Life Under The Big Sky

Are the Mountains Calling?

As we’re in the middle of peak hiking, backpacking and camping season, it’s always a good idea to refresh ourselves with the Leave No Trace Principles established by the national organization Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. By collectively abiding by these seven simple guidelines, it will allow us to protect and maintain our natural spaces for generations to come.

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Educate yourself on the rules and regulations of where you are traveling. Are permits required? Campfires allowed? Are there known hazards you’ll encounter?

Check the forecast and be ready for any kind of weather and emergencies.

Get a map and compass and know how to use it. Avoid flagging trees or building rock cairns for navigation.

Repackage your food to limit waste and shave off pack weight.

Tell someone your trip plan and when you expect to return.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Stay on the existing trail and avoid cutting switchbacks.

Use established campsites and refrain from making new ones.

Camp at least 200 feet from lakes, rivers, or streams on durable surfaces (rock, gravel, dry grass or snow).

Minimize your impact by keeping campsite small.

Dispose of Waste Properly

Basically, pack it in, pack it out.

Check your campsite (or snack-break site) before you leave for any spilled food or trash. This includes banana peels, orange peels and apple cores, which take months to fully decompose. Make it look like you were never there.

Deposit human waste in a 6 to 8 inch cat hole at least 200 feet from any water source, campsite, or trail. Properly bury and disguise it when finished. Pack out all toilet paper and feminine hygiene products. Nothing worse than walking along and finding used toilet paper scattered on the trail or in the campsite.

To wash dishes, carry dirty water at least 200 feet away from lakes or streams. A small amount of biodegradable soap can be used, but no soap is best. Pack out any food scraps then scattered the strained dishwater. Be considerate of those who will use the area after you.

Leave What You Find

As they say, “take only pictures, leave only footprints”. Leave rocks, plants, and historical artifacts and structures as you find them. Allow others to enjoy them, too.

Refrain from building structures, trenches, rock cairns, or carving in trees.

Minimize Campfire Impacts

If fires are permitted, use established fire rings or pits.

Use dead and down firewood that can be broken by hand. Keep fires small and in control.

Ensure your campfire is completely out and scatter the ashes to cool. Remember to pack out all trash – leave nothing in the fire ring for the next person to see or critter to consume.

Respect Wildlife

Do not follow or approach wildlife; always observe from a safe distance.

Do not feed animals. This is unhealthy and could result in altering their natural behavior.

Properly store your food, trash, and toiletries so as not to attract wildlife at camp.

Be respectful of wildlife during vulnerable times like mating and nesting season.

Control pets at all times.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Quite simply, just treat others as you’d like to be treated. Be respectful of other hikers and their experience.

Avoid loud noises or playing music. Protect the peace and quiet that many seek while spending time outdoors.

Be courteous of where you set up camp in relation to other campers.

Practice good trail etiquette and yield to others on the trail. If you encounter pack stock, always step to the downhill side of the trail and allow them to pass.

If we all practice these simple guidelines we can minimize our impact, enjoy the outdoors responsibly, and help maintain the beautiful and wild lands we call home.