Trails and trail systems are designed to be used by many users. The best way to approach trail use is to have basic good etiquette – good manners – and remember to be kind, considerate, and communicate verbally. A cheerful “hello” and “thank you” to fellow hikers goes a long way in promoting a positive trail experience.
Who Uses Trails?
The most common users are hikers or runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians. While we may spend much of our time enjoying the solitude of the mountains, we will inevitably encounter other users. To ensure that everyone has a great trail experience, we should plan to follow generally accepted trail etiquette.
Right-of-Way
The most basic part of trail etiquette is Right-of-Way. That is, who gets to stay on a narrow trail, and who moves off to let others pass by.
Who stays on the trail and who yields? In general, mountain bikers yield to hikers and runners, and everyone yields to horses. Mountain bikers are generally moving faster and tend to come upon pedestrians before the pedestrians are aware; it’s good manners to yell out a “hello!” or “good morning!” to alert the other trail user of your presence with plenty of time for them to look around and step aside before you are upon the other user.
For hikers and runners, the user going up the hill has the right away. Again, this has to do with the fact that downhill hikers have a better view of the trail, and the uphill hiker is more likely to be working hard and in a rhythm we don’t want to break.
If you encounter horses, donkeys or other pack animals, hikers and bikers want to give the beasts a large berth and if you are on a slope, step off the trail on the downhill side of the trail. Spooked horses are more likely to run up the hill; being trampled by a startled 2,000 pound horse is not on anyone’s list of fun hiking accomplishments!
