DIET | DETECTIVE^®

1. Plan ahead and prepare
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces
3.

1. Plan ahead and prepare
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces
3. Pack it in, pack it out
4. Properly dispose of what you can't pack out
5. Leave what you find
6. Minimize impact and use of fire

The following points will help you use your park responsibly:

Pre-register for park permits, check the weather reports, scope out potential trails, gather hiking maps of the area and pack adequate food, water and clothing for any hike. That way, you're more likely to enjoy your hike and less likely to run into obstacles that could complicate your walk or endanger you or your fellow hikers.

Travel only on marked trails. You'll not only reduce the likelihood of getting lost, you'll also reduce your chances of harming indigenous vegetation and running into undesirable plants and animals. What may look like a common fern or weed to you may actually be an endangered species or a critical element to the area's ecosystem. If you do go off the trail in a remote area, you should have your group spread out and tread lightly so as not to create any new trails for other hikers to follow or paths that will lead to soil erosion. Your goal on every hike you take should be to enjoy and experience the area and not to impact it.

Keep your dogs on a leash at all times. Not only can they stir up trouble with the endemic wildlife, they can also easily frighten other hikers, roll around in poisonous plants, get lost or be mistaken for wildlife by hunters. You should also come prepared to pack out your dog's feces, as they are not indigenous to the area. Also heed all park rules about pets to begin with.

While on the trail, know that groups riding livestock have the right of way. When you move off trail, move to the downhill side.

Many people think you should be put away in a cell if you whip out your wireless or, worse yet, accept cell-phone calls while on the trail. There's nothing more criminal to purists than the invasive ringing of the outside world.

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