Hike Nice.

Remember: just as other hikers shape your experience, you shape theirs as well. If the number of people on your favorite trail is bumming you out, try a new perspective.

Equestrians, Hikers & Bikers Must Work Together

Many people have limited exposure to horses, do not know how to act around them, and may even be afraid. And no one likes walking or riding a bike through horse manure. Let’s cooperate.

Check Your Tech

Some trail tech is helpful (gps, trail maps) some of it isn’t (bluetooth speakers, competitive apps.) The most common piece of tech is earbuds. Check out this article for the pros, cons, and compromises for listening to something while you hike.

Dealing with Conflict, Bias and Harassment on the Trail

Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to interrupt active bias BEFORE it happens. Prioritize learning how to be an active ally and accomplice.

Yield Rules for Hikers

Hikers going downhill yield to those hiking uphill. Bikers yield to hikers. Everyone yields to horses. Knowing who should have the right of way helps to keep multi-use trails running smoothly

If you leave tracks, go back.

Wet and muddy trails are at more risk to damage than dry trails. When your shoe leaves a track in the mud, it’s too muddy. Now, what do you do when you arrive at a puddle??

We’ve got to say it: some of you need potty training.

Walk long enough and you’ll develop the outdoors sixth sense: the ability to notice things you didn’t see before. Follow these steps to properly do your business outdoors.

How to Find Less Crowded Trails

As the popularity of hiking has grown over recent years, well-known and easily accessible trails have been getting overrun. If you’re looking to escape the teeming masses, follow these tips to improve your chances of finding crowd-free day hikes.

Yield Rules for Biking

Bicyclists should yield to all other non-motorized trail users, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic.

Equestrians, Hikers & Bikers Must Work Together

Many people have limited exposure to horses, do not know how to act around them, and may even be afraid. And no one likes walking or riding a bike through horse manure. Let’s cooperate.

Ride with Gratitude.

Rider responsibility codes promote responsible and courteous use of shared-use trails. Learn the unique cultural expectations surrounding each trail network. VMBA’s Rider Responsibility Code can be applied everywhere.

Keep Tech in Check.

Wearing earbuds limits our awareness on the trail, getting caught up in virtual racing can be dangerous, and all of us on mountain bikes and eMTBs should heed speed and safety guidelines. Check out IMBA’s Ride Vibes for essential tips before your next ride.

Dealing with Conflict, Bias and Harassment on the Trail

Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to interrupt active bias BEFORE it happens. Prioritize learning how to be an active ally and accomplice.

If you leave tracks, go back.

Wet and muddy trails are at more risk to damage than dry trails. When your shoe leaves a track in the mud, it’s too muddy. Now, what do you do when you arrive at a puddle??

Riding Tips for Mountain Biking Beginners

A combination of loose surfaces, rocks, roots, and trail features can make it easy to lose control when you’re first starting out. Here are some common mistakes and how you can avoid them.

Things that Ruin Mountain Bike Rides

Punctures, getting lost, friends showing up late – all of these are avoidable problems. Check out these tips to make your next ride problem-free.

Yield Rules for Trail Runners

Uphill runners yield to downhill runners in most situations. Bikers yield to runners and hikers. Everyone yields to horses. Knowing who should have the right of way helps to keep multi-use trails running smoothly.

If you leave tracks, go back.

Wet and muddy trails are at more risk to damage than dry trails. When your shoe leaves a track in the mud, it’s too muddy. Now, what do you do when you arrive at a puddle??

Mean Runners Suck: How Not to Be a Jerk on the Trail

This excerpt from veteran trail runner Lisa Jhung’s book Trailhead: The Dirt on All Things Trail Running offers handy rules of thumb on how to be a good trail citizen.

Equestrians, Hikers, Bikers and Runners Must Work Together

Many people have limited exposure to horses, do not know how to act around them, and may even be afraid. And no one likes walking, running or riding a bike through horse manure. Let’s cooperate.

The Beginner’s Guide to Trail Running

Want to get started trail running but are unsure where to begin? Here are 8 simple tips for beginners and first time trail runners from the American Trail Running Association.

Rules on the Run

“Rules on the Run” are principles of trail running etiquette that foster environmentally-sound and socially-responsible trail running. How many of these principles do you already practice?

Check Your Tech.

Some trail tech is helpful (gps, trail maps) some of it isn’t (bluetooth speakers, competitive apps.) The most common piece of tech is earbuds. Check out this article for the pros, cons, and compromises for listening to something while you’re on the trail. Written for hikers, but applies to trail running as well.

Best Practices for Creating Safe Spaces in Trail Running Communities

Members from the Runners Equity Alliance share findings from a research study on sexual assault & harassment (SHSA) in the trail & ultrarunning communities, suggestions for community action and ways to get involved, as well as best practices and codes of conduct for racing.

Yield Rules for Horses

Hikers, bikers and all other users should yield to horses. When encountering other trail users always remember to Stop, Speak, and Smile!

If you leave tracks, go back.

Wet and muddy trails are at more risk to damage than dry trails. When your shoe leaves a track in the mud, it’s too muddy. Now, what do you do when you arrive at a puddle??

Equestrians, Hikers & Bikers Must Work Together

Many people have limited exposure to horses, do not know how to act around them, and may even be afraid. And no one likes walking or riding a bike through horse manure. Let’s cooperate.

Dealing with Conflict, Bias and Harassment on the Trail

Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to interrupt active bias BEFORE it happens. Prioritize learning how to be an active ally and accomplice.

Guidelines for Equestrians on Shared Trails

Be alert and aware of other trail users. If possible, pull to the side of the trail when you hear them. Less experienced horses and riders should ride between the more trail-wise horses. Be prepared to let other trail users know what needs to be done to keep everyone safe when you meet on the trail.At trailheads, secure horses safely and clean up all manure. Try to take it back home, if possible.

Check Your Tech

Some trail tech is helpful (gps, trail maps) some of it isn’t (bluetooth speakers). The most common piece of tech on the trail is earbuds. Are they a good idea while riding a horse? Opinions vary, but here are some considerations.

Horse Manure on the Trails

The idea that equestrians are careless manure droppers who do nothing to maintain trails is still out there. We must be constantly aware of how our fellow trail users see us. This article discusses some direct actions that equestrians can carry out to help alleviate the amount of horse manure on the trail, and the resultant non-equestrian user complaints.

Trail Ambassador Programs – Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices

Trail ambassador programs can be a boon to any trail or trail system. They build local engagement, help identify and solve deferred maintenance issues, and turn casual users into lifelong advocates. This webinar gathered together leaders of some of the best ambassador programs across the nation, representing a variety of trail user types, to share best practices and offer sage advice for starting programs for your trail.

Yield Rules for Motos

Moto riders should yield to all other non-motorized trail users, especially on narrow trails. Non-motorized users will likely hear you coming and often move off the trail to allow you to pass. Be sure to slow down, wave and thank them. If you encounter horses, pull off to the side, shut off your machine and let the horses pass. The video below will help you understand the perspective of other trail users.

Equestrians, Hikers, Bikers and Moto Riders Must Work Together

Many people have limited exposure to horses, do not know how to act around them, and may even be afraid. And no one likes walking or riding through horse manure. Let’s cooperate.

Avoid Head-Ons. Ride Right.

The Backcountry Discovery Routes organization is passionate about improving rider safety and has launched the ‘Ride Right’ campaign, which seeks to boost awareness of the importance of staying far right on the road or two-track trail no matter how remote you are.

Organized Rides = Less Stress

It’s often hard to know where motorcycles are allowed. A great way to discover new areas and to meet new friends is to participate in organized events. Dual Sport and Adventure rides for street-legal machines are a ton of fun and they follow routes that are pre-scouted and pre-approved. In many cases, they cross private land that is open only for the event. Check out the AMA’s schedule of sanctioned events at the link below.

Dealing with Conflict, Bias and Harassment on the Trail

Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to interrupt active bias BEFORE it happens. Prioritize learning how to be an active ally and accomplice.

Tips for the Beginner Dirt Bike Rider

Everybody has to start somewhere and it really helps to know what you’re getting into. The #1 rule of learning to ride off-road is this: Do Not Cheap Out on Your Boots or Helmet!

Dirt Bike Laws and Requirements

It’s important to know, understand and abide by the off-road motorcycle riding laws where you’re riding. Dirt Rider’s article offers what to look for and links to specific riding areas in California, Texas and Washington.

Tips for Responsible Dirt Biking

Our friends at Tread Lightly have compiled a comprehensive list of tips for responsible dirt biking. Respect the rights of others, educate yourself, avoid sensitive areas and do your part.

Dog Owners, Please B.A.R.K

It pays to practice the National Parks B.A.R.K. rule wherever you hike with your dog. B.A.R.K. stands for:

• Bag your pet’s waste
• Always leash your pet
• Respect wildlife
• Know where you can go

Hiking with Dogs: Tips for Hitting the Trail

The American Kennel Club is a great resource for expert advice, especially when it comes to having fun with your dog outdoors. This article may be the best 4 minutes you ever spend without your dog.

Hello Fido, May I See Your ID Please?

All dogs should wear an ID tag. In the event that you become separated from your dog, it’s important to have the right information on a non-dangling tag so you can be reunited. Our friends at RoadiD offer their advice.

“Trail dogs aren’t for everyone, but trails are.”

“…as dog owners, we need to remember that.” says Mark Peruzzi in his timeless Outside magazine article that should be required reading for everyone who adventures out with their dog.