Education

Etiquette

  • Stay on the right of every hiking trail

  • If mountain biking on trail: use your bell around blind corners

  • When in large groups, stay single file and let single hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians pass you

  • Call ahead to let your hiking group know if bikers are coming

  • Never veer off trail to avoid habitat destruction

  • If you are taking a break, step to the side of the trail

  • Hikers and mountain bikers must yield to horses (and await instruction from equestrian riders to proceed) or other pack stock

  • Hikers uphill have right of way

  • It is polite to greet other hikers you pass

  • Do not disturb wildlife, do not feed them

  • Check trail regulations before hiking, ex. food or dog allowance (dogs must be leashed on all trails)

  • Remember Leave No Trace: leave the trail better than you found it and pick up any litter you may see (even if it isn’t yours)

Safety

  • Research ahead of time: hike elevation, duration, and duration

  • Never try a new hike alone, use the buddy system

  • Bring proper footwear with appropriate tread

  • Never feed or touch wildlife

  • Plan for the weather forecast

  • Always bring more water than you think you need

  • If you have questions, consult a park ranger

  • Agree on an emergency plan before beginning

  • Let someone else in your life know where you will be heading and when

  • Pack the essentials (listed below)

  • Have a way to call for help, especially if the trail doesn’t have cell service

  • Be wary: don’t bring jewelry and hide money/valuables

  • Don’t wear headphones on trail

Packing Essentials

  • Proper hiking footwear

  • Water bottle(s), always bring more than you think you need

  • First aid kit

  • Trail map

  • Hat

  • Layers

  • If rain is forecasted: poncho

  • Sunscreen

  • Snacks (check trail regulations)

  • For long/overnight hikes: emergency shelter, flashlight, fire starters, repair kit, extra clothes

Wildlife

Watch out for the following species commonly found on SD trails:

  • Coyotes

  • Mule deer

  • Rattlesnakes

  • California ground squirrel

  • Possums

  • Skunks

  • Bobcats

  • Mountain lions

Research wildlife found on trail before trying out a new hike. Also be aware of certain species’ nocturnal status, which means they may be more commonly found early morning.

Diversity on Trail

  • Hiking is an amazing equalizer: it provides people of every age and demographic the opportunity to exercise in free or inexpensive spaces

  • Trails can also economically boost areas through tourism

  • Despite this on-the-surface egalitarianism, there are still socioeconomic discrepancies

  • Low-income areas and communities of color are often left out of planning processes for park and trail development

  • Red-lined neighborhoods have fewer access to parks per person and parks with less maintenance

  • Racial profiling has also been seen to make POC feel more uncomfortable in the outdoors

Additional Info on Equitable and Inclusive Trails