I live in Montana, not far from Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness. This year, I set a personal goal: to complete 52 hikes within the calendar year.

This challenge has kept me outside and active nearly every weekend—and often multiple times during the week. But as the months went on, I found myself hiking alone more and more, as my friends and my significant other couldn’t keep up with my pace.

At first, I didn’t think much of it. But a few weeks ago, in early November, I had an experience that made me reconsider. While on a solo hike, I came face-to-face with a grizzly sow and her two year-old cubs.

The moment I saw her, I froze. My mind raced as I slowly reached for my bear spray and started backing away. (I also carry a .45 in a chest holster, but bear spray is generally more effective in these situations.) Thankfully, she just stared at me. She didn’t huff or growl—she simply watched. As soon as I got out of her eye-sight, I turned and speed-walked away (which I felt VERY silly doing, but I didn’t want her to hear me running)

I feel incredibly lucky. It was late in the season, and she had cubs with her, yet she chose not to charge. Even so, the encounter shook me. I couldn’t stop thinking about how easily things could have gone differently—and how long it would have been before anyone even knew I was missing.

So, what are your thoughts? Is hiking alone an acceptable risk, or is it something I should reconsider?