With increasing trail use, many of Boulder’s nastiest exchanges take place on trails. Following the simple rules below would help make hiking more pleasant for everyone.by Wendy Underhill
With increasing trail use, many of Boulder’s nastiest exchanges take place on trails. Following the simple rules below would help make hiking more pleasant for everyone.
STAY ON TRAILS Shortcuts destroy vegetation, cause erosion, widen trails and disturb wildlife in off-trail areas. “Get Muddy!” signs remind hikers that boots dry off—crumpled wildflowers die. If a trail is too muddy or icy for your taste, choose a different one.
DON'T LITTER Aside from being inconsiderate and unsightly, trash kills wildlife. Cigarette butts are often eaten by animals who become addicted to nicotine. They either die when their intestines fill up with indigestible filter tips, or they’re hit by cars when they scavenge roadsides for butts. Plastic and gum wrappers can lead to lethal blockages, too. Save an animal’s life—use a trash can.
DON'T ENTER CLOSED AREAS Some trails protect nesting raptors and osprey. These locales are posted, yet people ignore the signs, compromising the health and safety of baby birds. In the future, bear-foraging territories and a Townsend’s big-eared bat breeding area may be subject to seasonal closures. “Trail Closed” signs mean keep out.
KEEP DOGS UNDER CONTROL
Dogs chase birds and mammals, and most humans don’t appreciate confrontations with aggressive dogs. “Dog poop is one of the most frequently cited complaints by park visitors,” says Dave Sutherland, interpretive specialist for Boulder Mountain Parks. “It’s not just because it’s gross, stinky and ugly, dog wastes add too much nitrogen to the soil, facilitating the spread of noxious weeds.” Be responsible; pick up your dog’s poop. Be aware that dogs are forbidden in some areas, and must be leashed or under voice and sight control in others (if a ranger asks you to prove it and your dog fails to come on command, you’ll be issued a summons).
KNOW THE RULES OF THE ROAD All trails in Boulder Mountain Parks are closed to bikes, but many open space areas allow cyclists. Pick up a map of mountain bike areas from local agencies or bike stores.
SHOW RESPECT Some agencies post guidelines as to who must yield to whom—bikers to hikers, everyone to horses—but courtesy is the obvious guideline. Don’t just mow people down; and step off the trail to let others pass.
See bouldermag.com's Hiking Guide for a description of local and mountain trails, including trail access, and Boulder Events for Boulder County Parks and Open Space Talks and Hikes, Boulder Mountain Parks and Open Space Talks and Hikes and other events.