Why do I have to pack out my trash?

Keep the wilderness wild and pack out all your trash. Food scraps should be packed out. Biodegradable materials, such as banana peels, orange rinds, or coffee grounds may seem natural enough, but will not disintegrate in this climate. Pack them out.

Is it true I have to pack out my poop?

No, but most hikers do, and it would be good for the environment and would be really appreciated by other hikers if you did also.

Where do I get "Human Waste Bags" and do they really work?

Human waste is a big problem in Paria Canyon and Buckskin Gulch. These narrow canyons concentrate human waste in a very small area. A cleanup was conducted in 2001 and large quantities of waste were packed out. At the same time a voluntary "Pack It Out" program was instituted. Your permit includes "Human Waste Bags" for each member of your party. You can pick them up at the Paria Ranger Station, the BLM Kanab Field Office, or the BLM Arizona Strip District Office. They are easy to use, secure, airtight, and contain chemicals that neutralize odors. The majority of Paria hikers use these bags and have had no problems with them.

How do you properly dispose of human waste?

A second and less desirable option is to bury human waste well away from existing campsites and water sources (about 70 adult steps). A small garden trowel is excellent for digging small "catholes" for waste. In areas with high organic matter, waste should be buried 6 - 8 inches deep, in the organic layer, where microorganisms will have a feast. In desert areas with little or no vegetation, waste should only be buried 4 - 6 inches deep so that the sun's warmth helps break it down.

What about toilet paper?

Burning or burying toilet paper is not permitted. Please practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics and help us protect this pristine environment -- pack out all toilet paper and dispose of it properly. Don't hide, bury, or leave behind toilet paper! Toilet paper can be easily folded, dropped into a sealable sandwich bag, and discretely packed out. This will help us preserve the pristine quality of these canyons.

Learn more about the Leave No Trace Program (www.lnt.org).

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