Travel and recreate with minimum impact

• Stay on legally designated trails.
• Don’t create new routes or expand existing trails.
• Travel only in areas that are open to your type of recreation.
• Cross streams only on bridges or at fords where trails intersect streams.
• Avoid marshy areas and wet meadows.
• Don’t cut switchbacks.
• Respect the environment and the rights of others.

Respect and be considerate of other users so that all can enjoy a quality experience in Montana’s great outdoors.

• Hikers should yield to horseback riders.
• Bicycle riders should yield to horseback riders and hikers.
• ATV and off-highway motorcycle riders should yield to hikers, bicyclers and horseback riders.
• Give horseback riders the right-of-way. If possible, step off the trail on the downhill side and talk calmly to the rider.
• Snowmobilers should yield to cross-country skiers and dog mushers.

Respect wildlife. Be sensitive to their life-sustaining needs by keeping your distance.

• Comply with signs.
• Always obtain permission to cross private land. Leave gates as you found them unless posted otherwise.

Educate yourself, plan and prepare before you go.

• Know local laws and regulations.
• Obtain a trail map and know trails and areas that are open for your type of recreation. Know the other types of trail recreationists you might encounter on the trail.
• Have equipment to make your trip safe, and know how to use it.
• Carry water and keep yourself hydrated.
• Allow for future use of the outdoors – Leave it better than you found it!
• Pack out what you packed in.
• Properly dispose of waste.
• Minimize the use of fire.