This whole discussion has been very interesting. It seems that solo hiking fits with most people's goals for hiking. Personally, my purpose for hiking is to observe nature and connect with my creator. Thus, solo hiking fits best. When I hike with other people, they tend to talk too much and break the thoughts and reflections that I am having. I hiked with one of my teachers, and he positively added to the experience and pushed me harder than I would have gone alone which was fun. But as a whole, I'd definitely prefer to hike alone to fully focus on the beauty of my surroundings and being able to take as long as I want to look at something that I feel is spectacular.