Naked Hiking Day: Observe Nude Hiking Day on June 21 Menu Verywell Fit Nutrition Weight Management Nutrition Facts Nutrition Basics Diets Meal Plans Meal Delivery Services View All News Fitness and Nutrition What to Buy How We Test Products Fitness Gear Nutrition Products Tools Recipe Nutrition Calculator Weight Loss Calorie Goal BMI Calculator Body Fat Percentage Calculator Calories Burned by Activity Daily Calories Burned Pace Calculator About Us Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Search Walking Walking Fast Naked Hiking Day Is June 21 By Wendy Bumgardner Wendy Bumgardner Wendy Bumgardner is a freelance writer covering walking and other health and fitness topics and has competed in more than 1,000 walking events. Learn about our editorial process Updated on July 14, 2021 Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Shereen Lehman, MS Fact checked by Shereen Lehman, MS Shereen Lehman, MS, is a healthcare journalist and fact checker. She has co-authored two books for the popular Dummies Series (as Shereen Jegtvig). Learn about our editorial process Print Wendy Bumgardner Table of Contents View All Table of Contents The Laws Hiking Courtesy Hiking Safety If You See a Naked Hiker FAQs Each year, unofficial Naked Hiking Day is observed on June 21, falling on the summer solstice. It may be celebrated by naked hikers singly or in groups in the woods and mountains on that date. Hiking naked is nothing new, although it is more common in Europe than in the U.S. Outdoor author Colin Fletcher wrote in his popular hiking books of enjoying hiking naked through the Grand Canyon and along the Pacific Crest Trail on hot days. If you are thinking of joining in—or worried about having uncomfortable encounters—here is some guidance on naked hiking. Naked Hiking and the Law It's not illegal to be naked in public in some jurisdictions if your intent is simply to be unclothed rather than to incite or satisfy sexual arousal. But the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and Colorado Parks and Wildlife warned potential celebrators in 2017 that naked hikers would not be tolerated on state lands and would be dealt with according to the local laws if on federal lands. If you plan to go naked in the wilderness, know the local laws and seek out places where you are unlikely to encounter others. In some jurisdictions, hiking naked can land you in jail. In the worst-case scenario, the charge may even be a sex offense, with consequences that can follow you in your career and personal life. If you are hiking on U.S. federal lands such as a National Forest or Bureau of Land Management area, there is no federal law against nudity but most state and local laws do prohibit nudity in public places. Naked Hiking Courtesy It is wise to either find a private, secluded trail or to join a group of naked hikers. Check with any clothing-optional resorts in your area to see if they have organized group hikes. There are several naked hiking clubs and meetup groups available around the U.S. Some prefer to hike midweek when the trails are less likely to have clothed hikers. You might have to shift your naked hiking date when June 21 lands on the weekend. (It will be a midweek date for 2021 through 2023). Choose an out-and-back trail so you can check for any other vehicles parked at the trailhead. That way, you can safely hike naked to a turnaround point and put on clothes for the return trip. Some groups hiking on public trails will send a clothed hiker ahead to alert any "textile hikers" that a naked group is on the trail. This reassures others that you are not a threat, just happy, harmless naturists. Naked Hiking Safety Naked hikers face increased exposure to the elements, pests, and irritants. Keep these in mind and plan for how you'll protect yourself, clothed or unclothed. Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac: These can produce rashes that are bad on arms and legs and may require medical attention if they appear in places usually covered by clothing. If you're going to hike naked, you'll need to know how to identify and avoid these plants at all costs. Know before you go. Mosquitoes and ticks: You don't want to be itching in uncomfortable places. You've chosen not to wear clothing to keep these pests from biting, so you may want to think about using insect repellent. The diseases that can be spread by mosquitoes and ticks can be far worse than just an itchy bump, and they are increasing in the U.S. Sunburn: Be sure to cover all of your bits with sunscreen. Even if you are in the forest or it is a cloudy day, exposed skin can get too much ultraviolet radiation. While you might have thought to protect your face, be sure to protect the rest of your body from sunburn. Hiking Safety Tips If You Encounter a Naked Hiker When you encounter somebody hiking naked, you can usually tell the difference between naturists and obscene exhibitionists. If the naked person is obviously just out hiking and enjoying nature au naturel, simply proceed as usual. As long as they aren't bothering you or others, let them enjoy the sun and the breeze on usually clothed body parts. Verbalizing, gesturing, touching themselves, etc., are signs of criminal behavior. Most criminal exhibitionists are not dangerous, but some progress to accosting and even assaulting others. They need to be reported. If naked hikers are exhibiting signs that they are perpetrators of indecent exposure, leave the vicinity and call the police. Frequently Asked Questions When is Naked Hiking Day Naked Hiking Day, sometimes called Hike Naked Day, is (unofficially) on June 21. The easiest way to remember the date is that it falls on the summer solstice. Where is naked hiking allowed Laws vary by location, so it's always best to check with local law enforcement to determine whether naked hiking is allowed in that specific area. Some online resources provide clothing laws by state; however, you may want to also check yourself so you don't inadvertently find yourself in trouble due to outdated information. How do I hike naked safely When hiking in the buff, pay special attention to avoid poisonous plants, wear insect repellent, and don't forget your sunscreen to better protect your private parts. A Word From Verywell There are gray areas between the harmless naturist and the dangerous exhibitionist. If you don't want to be misunderstood, you may have to limit your sun-worshipping to clothing-optional designated areas and resorts. What Is Hiking vs. Just Walking? 8 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. The Economist. Naked Europe covers up. ColinFletcher.com. In the Footsteps of Colin Fletcher. ABC 7 News Denver. Nude Hiking Day: CPAW warns against shedding clothes in public spaces. World Population Review. Clothing laws by state 2021. Cleveland Clinic. Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Illnesses from mosquito, tick, and flea bites increasing in the US. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Skin cancer. Kulbarsh P. The naked suspect: nudity, perversions, illness, and laws. Officer.com. By Wendy Bumgardner Wendy Bumgardner is a freelance writer covering walking and other health and fitness topics and has competed in more than 1,000 walking events. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit Related Articles Should You Try a Naked Yoga Class? The Best Yoga Clothes of 2022 for Any Kind of Practice The Best Hiking Pants for Women of 2022 What Is Hiking vs. Just Walking? Running Gear 101: Gear Every Runner Needs, According to Experts 11 Best Filtered Water Bottles for Clean Water on Every Adventure 15 Things You Need for Walking The Best Hiking Socks of 2022, Recommended by Experts The Best Sun Protective Clothing of 2022 for Safe Outdoor Activities The 8 Best Yoga Retreats of 2022 Are These Plants Poison Oak or Not? 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