With trail usage up due to the season, just a reminder for trail users to be trail savvy for everyone’s safely. No matter if you are biking or hiking, there are ways to be respectful of nature and others out there enjoying the experience.
Pack out your trash. If you see trash that may not be yours, be friendly and pick it up and take it out. This includes banana peels! That is great trail stewardship. We know the canyon does not have trash cans at the trailheads, so please take it home.
Speak in a quiet voice. Most of us are thrilled to see wildlife when on the trail. Increase that chance by speaking quietly and even turning off that cell phone. Note: saving the battery may be good for emergency use or even directions!
When coming up from behind another person, let them know you are passing. A simple “hi” or “coming up on your left” is appropriate. Some prefer bells. No headphones please; otherwise, this is a moot point!
If you need a break, move off or to the side of the trail so that others can pass.
Dogs should be on leash and under control. Pack out your dog’s waste; no one wants to see dog poop as they are enjoying the trail. Horse poop on USA Parkway to Mustang is unavoidable!
Do not feed the wildlife. The word “wild” should be enough of an explanation.
Leave the flora and fauna alone — take pictures! If you think that rock or flower is spectacular to view, let the next person enjoy it too. Take out that camera and make a memory. You’ll be glad you saved that battery!
Let someone know where you are going, the route, and when to expect you back home. When you finish, let them know you are safely back. If the SAR team needs to find you, they will have a route/area to search.
If nature calls (pun intended), relieve yourself at least 200 feet from the trail and water sources. Pack it out applies. Another use for doggie bags.
Hikers going uphill have the right of way when meeting other hikers on a steep slope.
Generally speaking, bikers are expected to yield to hikers but sometimes it may be easier for the hiker to move off the trail safer. Bikers should never assume that hikers will yield to them though. Both parties need to respect each other. Bikers should call out when there is a blind turn or a steep slope where it is eyes on the trail only. It is helpful when bikers are passing hikers, to let them know if there are more coming and how many.
Bikers need to walk their bikes across the bridges and up/down the stairs at Floriston!
If you enjoy hiking or biking the TPT, please consider donating. Trails require maintenance which is a lot of work. Volunteers help but sometimes we need to hire a contractor. This year, we are working on replacing our signage where they have faded or are damaged. The tools that the trail adopters use often come from our own tool shed. We can’t do this without donations!
