Backcountry Ethics

Practice common courtesy & minimum impact

• Stay on trails and don’t cut switchbacks, take shortcuts or create new trails.

•  Be considerate of other trail users.

• Wheeled vehicle users should avoid harsh maneuvers that damage trail tread.

• Avoid muddy trails. Save them for future trips when they are dry.

• Keep your party small, preferably less than five. Littering is unacceptable. Set an example and pick up after others.

• Never leave fishing gear or litter in or along waterways. It can kill wildlife. Do not leave fish remains in lakes or streams.

• Remove obstacles from trails when possible. 

• Avoid deliberately disturbing wildlife, especially in winters and during calving and fawning. Observe from a distance.

• Ride or walk on the center of trail tread to protect uphill slope and outside berm.

• Place gates to be closed perpendicular to the fence line. Those to be left open should be parallel to the fence line.

• Do not disturb archaeological or historic sites, or natural features.