Leave No Trace Quick Reference
LNT isn't about being perfect. It's seven habits that compound — the more people who follow them, the better the wild places get. These are the car-camping and day-hiking versions, not just backcountry rules.
Plan ahead and prepare
- Check fire and permit conditions before you leave — not at the trailhead.
- Bring a paper map. Cell service fails in most wilderness and many campgrounds.
- Tell someone your itinerary and expected return time.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Walk single-file on established trails. Widening the trail by walking beside it causes erosion.
- Camp on existing tent pads or bare mineral soil — not on vegetation.
- Avoid crushing young plants. If the ground springs back, it's recovering.
Most broken: Cutting switchbacks. It looks like a shortcut — it causes lasting erosion.
Dispose of waste properly
- Pack out all trash, food waste, and packaging. "Biodegradable" food still attracts animals.
- Human waste: cat hole 6–8 inches deep, 200 ft from water, trail, and camp.
- Dishes: strain food particles, scatter gray water 200 ft from water sources.
Most broken: Burying food scraps. They get dug up. Pack them out.
Leave what you find
- Leave rocks, plants, feathers, and historical artifacts exactly where you found them.
- Don't build cairns, furniture, or fire rings beyond existing ones.
- Avoid introducing invasive species — clean boots, boats, and gear before a new area.
Minimize campfire impact
- Use established fire rings only. Never build a new ring.
- Use only down, dead, small wood you can break by hand — don't cut standing trees.
- Let wood burn to ash. Drown, stir, drown. Cold to the touch before you leave.
Most broken: Bringing firewood from home. It spreads invasive insects. Buy it within 50 miles.
Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance. If an animal changes its behavior, you're too close.
- Store food, waste, and scented items in a bear bag or canister every night.
- Keep pets under control. Off-leash dogs stress wildlife and other campers.
Most broken: Feeding wildlife — any wildlife. It kills them.
Be considerate of others
- Quiet hours at established campgrounds are typically 10 pm – 6 am. Honor them.
- Yield to uphill hikers, horses, and mountain bikers on singletrack.
- Camp out of sight and earshot of others when in dispersed areas.
Most broken: Bluetooth speakers on trails. Carry them to camp if you must — not on the trail.