Know the regulations and special concerns for the area
you'll visit.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
Visit in small groups. Split larger parties into groups
of 4-6.
Repackage food to minimize waste.
Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking
paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Principle #2: Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites,
rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
Protect riparian (areas that are within 200 feet of
water sources) areas by camping at least 200 feet from
lakes and streams.
Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site
is not necessary, in popular areas.
Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when
wet or muddy.
Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where
vegetation is absent. In pristine areas.
Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and
trails.
Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
Principle #3: Dispose of waste properly
Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest
areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash,
leftover food, and litter.
Deposit solid human waste in catholes (small holes dug
in the ground 6 to 8 inches deep) at least 200 feet from
water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole
when finished.
Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet
away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable
soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
Principle #4: Leave what you find
Preserve the past: examine, but don't touch, cultural
or historic structures and artifacts.
Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you
find them.
Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
Principle #5: Minimize fire impacts
Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the back country,
Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle
lantern for light.
Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings,
fire pans, or mound fires.
Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that
can be broken by hand.
Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely,
then scatter cool ashes.
Principle #6: Respect wildlife
Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach
them.
Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health,
alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators
and other dangers.
Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and
trash securely.
Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting,
raising young, or winter.
Principle #7: Respect others
Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their
experience.
Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering
pack stock (horses, mules, llamas, and donkeys).
Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
