Plan Ahead and Prepare
Thoughtful preparation ensures safety and enjoyment while minimizing impacts. Understand the land you’re visiting—regulations, permits, health certifications, and animal restrictions. Talk with others familiar with the area. Study maps, download them offline, and identify land ownership. Prepare your trailer and vehicle, bring extra supplies, and plan for extreme weather and emergencies. Ensure animals are fit, experienced, and trained for the terrain and potential encounters (e.g., backpackers, cyclists, wildlife). Use familiar gear, minimize equipment, and plan stock feed methods in advance. Carefully plan your meals and repack food to reduce waste.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Stick to existing trails and campsites. Avoid muddy trails when possible. Ride single file, don’t cut switchbacks, and don’t ride around obstacles—clear them instead. In pristine areas, disperse use to prevent trail formation. Avoid creating social trails. Campsites should be established areas or durable surfaces like dry grass or gravel. Respect setbacks from water sources and trails. Keep camps compact and avoid modifying the environment.
Dispose of Waste Properly
“Pack it in, pack it out” applies to all waste—including trash, food scraps, and cigarette butts. Don’t burn leftovers; pack them out or incinerate in a closed container. Bury human waste in a 6″-deep hole at least 100 feet from water and trails. Use a latrine tent for group sites. Strain dishwater and pack out residues. Use biodegradable soap sparingly. Scatter manure at camps and rest stops, especially around highlines.
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Use stoves when possible and obey local fire restrictions. If fires are allowed, use established rings, fire pans, or mound fires with minimal wood. Keep fires small and burn wood completely to ash. Extinguish thoroughly—DEAD OUT. Consider visual impact when gathering or processing wood.
Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance—never follow, approach, or feed them. Learn to recognize signs of nearby wildlife and know how to respond to encounters. Carry bear spray where appropriate and store food and hygiene items in bear-resistant containers. Avoid wildlife during sensitive periods like mating or raising young.
Minimize Stock Impact
Reduce the number of animals needed by carrying only essential gear. Train your stock for trail interactions and containment methods before the trip. Use durable containment methods like highlines with tree saver straps. Avoid tying stock to trees for long periods or placing them in wet meadows. Never allow stock to damage vegetation or trees. Return trampled or pawed areas to natural condition before leaving.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Be courteous, communicate clearly, and yield the trail politely—often by asking others to move off on the downhill side. Avoid loud noises and respect others’ desire for solitude. Avoid blocking trails and tie stock well off-trail. Anticipate that others may not understand stock behavior and stay calm during conflicts.
Highline and Containment Etiquette
Set up highlines on durable surfaces away from the main camp. Train horses to stand tied for extended periods. Prevent pawing and damage to the area. Before leaving, fill holes, scatter manure, and naturalize the site by replacing duff like pine needles.
Grazing Practices
Avoid overgrazing—leave at least 3 to 4 inches of grass. Use certified weed-free hay and grain in advance of trips. Train horses to return to camp with grain. Hobble grazing animals only if they are well-trained and safe. Rotate grazing areas and use portable fencing when needed.
Preserve the Backcountry
Leave natural and cultural objects untouched. Clean tack and stock to prevent spread of invasive species. Follow weed-free feed protocols 2–3 days before your trip. Respect historical sites and preserve the beauty and integrity of the backcountry for future users.