs and shallow caves can channel electricity, increasing the danger rather than providing protection.
Stay Away from Bikes & Metal Objects: Your bike, stove, hiking poles, and other metal objects like fences, gates, and signs can conduct electricity. Keep them at least 100 feet away from where you’re sheltering.
Separate from Others: If you are in a group during a thunderstorm, spread out at least 100 feet apart. This reduces the chance of multiple injuries from a single lightning strike.
Forget the Lightning Crouch – Focus on Shelter Instead: The ‘lightning crouch’ was previously advised as a last-resort measure. However, current guidelines prioritize seeking proper shelter to effectively reduce lightning-related risks. Instead of crouching in the open, your best bet is to get to proper shelter as fast as possible. If no shelter is available, avoiding high ground, water, and isolated tall objects remains the best

After → What to Do When the Storm Passes

Even after the storm clears, lightning safety for bikepackers & hikers is critical—know when it’s safe to move and check for lingering dangers.

Just because the storm’s passed doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Lightning safety for bikepackers & hikers isn’t just about surviving the strike—it’s about what comes next. Rushing to pack up and move too soon can put you right in the middle of new dangers—flash floods, downed trees, or terrain that’s turned into a slippery mess. Give it time, check your surroundings, and make sure you’re actually safe before you get back on the trail.

After the Storm → Waiting It Out & Assessing Post-Storm Hazards

Wait It Out: Stay in your shelter for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder to ensure the storm has passed.
Check for Hazards: After the storm, be cautious of downed power lines, trees, or other hazards that might have been created by the storm.

Lightning Safety Tips for Bikepackers & Hikers

When thunderstorms hit, quick decisions matter. These essential lightning safety tips for bikepackers & hikers can help you stay safe in the backcountry.

Check the Forecast: Always review the weather before heading out. If thunderstorms are predicted, reconsider your plans or adjust your route.
Start Early: Thunderstorms often develop in the afternoon, especially in mountainous regions. Aim to cover exposed terrain earlier in the day.
Recognize Storm Signs: Watch for darkening clouds, sudden wind shifts, and rising cumulus clouds—early indicators that a storm is developing.
Descend from High Ground: If you’re on a peak, ridge, or open area, get to a lower elevation immediately. Lightning is more likely to strike high, exposed areas.
Find Proper Shelter: The safest locations are enclosed buildings or hard-topped vehicles. If unavailable, seek dense tree cover where the trees are of uniform height.
Avoid Isolated Tall Objects: Never shelter under a lone tree, tower, or pole—these are prime lightning targets.
Avoid Water Bodies: Stay away from lakes, rivers, and ponds. Water conducts electricity, making you a target even if you’re not directly struck.
Avoid Overhangs & Caves: Rock overhangs and shallow caves can channel electricity, increasing the danger rather than providing protection.
Stay Away from Metal Objects: Keep your bike, trekking poles, and other metal gear at least 100 feet away while waiting out a storm.
Spread Out if in a Group: If traveling with others, maintain at least 100 feet of distance between each person. This reduces the chance of multiple injuries from a single strike.
Keep Moving Toward Safety: If you’re caught in an open area, focus on moving quickly toward a safer location rather than staying in place.
Wait It Out: After the last thunderclap, stay put for at least 30 minutes before resuming your ride or hike to ensure the storm has fully passed.
Check for Hazards: After the storm, assess your surroundings for downed trees, flash floods, or other dangers before moving forward.

Helpful Links

Want to dive deeper? Check out these expert resources for the latest lightning safety research and backcountry precautions.

National Weather Service (NWS) Lightning Safety:
- Website: weather.gov/safety/lightning
- The NWS offers detailed guidelines on lightning safety, including tips for outdoor activities, indoor safety, and what to do if someone is struck by lightning.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Lightning Safety:
- Website: cdc.gov/disasters/lightning
- The CDC provides valuable information on how to protect yourself from lightning, including first aid tips and how to stay safe indoors and outdoors.
National Lightning Safety Council:
- Website: lightningsafetycouncil.org
- This website offers resources, safety tips, and educational materials to increase awareness about lightning hazards and safety measures.
Lightning Protection Institute (LPI):
- Website: lightning.org
- The LPI provides information on lightning protection systems, safety standards, and best practices for reducing the risk of lightning damage.
The Weather Channel Lightning Safety Tips:
- Website: weather.com/safety/thunderstorms/news/lightning-safety
- The Weather Channel offers practical tips and advice for staying safe during thunderstorms and lightning events.
American Red Cross Thunderstorm and Lightning Safety:
- Website: redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/thunderstorm.html
- The Red Cross provides preparedness tips, safety guidelines, and information on what to do before, during, and after a thunderstorm.

Final Thoughts

Lightning is unpredictable, and no amount of planning can guarantee safety. But by staying aware, making smart choices, and knowing when to bail, you can greatly reduce the risk and keep yourself out of trouble.
Ultimately, no summit or view is worth compromising safety. Remain vigilant about weather conditions, have a shelter plan, and exercise caution when storms approach. The goal isn’t just to finish your ride or hike—it’s to make it back in one piece.
Stay sharp, stay safe, and respect the storm—because the best adventure is the one you live to tell. Happy trails!

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