We love our trails in Colorado Springs. Sometimes maybe a little too much. Everyone enjoys getting out on the vast trail networks of the Pikes Peak region — from hikers, bikers, runners, equestrians and off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders to tourists and curious wanderers. Unfortunately, the increasing number of foot, hoof, paw and wheel prints can take a heavy toll on the landscape over time. That has been especially true since the surge in use during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. We all want to get outside, making it all the more important for us to leave no trace when we do.
“The great news is that so many are experiencing the tremendous benefits to their health and well-being by spending time outdoors and our communities are enjoying the economic benefits of a strong outdoor economy,” says Becky Leinweber, executive director of the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance (PPORA). ”The bad news is that this increased volume, and some poor outdoor ethics, is diminishing the experiences of all users and having negative impacts to our natural and recreational resources.”
When it comes to using our amazing trails and public lands, it’s up to all of us to take care of them. So what does it take to be a responsible, sustainable trail user in Colorado Springs? We pulled together these tips with input from PPORA, the Trails and Open Space Coalition (TOSC) and the Leave No Trace principles. Even the most casual trail user can help keep our local trails sustainable. And for those looking to do more, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in trail maintenance or other ways to support their favorite parks, trails and open spaces.
Here’s how to get started to leave no trace and use our Colorado Springs trails sustainably.
Plan ahead and know your limits.
Check the weather forecast and trail information before you head out on the trail. Make sure to bring food and water. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for cold, wet or changing weather conditions. After all, the most constant facet of Colorado weather is that it changes quickly and often.
Hike, bike or ride with others — or let someone know where you’re going.
Visit public lands with a friend or a family member. If you head out alone, tell someone where you’re going and when you plan on returning. “Our public land managers continue to see sustained high numbers of rescues,” Leinweber says. “Don’t take unnecessary risks. Know before you go.”
Don’t park illegally at full trailheads.
If you can, go on a weekday, when parks and trails are generally less crowded. Trailhead parking lots often fill up on weekends. Have an alternate plan in case the parking lot is full. Follow guidelines and take shuttles to popular areas, such as the Incline. It can save you a ticket from rangers or law enforcement.
Stay on the trail.
“When you take short cuts you damage habitat,” says Susan Davies, executive director of TOSC. “Rogue trails degrade the forest, affect wildlife and cause erosion.” When you need to step off-trail to allow someone to pass, avoid fragile vegetation. You can also help protect sensitive wildlife habitats by staying out of wildlife closure areas.
Leave no trace — pack it out.
If you pack it in, pack it out. That includes food waste, such as apple cores and orange peels, which can take years to decompose. Be prepared to pack out dog poop when receptacles aren’t available. Learn more about Leave No Trace principles at lnt.org.
Avoid the mud.
Spring, aka mud season, can be especially damaging to trails as snowmelt and rainfall leave trails wet and soils soft. Bikes, horses and OHVs especially can cause damage to trails when they’re muddy. It’s usually best to wait a few days after a big thaw or storm. If you’re in doubt, check land management websites or social media groups for trail reports and conditions.
“Consider the time of day that you recreate,” Davies adds. “Trails will be firmer in the morning before thawing takes place.” Remember too that trails on north-facing slopes take longer to thaw and dry than those in sunny, south-facing areas.
When you do encounter mud…
Sometimes mud is unavoidable. If you encounter muddy conditions close to the trailhead, turn around and try a Plan B location. If you encounter mud deeper into an outing, stay on the trail and go through, not around it. Staying in the center of soft trails prevents widening and erosion, and it avoids damaging vegetation off-trail.
Follow good trail etiquette.
Downhill users should step aside for uphill users. “Bikes are at the bottom of the trail ‘food chain,’” Davies says. “Equestrians are at the top. Hikers and runners are in the middle.” So bikers yield to hikers and runners and all yield to horses.
Cyclists can use a bike bell to alert other trail users. If you use earbuds, use only one so you can hear approaching cyclists, runners, hikers or equestrians.
Be courteous and inclusive.
“When someone does step off the trail for you, reward them with a thank you,” Davies says. Remember that people visit trails and public lands for many reasons, including emotional and physical well-being and spending time with friends and family members. Outdoor users of all identities and abilities deserve respect and courtesy.
Clean up afterward.
Invasive plant seeds can be trapped in the mud and spread on sticky boots and bike tires. Cleaning mud off boots and bike tires will help stop the spread of those invaders. Plus, it will help preserve your equipment.
Leave what you find.
It’s one of the seven principles of leave no trace. Everything in nature has its place and reason. So leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. That includes wildflowers — please don’t pick them — and trees, plants and rocks — don’t damage them by carving or marking them. If you’re going to hang a hammock in an area that allows it, be sure to use straps that are at least 1 inch wide to avoid cutting into, or girdling, the tree.
Give back — do trail work.
There are many Friends groups and stewardship organizations in the Pikes Peak region who could use your help for trail maintenance or building new trails. Most host volunteer days where you might work on trails, pick up trash or paint picnic tables. You can find a list of Friends groups and volunteer projects at openspacevolunteers.org. And you can read about trail building in our article All Hail the Trails: And the Devotees Who Built Them.
Support Colorado Springs trails however it works for you.
You don’t have to get sweaty to care for your favorite trails. If trail work isn’t your thing, you might join a Friends group board or contribute financially to support their work. “Friends groups are run by committed volunteers,” Davies says. “They could use your help.”
Check with local land managers.
You can check for any critical advisories or closures of biking and hiking trails in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region with these local land managers:
Use the trails and love the trails.
You protect what you love. Chances are you already have a favorite hiking trail in Colorado Springs or biking trail in the Pikes Peak region. But it never hurts to explore. You can check out some new favorites in these articles:
This article was originally published in April 2022.
