A sticker that says leave no trace.

Leave No Trace: Beginner’s Guide to Eco-Friendly Hiking

11/01/2024 | Colorado ebike Shop | ,

As more people embrace the joys of hiking, it’s crucial to ensure that our outdoor activities do not harm the very environments we seek to enjoy. “Leave No Trace” is an educational program that promotes responsible outdoor recreation through seven core principles. This guide introduces beginners to these principles, helping to cultivate a culture of respect and stewardship for the natural world.


1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

  • Know Before You Go: Research your destination, understand the regulations, and local weather conditions. This preparation helps prevent surprises that could lead to environmental impact, like having to make an unscheduled camp.
  • Pack Appropriately: Bring enough food, water, maps, and gear to ensure you can leave no trace. This includes waste bags for all your trash.
  • Group Size: Smaller groups have less impact. If in a larger group, split into smaller parties.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

  • Stick to Trails: Walking on established paths minimizes erosion and damage to vegetation. If you must step off the trail, do so on durable surfaces like rock, gravel, or sand.
  • Camping: Use existing campsites where possible. In pristine areas, camp on durable surfaces at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

  • Pack It In, Pack It Out: This includes all trash, leftover food, and litter. Even biodegradable items like apple cores can take years to decompose and can attract wildlife.
  • Toilet Paper and Hygiene: Bury human waste in a small hole 6-8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, and cover it back up. Use biodegradable soap for washing, and do so 200 feet from water sources.

4. Leave What You Find

  • Preserve the Past: Leave natural objects like rocks, plants, and historical artifacts as you found them. These are part of the ecosystem or historical record for others to enjoy.
  • Take Photos, Leave Footprints: Instead of collecting souvenirs, take pictures to remember your experience.

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

  • Use Fire Rings: If fires are permitted, use existing fire rings. Otherwise, consider using a camp stove.
  • Keep Fires Small: Large fires leave scars on the landscape. Use only small sticks that can be broken by hand.
  • Put Out Fires Completely: Ensure your fire is cold to the touch before leaving. Soak it, stir it, and feel it.

6. Respect Wildlife

  • Observe from a Distance: Never feed animals; it can harm their health, alter natural behaviors, and expose them to predators or other dangers.
  • Store Food Securely: Use bear canisters or hang food bags where required to avoid attracting wildlife to your campsite.

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

  • Keep Noise Levels Down: Enjoy the natural sounds of the environment. Loud music or voices can disrupt wildlife and disturb other visitors.
  • Yield the Trail: On narrow trails, the uphill hiker has the right of way, but always step aside for horses and yield to those moving faster if it’s safe to do so.

Additional Tips for Eco-Friendly Hiking

  • Educate Yourself: Take a Leave No Trace course or read up on local practices.
  • Advocate for the Principles: Share your knowledge with others to create a community of responsible hikers.
  • Volunteer: Participate in trail maintenance or clean-up events to give back to the trails you enjoy.

By following these Leave No Trace principles, hikers can enjoy the wilderness while ensuring it remains pristine for future adventurers. This approach not only preserves natural spaces but also enriches the hiking experience by fostering a deeper connection with the environment. Remember, every step taken with care helps maintain the health and beauty of our planet’s wild places.