Mancos trails users:
good stewards of our local trails

Part of the mission of Mancos Trails Group is to promote trail stewardship and positive trail interactions among all trail users on our local trails. ​Just a little but of respect and kindness toward other trail users, goes a long way toward improving  everyone's experience.

stop, speak & smile

Leave no trace
Bikers, hikers & horseback riders...
Make minimal impact on the trails (eg. Don't walk around mud, etc), don't pick flowers, follow general leave-no-trace etiquette.

basic Trail etiquette

  • Stay on designated and posted trails and roads.
  • Be considerate of all trail users - we are all out in nature for the same reason.
  • Downhill traffic should yield to uphill traffic.
  • All trail users should yield to horses. Avoid sudden moves or loud noises which could spook a horse.
  • ATVs or motorcycles should yield to all other users.
  • Bicyclists and trail runners should yield to equestrians and hikers. Slow down and alert others when approaching from the rear.
  • Bicyclists should consider using a bell or similar device.
  • Always travel at safe, controlled speeds.
  • Do not use trails when wet or muddy. If you leave a track, please turn back.
  • Sound travels far, so please be considerate of others and speak quietly when possible.

General CHECKLIST For Colorado's Public lands

  • Know before you go: Plan ahead, arrive early, be prepared and have a “Plan B” for camping options. Make sure you know if you’ll be able to find a place to park, what type of gear you’ll need and check the weather report.
  • Plan trip activities to match your skills, abilities, gear and goals. Hiking a 14er is much more challenging than a forest hike, hydrate early and often.
  • Driving an OHV? Stay on designated OHV/motorized trails, know what trails are open, be courteous to other users, slow down, don’t create new trails, drive slowly through creeks and muddy patches and don’t trespass.
  • When hiking, be courteous to other trail users, don’t short-cut trails or create new ones, stay on established trails and stay off sensitive areas such as the tundra, wetlands and steep slopes.
  • When hiking with your dog be sure to “scoop the poop” and carry it out. Don’t leave poop bags on the trail.
  • Know the stay limits for the area you are visiting. Campsites can be occupied for no more than 14 consecutive days, then the site must be moved at least 3 miles away. Camping is also limited to 28 days in a 60-day period.
  • Leave what you find, don’t pick wildflowers, take only pictures.
  • Read signs at trailheads and abide by instructions. Please observe all closures.
  • Only camp in designated camping areas.
  • When camping in dispersed areas, avoid camping within 100 feet of water, keep your camping “foot print” small, camp in areas that have already been disturbed if possible, pack out all garbage.
  • Be “Bear Aware” when camping. Don’t leave food out when you’re not at camp. Lock food in vehicles, out of view or in bear proof containers; keep a clean camp; never take food into your tent.
  • Wherever you’re camping be considerate of others; consider how your actions may be affecting the way someone else enjoys the outdoors.
  • When camping in the backcountry, camp well away from water, don’t build fire rings, be bear aware, pack it in—pack it out.
  • Never leave a campfire unattended. Make sure your fire is dead out when leaving by heavily dousing with water.
  • Observe wildlife from a distance; if you see animals, don’t approach them or pick them up – they haven’t been abandoned.
  • When fishing, do not leave bait, hooks or fish bones on the bank of the river or lake. Pick up all fishing line to prevent animals from getting tangled in it.
  • Talk to your children, or those new to the outdoors, about responsible recreation.