Part of a series of articles titled I Didn't Know That! Leave No Trace.
Article
I Didn't Know That!: Leave No Trace Principle #7 - Be Considerate of Others
![I Didn't Know That! (with Leave No Trace) Principle 7 - Be Considerate of Others an article banner for I Didn't Know That:! (with Leave No Trace) Principle 7 - Be Considerate of Others with image of a hiker smiling and waving](/articles/000/images/IDKT-Article-Banner-IDKT-LNT-7_4.png)
![Crowded trails crowds of people make their way up the steep angels landing trail](/articles/000/images/zion-crowds.jpg?maxwidth=1300&autorotate=false)
NPS Photo
What You Can Do
![yield-triangle a yellow yield triangle for multiuse trails that shows that bikes yield to hikers and stock and hikers yield to stock.](/articles/000/images/accessible-yield-triangle-yellow_7848533_4.png)
Image courtesy of Leave No Trace.
Follow the Yield Triangle
An important component of sharing the trail is the yield triangle. This tool helps us understand who yields on a multi-use trail. Here’s how it goes: Hikers and bikers both yields to stock users, bikers yield to hikers, and uphill hikers yield to downhill hikers. Everyone will yield to people using mobility devices. Keep in mind that this may differ depending on your location. Good communication is key; when passing others on the trail, be sure to say hello and ask if you can pass beforehand.Be Mindful of Noise
The noise we make can impact the experience of those around us as well as the wildlife that call the area home. Be mindful of the noise you make and how it can impact others. That might mean skipping the music or avoiding creating too much noise in a big group. Enjoy the sounds of nature and give others the same opportunity.
![Taking a break a smiling young woman and middle-aged man with backpacks sit on a rock surface enjoying the view of a green valley below](/articles/000/images/hikers-on-specimen-ridge-YELL-NPS-Neal-Herbert.jpg?maxwidth=1300&autorotate=false)
NPS / Neal Herbert
Take Breaks on a Durable Surface
To keep the trail open for others to use, it is a good idea to take breaks on a durable surface off the trail. This could be a large rock, a clearing of leaf litter or pine duff, or sandy river bank. Choose a place where your group will not damage vegetation or cause erosion and that leaves the trail open for others to pass by.
Plan Trips to Avoid Times of High Use
Many parks experience peak visitation times during certain seasons, events, or times of day. Planning around these can make your trip more enjoyable and make everything from parking to finding campsites easier. Some parks, sites, or areas may require a reservation or even a timed entry permit during these high visitation times. Make sure you are preparded and know before you go by exploring park websites before your visit.
![mountain biking four mountain bikers with helmets and packs bike down a dirt trail in the desert](/articles/000/images/mountain-biking-white-rim-trail-NPS-Andrew-Kuhn.jpg?maxwidth=1300&autorotate=false)
NPS / Andrew Kuhn
We're all in this together!
Remember that everyone is out there to connect with nature, to learn more about our history, or to enjoy our natural world. We all have a shared interest in protecting these places, even if we choose to enjoy them in different ways.Pass It On
Did you learn something new? Pass it on! Protecting our ecosystems a job for us all, but there’s no way for everyone to be an expert in everything. That’s why sharing knowledge is so important!
Download or screenshot this card to share with a friend or help spread the word and encourage others to Leave No Trace by being considerate of others. Thank you for helping keep our outdoor spaces enjoyable for all.
![Right click to download and share Infographic describing Leave No Trace Principle 7: Be Considerate of Others with tips on what you can do](/articles/000/images/IDKT-Card-IDKT-LNT-7_2.png)
- Over 300 million people visit parks each year! That's a lot fo people to share our public lands with! We can all do our part to be considerate of others and share the trail so that eveyrone has an equal opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
- What You Can Do
- Be mindful of noise
- Follow the yield triangle
- Take breaks off-trail on durable surfaces
- Plan trips to avoid times of high use.
- Ranger Tip
- Remember that we are all out there to enjoy the natural world - even if we have different ways of enjoying it!.
Last updated: August 26, 2024