Enjoy the Outdoors
The Tahoe National Forest aims to provide recreational opportunities for all visitors. When sharing public lands with other recreationist, it is important take care of the land and look out for each other. Use the tips and resources below to learn how to respect public lands and other visitors.
Trail Etiquette
Several trails on the Forest are designated as multiple-use, meaning that recreationists may encounter different user groups on one trail, such as hikers, bikers, horseback riders or off-road vehicles on motorized routes.
Trail etiquette is the “polite way,” to use a trail. It gives everyone the opportunity to have a good time while remaining safe and courteous.
To avoid collisions or any wild west style standoffs with other visitors, it’s important to understand who has the right-of-way. The general rule is “Wheels Yield to Heels,” or in other words, bicyclists and e-bikers yield to all other users while hikers yield to horseback riders.
Keep in mind while recreating on multiple-use trails
Respect: If you give it, you are more likely to receive it and reduce negative encounters on the trail.
Communication: Speak up and say hello or ask to pass so that people, and especially horses, know you are there.
Yield appropriately: Be aware of other users, so you are prepared to stop when needed. If going downhill, yield to users going uphill. Be safe and courteous.
Pets: Follow posted rules for where pets can and cannot be. Make sure they are under your control at all times and pick up their waste.
Stay informed: Know what uses are allowed on each trail and any local rules and regulations. Follow posted signs along the trail.
Leave No Trace
No matter if you enjoy public lands atop a bike, horse or on your own two feet –always practice Leave No Trace principles to protect natural resources and keep public lands beautiful.
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you plan to visit.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
- Visit in small groups. Split larger parties into smaller groups.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Use a map and compass and never blaze trees, use marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
- Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Obey camping setbacks (100 feet or more) from lakes, streams, trails, other campsites, and historic and cultural sites and structures.
- Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
- Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater away from sleeping areas.
- Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
- Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Instead, consider using a lightweight stove for cooking and a candle lantern for light.
- If fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cold ashes.
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing food and trash securely.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering horses and pack stock. Stand quietly and speak to riders and horses in a quiet, calm voice to avoid accidents.
- Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
Learn more about Leave No Trace
Keeping public lands in their wild state is something we all can do by practicing "Leave No Trace Ethics." These guidelines have been designed to aid in the protection of our beloved natural spaces. By following these guidelines, we can better protect the land and lessen the sights and sounds of our visits.