Don’t Be That Hiker
An unofficial but extremely official guide to not being the worst on the trail
The sun’s out, the trailheads are packed, and you’ve finally remembered where your hiking boots are. Welcome to peak season — aka the time of year when the trails are busy, the wildflowers are blooming, and the potential for awkward encounters with other hikers is… high.
So before you shoulder your pack and cue up your “Forest Vibes” playlist, take a minute to brush up on the unsaid (and sometimes very said) rules of the trail. Because while the wilderness might not care what you do, the rest of us definitely do.
1. Yield Like You Mean It
Let’s get this one out of the way: Uphill hikers have the right of way. Why? Because they’re working harder, seeing less, and generally more likely to lose momentum. Step aside, give a smile, and let them grunt in peace.
Other trail rules of the road:
•Bikers yield to hikers and horses
•Hikers yield to horses (because no one wants to spook a thousand-pound animal)
•Groups yield to solo hikers when practical
When in doubt, just be cool and communicate.
2. Turn Down for What Are You Doing
We all love a trail soundtrack. But nobody came out here to hear your Bluetooth speaker blasting vibes from three switchbacks away.
If music helps your pace, stick with earbuds — and even then, leave one out so you can hear wildlife, bikes, or someone trying to pass you with a polite “on your left.”
Think of it like being at a party where the host is a hawk and the DJ is wind through the trees. No aux cord required.
3. Dog Goals: Leashed and Loved
We’re all for trail dogs. We’re not for dogs off-leash where leashes are required, or dogs whose recall is as spotty as your cell service.
Here’s the deal:
•Leash your dog unless a sign says otherwise
•Pack out poop — yes, even in the backcountry (More poop scoop below.)
•Don’t assume every hiker wants to meet your pup (especially if they’re carrying jerky)
Some public lands, like National Parks, have strict pet rules. Local trails might be more lenient, but that doesn’t mean free-for-all. Respect the space, the wildlife, and your fellow hikers.
4. Poop Happens. Don’t Leave It Behind.
We need to talk about you-know-what. If you’re not near a toilet, follow Leave No Trace guidelines:
•Dig a cathole 6–8 inches deep, 200 feet from water, trail, and camp
•Pack out your TP (yep, even the “biodegradable” stuff)
•In high-use areas, especially deserts and alpine zones, use a wag bag
Human waste is more than gross — it’s a health risk to other hikers, wildlife, and water systems. You gotta go? You gotta do it right.
5. Stay on the Trail, Even If the Flowers Are Calling
Those meadows full of wildflowers? Not your personal photo studio. Even a few steps off-trail can crush fragile plants and create social trails that lead to erosion and long-term damage.
•Stick to established trails, even if it’s muddy
•Step through or over puddles, not around them
•Resist the urge to scramble up that cool-looking slope just because it’s there
Want wildflowers for your feed? Zoom in, don’t trample.
6. Be a Steward, Not a Spectator
Part of not being that hiker means being this hiker — the kind who:
•Picks up trash (yes, that includes the corners of energy bar wrappers)
•Offers trail beta to newbies
•Moves over for faster hikers
•Leaves nature exactly as they found it (or better)
And if you see someone breaking the rules? A friendly, non-confrontational “Hey, just FYI…” can go a long way. We’re all still learning.
Trail Etiquette Is Conservation
The trails you love don’t take care of themselves — and when they’re crowded, the impact adds up fast. Practicing trail etiquette isn’t just polite, it’s protective. It helps ensure that the alpine lakes, shaded canyons, and scenic overlooks stay wild and accessible for everyone.
