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Leave No Trace

The 7 Principles

Leave no Trace the 7 principles

The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace:
Keeping Utah’s Trails Wild and Beautiful

Utah’s breathtaking landscapes are more than just a backdrop for adventure—they’re delicate ecosystems that require our care and respect.

At Trails Utah, we’re committed to keeping our trails pristine for future generations, and one of the best ways to do that is by following the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace. These simple guidelines help minimize our impact and ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy the beauty of Utah’s great outdoors.

1) Plan ahead and prepare

Being unprepared can lead to dangerous situations, unnecessary environmental damage, and a less enjoyable experience. Before hitting the trail:

  • Research the route, regulations, and weather conditions.
  • Pack the essentials: water, food, navigation tools, and first aid.
  • Travel in small groups when possible to reduce impact.
  • Know your limits—choose trails and activities suited to your skill level.

2) Travel and camp on durable surfaces

Straying off designated trails and campsites can cause erosion and destroy fragile vegetation. Keep these tips in mind:

  • Stick to existing trails and camp at established sites.
  • In desert areas, avoid stepping on biological soil crusts—they take decades to recover!
  • If camping in the backcountry, set up camp at least 200 feet away from lakes and streams to protect water sources.

3) Dispose of waste properly

Nothing ruins a trail experience like stumbling upon someone else’s trash. Keep Utah clean by:

  • Packing out all trash, leftover food, and hygiene products.
  • Using designated waste bins or carrying a small bag for your trash.
  • Properly disposing of human waste by using restroom facilities or digging a 6-8 inch deep cat hole at least 200 feet from water sources.
  • Cleaning up after pets and carrying out pet waste.

4) Leave what you find

Preserve Utah’s natural and cultural heritage by leaving things as they are:

  • Don’t take rocks, plants, or historical artifacts as souvenirs.
  • Avoid carving into trees or rock formations.
  • Take photos, not objects—memories last longer anyway.

5) Minimize campfire impact

Wildfires are a serious threat in Utah’s dry climate, and improper campfire practices can cause long-term damage. When camping:

  • Use a camp stove for cooking instead of making a fire.
  • If fires are allowed, keep them small and use designated fire rings.
  • Fully extinguish fires before leaving—stir the ashes and make sure they’re cold to the touch.
  • Follow fire restrictions and bans, especially during dry seasons.

6) Respect wildlife

Utah is home to diverse wildlife, from desert lizards to majestic moose. To keep them wild and safe:

  • Observe from a distance—never approach or feed animals.
  • Store food and trash securely to avoid attracting wildlife.
  • Keep pets leashed and under control to prevent disturbances.

7) Be considerate of others

Sharing the trails means being mindful of fellow adventurers:

  • Learn who has Right of Way and yield appropriately—hikers yield to horses, bikers yield to hikers, and everyone yields to uphill travelers.
  • Keep noise levels down to preserve the tranquility of nature.
  • Give people space and be friendly—after all, we’re all here to enjoy the outdoors!

By following these 7 principles, we can all do our part to protect Utah’s incredible landscapes and ensure they remain accessible for generations to come. Next time you hit the trail, take a moment to appreciate the land—and leave it better than you found it.

For more trail tips and ways to get involved, visit Trails Utah and join us in preserving the wild beauty of our state!

Final thoughts and additional resources

Whether you’re out for solitude, fitness, or fun, trail etiquette is about creating a better experience for everyone. Respect nature. Respect others. And enjoy the journey.

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Leave No Trace

The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace:
Keeping Utah’s Trails Wild and Beautiful

Utah’s breathtaking landscapes are more than just a backdrop for adventure—they’re delicate ecosystems that require our care and respect.

At Trails Utah, we’re committed to keeping our trails pristine for future generations, and one of the best ways to do that is by following the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace.

These simple guidelines help minimize our impact and ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy the beauty of Utah’s great outdoors.

Table of Contents

1) Plan Ahead and Prepare

Being unprepared can lead to dangerous situations, unnecessary environmental damage, and a less enjoyable experience. Before hitting the trail:

  • Research the route, regulations, and weather conditions.
  • Pack the essentials: water, food, navigation tools, and first aid.
  • Travel in small groups when possible to reduce impact.
  • Know your limits—choose trails and activities suited to your skill level.
Silver Lake Utah trail ready

2) Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Straying off designated trails and campsites can cause erosion and destroy fragile vegetation. Keep these tips in mind:

Silver Lake Utah trail wood barriers replaced
  • Stick to existing trails and camp at established sites.
  • In desert areas, avoid stepping on biological soil crusts—they take decades to recover!
  • If camping in the backcountry, set up camp at least 200 feet away from lakes and streams to protect water sources.

3) Dispose of Waste Properly

Nothing ruins a trail experience like stumbling upon someone else’s trash. Keep Utah clean by:

  • Packing out all trash, leftover food, and hygiene products.
  • Using designated waste bins or carrying a small bag for your trash.
  • Properly disposing of human waste by using restroom facilities or digging a 6-8 inch deep cathole at least 200 feet from water sources.
  • Cleaning up after pets and carrying out pet waste.
Silver Lake Utah trail ready

4) Leave What You Find

Preserve Utah’s natural and cultural heritage by leaving things as they are:

Silver Lake Utah trail wood barriers replaced
  • Don’t take rocks, plants, or historical artifacts as souvenirs.
  • Avoid carving into trees or rock formations.
  • Take photos, not objects—memories last longer anyway!

5) Minimize Campfire Impact

Wildfires are a serious threat in Utah’s dry climate, and improper campfire practices can cause long-term damage. When camping:

  • Use a camp stove for cooking instead of making a fire.
  • If fires are allowed, keep them small and use designated fire rings.
  • Fully extinguish fires before leaving—stir the ashes and make sure they’re cold to the touch.
  • Follow fire restrictions and bans, especially during dry seasons.
Silver Lake Utah trail ready

6) Respect Wildlife

Utah is home to diverse wildlife, from desert lizards to majestic moose. To keep them wild and safe:

Silver Lake Utah trail wood barriers replaced
  • Observe from a distance—never approach or feed animals.
  • Store food and trash securely to avoid attracting wildlife.
  • Keep pets leashed and under control to prevent disturbances.

7) Be Considerate of Others

Sharing the trails means being mindful of fellow adventurers:

  • Learn who has Right of Way and yield appropriately—hikers yield to horses, bikers yield to hikers, and everyone yields to uphill travelers. (LINK TO RIGHT OF WAY POST)
  • Keep noise levels down to preserve the tranquility of nature.
  • Give people space and be friendly—after all, we’re all here to enjoy the outdoors!
Silver Lake Utah trail ready

Let’s Keep Utah Wild!

By following these 7 principles, we can all do our part to protect Utah’s incredible landscapes and ensure they remain accessible for generations to come. Next time you hit the trail, take a moment to appreciate the land—and leave it better than you found it.

For more trail tips and ways to get involved, visit Trails Utah and join us in preserving the wild beauty of our state!

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