I'm cracking up at this fear fetish.
There's solo women out on the trails everywhere. I've crossed paths with thousands and made small talk with hundreds, often when I myself am solo. Got a wild story about meeting my dream girl, both of us solo, on the PCT two weeks ago and helping each other ford Adams Creek. She slipped on the first log and got dunked. We saved eachother's life by making sure the other didn't die and then we continued in our respective directions without any rape or murder involved.
There's nothing ever unusual about it, they aren't packing heat, and y'all believe the darndest things.
Also long sleeves and pants are classic desert attire @pawz. I look like the Unabomber in my lightweight hoodie out in the desert, as does anyone who knows what they're doin. The less skin exposed to the sun, the better.
Y'all need to get out more. Happy trails!