Here is a hiking guide for the Leave No Trace mantra or hiking code, however you would like to think of it.

t’s common to read it on signs, hear people mention it, or see it on social media. But what does it mean?

There are several layers to it, and I wanted to provide a guide to a deeper understanding of it. Please feel free to share any other leave no trace behind principles. I’m sure there are several different layers I missed out, but these came top of mind.

A disposable bag is crucial to help kind in mind to your pack your trash. Just do it!

It can be difficult to stay on trail nowadays since we to stay 6ft apart. Other for that reason, please stay on the trail. Those areas are not a trail for a reason. It’s more than likely dangerous and could have ticks, poison oak or it could be a wildlife habitat. Worst of all, if something happens to you and if you are off-trail, it will be a wild goose chase for the park staff to find you.

Pack your trash properly. It includes food remains such as banana peels, pistachio shells.
Don’t leave anything behind. It could disturb the wildlife and ecosystem.

Pooping in the wilderness happens and please do it responsibly.

Do it and take one last sweep. It happens, we all lose sight of our stuff, and it’s ok to acknowledge it and take a few more seconds to double check nothing is left behind.

Picking up trash is easier said than done. If anything, notify the park staff if there is a lot of trash. It’s difficult to maintain 100% of the land 24/7.

No smoking of any kind. Keep it in your car or at home.

Call people out who does not follow the LNT principles. Sometimes people make honest mistakes, and you are reminding them to think twice about their actions. It makes a difference, so do it!

REMINDER: LEAVE NO TRACE BEHIND

Lastly, please remember to leave LEAVE NO TRACE BEHIND and leave it better than you found it. Pack your trash. You brought it in, and you can take it out and properly dispose of it.