PLAN
AHEAD AND PREPARE
-Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you are visiting.
-Visit the backcountry in small groups.
-Avoid popular areas during times of high use.
-Chose equipment and clothing in subdued colors.
-Repackage food into reusable containers.
CAMP AND TRAVEL
ON DURABLE SURFACES
ON THE TRAIL
-Stay on designated trails. Walk in single file in the middle of the
path.
-Do not shortcut switchbacks.
-When traveling cross-country, choose the most durable surfaces available:
rock cairns, tree scars and ribbons.
-Step to the downhill side of the trail and talk softly when encountering
pack stock.
AT CAMP
-Choose an established, legal site that will not be damaged by your
stay.
-Restrict activities to the area where vegetation is compacted or absent.
-Keep pollutants out of water sources by camping at least 200 feet from
lakes and streams.
PACK IT IN,
PACK IT OUT
-Pack everything that you bring into wild country back out with you.
-Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations securely.
-Pick up all spilled foods.
PROPERLY DISPOSE
OF WHAT YOU CAN'T PACK OUT
-Deposit human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200
feet from water, camp, or trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when
finished.
-Use toilet paper or wipes sparingly. Pack them out.
-To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams
or lakes, and use small amounts or biodegradable soap. Scatter strained
dish water.
-Inspect your campsite for trash and evidence or your stay. Pack out
all trash: yours and others'.
LEAVE WHAT
YOU FIND
-Treat our natural heritage with respect. Leave plants, rock, and historical
artifacts as you find them.
-Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site should not be necessary.
-Let nature's sounds prevail. Keep loud voices and noises to a minimum.
-Control pets at all times. Remove dog feces.
-Do not build structures or furniture or dig trenches.
MINIMIZE USE
AND IMPACT OF FIRES
-Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Always carry
a lightweight stove for cooking. Enjoy a candle lantern instead of a
fire.
-Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or
mound fires. Do not scar large rocks or overhangs.
-Gather sticks, no larger than an adult's wrist.
-Do not snap branches off live, dead, or downed trees.
-Put out campfires completely.
-Remove all unburned trash from fire ring and scatter the cool ashes
over a large area well away from camp.
