Vail, Colorado, is visited by guests from all over the world, and everyone is looking for the best experience as they venture out into the wilderness to enjoy our incredible recreational offerings. One of the most important components of outdoor ethics is to maintain courtesy toward other visitors. It helps everyone enjoy themselves.
Many people come to Vail to listen to nature. Excessive noise, uncontrolled pets and damaged surroundings take away from the natural appeal of getting outside. Be sure to thoroughly consider how your experience is affecting the way someone else enjoys the outdoors.
Who has the right of way on a trail? The general assumption on a narrow trail is that hikers headed downhill will step aside to allow an uphill foot traveler to easily pass. In many places, there’s an expectation that hikers will yield to horseback riders, and that cyclists will yield to both hikers and horseback riders on trails. Stay in control when mountain biking. Before passing others, politely announce your presence and proceed with caution.
Bright clothing and equipment that can be seen for long distances are discouraged. Especially in open natural areas, colors such as day-glow yellow may contribute to a crowded feeling; consider earth-toned colors (i.e. browns and greens) to lessen visual impacts.
Tips For Being Considerate to Others:
- Consider vacationing or just hitting the trails midweek (vs. the weekend) and/or shoulder season (vs. the busy holiday time).
- Consider venturing out during off-peak times of the day — that means early morning or later in the afternoon and evening.
- Consider less popular trails and be willing to explore where others will not be.
- Try to keep your group size small and, if it is larger, break into smaller groups.
- Keep noise to a minimum while on the trail.
- Maintain control of your pet, following leash laws as required. Be aware that some areas may prohibit dogs altogether.
- Do not listen to music in the open, where others can hear it and wildlife can be disturbed. And, when using earbuds, make sure you can still hear someone behind you who wants to pass.
- Try to keep use of technology and devices to a minimum, especially around others.
- Travelers coming up always have the right-of-way. Bikers should yield to all hikers and stay in control before passing others, announcing themselves.
- When camping in the backcountry, select a site where rocks or trees will screen your site from others. Be sure to keep noise down in camp, too, so as not to disturb other campers or travelers.
© 1999 by Leave No Trace: www.LNT.org