The "Leave No Trace" Ethic

Back-country areas, such as those found along the Arizona trail, are places to seek solitude and a "wilderness experience" away from crowds, noise, and daily pressures of life. By using Leave No Trace skills, trail users can reduce their impact on the diverse, fragile, and spectacular areas in Arizona. The following are guidelines that will assist trail users in successfully enjoying the Arizona Trail. More Leave No Trace information can be found at:  Leave No Trace, Inc.

Planning

• Obtain as much information as possible before venturing out. This includes topographic maps, recreation maps, Arizona Trail - Passage Information Sheets (if available), and guidebooks.
• Learn about regulations and restrictions of the area prior to traveling.
• Avoid popular areas during times of high use.
• Check ahead to see if the area can accommodate and/or will allow your group size.
• Repackage food into lightweight containers that can easily be carried out with you.
• Be prepared to filter or boil all water during your trip.
• Leave a detailed itinerary with someone prior to venturing out.

Travel

• Stay on designated trails and avoid any cross-country travel.
• Do not cut across switchbacks.
• Read your map carefully to avoid having to build cairns.
• When encountering equestrians, step to the downhill side of the trail and remain quiet.

Camping

• Use designated or already impacted campsites when appropriate.
• Hide your campsite from view.
• Stay as few nights as possible in one place. Before leaving the area, naturalize it as much as possible.
• Select a campsite 200 feet or more from trails, lakes, streams, trails, and wet meadows.
• Avoid constructing structures or digging trenches.

Campfires

• Use a lightweight stove for cooking rather than building a fire.
• If having a campfire, use existing fire rings instead of building new ones.
• Build fires away from trees, rocks, shrubs, and meadows.
• Make sure the fire is dead out.
• Scatter the ashes and naturalize the area.
• Use only dead and down wood; Never cut green trees or bushes.
• Know the fire restrictions for the area.

Sanitation

• Burn food scraps completely in a fire or put them in a plastic bag and carry them out.
• Pack out everything that you pack in.
• Do all washing 50 feet away from camp and water sources.
• Dig "catholes" 200 feet or more from camp and water sources.

Pack Animals

• Keep groups small and carry lightweight equipment.
• Select a campsite that has enough feed for your stock.
• Keep stock 200 feet or more from lakeshores.
• Bring pellets, grain, or weed-free hay to areas where feed is limited or grazing is not allowed.
• Remove (or scatter) manure; Remove excess hay and straw.
• Use hitchlines, hobbles, and pickets to constrain pack animals.
• Move picket pins and temporary corrals several times per day.

Historical & Archeological Sites

• Please remember that visitors can help preserve these sites for future generations by not disturbing them in any way.

Backcountry Courtesy

• Attempt to be as courteous to others as possible. Excessive noise, unleashed pets, and damaged surroundings distract from the quality experience in the backcountry.
• See more on backcountry courtesy under "trail etiquette."
• The national Leave No Trace program, which advocates leaving minimal impact while using an area for recreation purposes, is another good source of information. This program provides comprehensive information that can assist in achieving a stewardship ethic. For more information, contact: Leave No Trace, Inc., P.O. Box 997, Boulder, CO 80306, 1-800-332-4100, fax 303-442-8217.