Trail Etiquette

Leave pets at home whenever possible or keep leashed.

If you do have a pet with you, please, clean up after them.

Stay on established trails. Cutting across switchbacks promotes soil erosion and increases trail maintenance costs.

Pack out all trash.

Courtesy counts!

  Hikers

Step to the downhill side of the trail when meeting horses and talk in a low voice to the riders. This calms the horses.

  Mountain Bikers

Yield to all other trail users. When approaching hikers from ahead or behind, make your presence known. Wait until they can easily move off the trail, and then slowly pass.

Control your speed. Be ready to stop. Always anticipate encountering hikers or other bikers around blind corners.

Ride smoothly around corners and master climbing without spinning your wheels. Don't skid as you brake. This gouges the trail and increases trail maintenance as well as making the trail bumpier then they need to be.

Water-bars (made of logs, rocks, and trenches) are placed across trails to prevent erosion. Riding around them undermines these objectives. Learn the skills you need to ride over them.

Avoid muddy trails.

Avoid bark chipped trails -- they are reserved for hikers only.

  Equestrians

Take as few stock animals as necessary. Graze and tie stock away from fresh water sources.

Spread manure around to hasten decomposition. Clean up all manure and hay at trail heads.

Confine stock without damaging trees or shrubs.

Weather

Summer: 90° days, 50° nights
Winter: 20°-30° days,
            below freezing nights

A rule of thumb is that for every 1,000 feet in elevation gain, the temperature will drop approximately 4 degrees. Remember that the mountains can be very unpredictable and that you should always carry emergency provision when attempting the peaks or any of the higher trails. Many of the trails offer views of the West Desert where approaching storms may be spotted in advance (as seen in the picture below). Don't be caught off guard and remember to stay off exposed ridges during storms containing lightening.

Conditions

The mountains are home to many animals including deer, elk, moose, cougar and rattlesnakes. Wear sturdy boots, long pants and carry first-aid equipment on extended hikes. Let someone know where you are going and be prepared to direct a rescue team to an emergency. Bring water from home. The Giardia parasite may inhabit any mountain stream.

Camping

Camping is not permitted on any of the trails. Check with the U.S. Forest Service for approved camp sites on federal land and seek approval from private land owners.