#hiking rules

[phamios]

5 Trail Etiquette Rules

5 Trail Etiquette Rules

With recreational trails springing-up all over communities, many people are taking an initiative to get active. This has also created more interest in the hiking and backpacking community as more people are getting outdoors. Every so often it’s a good idea to put out a reminder of these trail etiquette rules so newbies can learn to share the trail without feeling foolish, and for longtime hikers…

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[onedesertrat]

got my ass out of bed early to hit up 2 peaks

[vitchelo]

New Post has been published on http://vitchelo.com/hiking/hiking-etiquette-4-trail-rules-you-need-to-live-by/

Hiking Etiquette: 4 Trail Rules You Need To Live By

If you are going to be traveling into Colorado in order to do some hiking on the trails, there is a certain etiquette that you must follow whether you are just visiting or if you are local.

Recently, along with my boyfriend, we followed a 3.6 mile hike from Maroon Bells to Crater Lake Trail which is located just outside of Aspen Colorado. It is a fairly easy route to take, mostly a dirt path that goes through an Aspen Grove that is relatively small, with peaks that are all around you which can be seen when you get to open spaces. This is a fantastic way for anyone to spend Sunday morning, especially on a long weekend in this proverbial ski town, beautiful scenery in all directions.

It would have been much better if our fellow hikers at actually follow the basic trail rules. Some of them came from outside of town, which should be expected because of it being a prime location during what is called peak leaf peeping season, that just squeezed by others instead of allowing the uphill hikers to pass by as they stood still. Even trail runners came too close, enough to feel their breath on my neck, causing me to step to the side, something that should've been done or even announcing their presence a little bit sooner. Although this lack of proper hiking conduct didn't entirely make the experience horrible-how could it actually do that with the scenery as mentioned above?-I was definitely affronted by this experience.

In order to do my part in helping to keep the trails happy for everyone, I asked Jeff Goldin person basic trail etiquette tips, an expert out of Colorado Mountain Club. Here's what he said:

STAY ON THE TRAIL

The first rule that should be followed is avoiding getting off of the trail because of the possibility of upsetting or damaging the Alpine tundra or plants that could take years to recover it trampled.

KNOW WHEN TO YIELD

If you are an appeal hiker, trying to maintain your momentum, obviously you have the right-of-way. If there are bikers, they should yield to the Trail hikers, and both hikers and bikers need to give equestrians right-of-way. These simple guidelines will allow you to communicate clearly with other people on the trail to ensure a very friendly encounter. An example of this would be uphill hikers being very happy to take a much-needed break!

PASS ON THE LEFT

Another rule that should be followed is staying on the right side, especially on wider trails, allowing users to go by on the left, just like when dealing with motor vehicles. If there are large groups, they should hike in a single file, so as not to take up the entire pathway. You need to step aside, let faster hikers get through, a common etiquette that is almost always abided by.

LEAVE NO TRACE

There is a simple rule, one called the Leave No Trace rule that will ensure that the wilderness will be in a pristine state for everyone. You need to take all of your trash with you, including dog waste and Summit signs, and be sure to not remove or vandalize the outdoor environment in any way.

KNOW THE DOG RULES

Finally, you need to make sure if you are letting your dog off the leash that it is legal in those areas, mostly because you may have to abide by a leash law. You need to know the rules of the area you are in and follow them to the tee. Even if you have a location that allows off leash hiking, it is always a good idea to keep your dog least in crowded areas.

Now that you have read all of these rules: Happy Hiking!

This article originally appeared on 5280.com.

[activewino]

Learning the Etiquette of Trail Hiking

Unless you plan to venture off into the remotest sections of a trail, chances are you will run into some other hikers.  Nowadays, more and more people enjoy hiking, trekking and backpacking.

Image Credit: argyruntum.com

There are some basic rules of trail etiquette that you need to know and observe. These rules apply regardless of where you are - in the Rocky Mountains, Acadia National Park or anywhere else.

Yield!

When you’re out hiking, you will run into hikers, backpackers and trekkers.  You need to know whether you have to yield or not.  For instance, bikers yield to hikers.  Hikers and bikers yield to horses.  Come on, it’s a horse!  Who would like to go head to head with horses? Depending on where you are, it might be easier for a hiker to yield to a biker.  Handling a bike is easy.  It is always easy for a hiker to just step to the side when a biker comes along.

Image Credit: hikeontario.com

When you’re hiking, it is hard to huff and puff your way up a steep incline.  The last thing you would want to do is to allow someone to cruise down pass you.  So, the next time you go hiking, allow the uphill climber the right of way.  Uphill climbers are doing more work.  They need to keep up their momentum, so let them have the right of way.

Observe Road Rules

When hiking, make sure to observe road rules: stick to the right but pass on the left.  Avoid stretching full across the trail when you’re with a group.  Observe a single file.  If the trail is too narrow to pass on, avoid stepping on vegetation.

Stick to the Trail

This rule is pretty simple.  Don’t try to shorten your hike by opting to pursue a different trail.  You could cause erosion, or you could destroy forest foliage.  You might also end up destroying a trail and loosening boulders and rocks.

Image Credit: landfallnavigation.com

Avoid Doing Calls

Unless it’s a matter of life or death, you should avoid making or receiving calls to chat up your buddy or make dinner plans.  A hiker having a loud conversation on his phone can destroy a pleasant hike for other people.  Do the rest of the trail users a favor.  Avoid the calls until you’re back at your car.

Image Credit: mnn.com

Pack in, pack out

This is quite simple.  If you bring something to the trail, make sure it take it out too.  You’d be surprised at how irresponsible some hikers could be. You’d find litter on even the remotest of trails. 

[kwarren1970]

Trail Etiquette

When you go hike more often than not, there are a lot of things to see and experience that go beyond the view. I’m not knocking the view or being immersed in nature. Actually, the view, nature, and getting away from the hustle and bustle are pure joys of mine with regards to hiking. It is sort of a walking meditation, part of my yoga, and a fun workout for me.

But… and yes, I have a but when it…

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