GENERAL INFORMATION
Varied terrain, magnificent scenery, and vast
reaches of wild country await the hiker on the Pike and San Isabel
National Forests. The Forest trail system provides numerous opportunities
from short day hikes to extended backpacking trips. Visitors should
be aware that trails may not be well marked, and should carry
a map and compass, and know how to use them.
With the freedom that hiking and backpacking offer comes the responsibility
to care for the environment and to respect the rights of other
users. The complex ecological relationships of our wildlands can
easily be upset or even destroyed by the careless recreationists.
Once damaged, some fragile soils and plants may not recover in
our children's lifetime. If our wildlands are to exist for future
generations to enjoy, we recommend that the people using the National
Forests adopt and teach to others the backcountry ethic of "Leave
No Trace".
BACKCOUNTRY TRAVEL
Travel quietly in the backcountry. Quiet hiking
improves the chance of seeing wildlife and respects others seeking
solitude.
Wear "earth colors" to lessen your visual impact, especially
if traveling in a group. During hunting season a blaze orange
hat and vest are advisable for your personal safety.
Stay on the designated path when hiking existing trails. Shortcutting
a switchback or avoiding a muddy trail by walking in the grass
creates unnecessary erosion and multiple paths. In the spring,
travel across snow and rocks as much as possible; high mountain
plants and soil are especially susceptible to damage during thaw.
On the tundra, try to step on rocks instead of plants. The plants
here take many years to grow and many more years to regenerate.
If you choose a route without trails, do not mark trees, build
rock piles or leaves messages in the dirt. A group should spread
out rather than walk one behind the other (especially in tundra
or meadow areas). Ten people tramping in a row can crush plants
beyond recovery and create channels for erosion.
Hike and camp in small groups, especially during off-trail travel.
In case of sickness or injury one person can stay with the victim
while two people go for help. Breaking your group into smaller
units to reduce visual impact and won't damage backcountry sites.
If hiking with a dog make sure that he is under control at all
times. Never allow him to chase wildlife. Watch the wildlife from
a distance, you are in their home now.
Pick up any litter along the route. Have one pocket of your pack
available for trash.
Avoid removing items of interest (rocks, flowers, wood or antlers).
Leave these in their natural state for others to see and enjoy.
Leave archeological and historical remains undisturbed and encourage
others to do the same.
Camp at least 200 feet away from water sources and trails to prevent
water pollution and preserve riparian areas. If other parties
are close to where you want to camp, move on or choose your campsite
so that terrain features insure, privacy. Take a little time to
seek out a more secluded area. It will increase your privacy and
that of other visitors.
Use existing campsites whenever possible, in order to reduce human
impact. If selecting a new campsite, choose a site on sandy terrain
or the forest floor rather than the lush but delicate plant life
of meadows, stream banks, fragile alpine tundra, and other areas
that can be easily damaged.
Arrange the tents throughout the campsite to avoid concentrating
activities in the cooking area. Do not build any fire rings or
structures at your campsite.
Don't cut boughs and poles, clear vegetation or ditch around your
tent. If you do end up clearing the sleeping area of twigs or
pine cones, scatter these items back over the campsite before
you leave.
Use a portable gas stove for cooking. It is cleaner,
quicker, and leaves no impact. If you must build a fire, please
keep your fires small and do not build a fire ring. Use an old
campfire scar rather than make a new one. Burn only small dead
and down wood, collected a distance from the campsite. Make sure
the fire is out by drowning it with water. Before you leave always
make sure that your fire is dead out and the ashes and rocks scattered.
DISPOSING OF HUMAN WASTE
Proper disposal of human waste is most important
in order to protect the natural character and water sources of
the area.
By taking the following steps, you can insure rapid decomposition
of organic wastes:
-Dig a hole 8-10 inches in diameter and no
deeper than 6-8 inches.
Keep the sod intact if possible. Stay at least 200 feet from
any open water.
-After use, fill the hole with loose soil and then tramp in
the sod.
-Natural organisms within the soil will decompose the material
within a few days.
HORSES AND HIKERS
While hiking in the Pike and San Isabel National
Forest there is a good possibility you will be sharing the trail
with other parties on horseback. Be considerate as horses may
be frightened by backpacking equipment. Allow horses plenty of
room to pass. Everyone in your group should stand to one side
of the trail. The downhill side of the trail is usually best.
Avoid sudden movement as the horses pass and you may want to talk
quietly to make the horses aware of your presence.
LEAVE NO TRACE CAMPING AND TRAVEL
In years past, we used to speak of wilderness
as the ability of man to survive the wilderness. Now, we speak
of the ability of the wilderness to survive man.
What can we all do to be sure our public lands will survive our
use? Practice "Leave No Trace" in the backcountry. Leave
your site in such a condition that others would not realize you've
been there.
Practice the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace:
-
Plan Ahead and Prepare
-
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
-
Dispose of Waste Properly
-
Leave What You Find
-
Minimize Campfire Impacts
-
Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
For more information on the principles of Leave
No Trace ethics, visit http://www.lnt.org