Spring is in the air and that means backpacks are being pulled out of storage, spokes of mountain bikes are being checked and saddles for horses are being oiled. Many of the places we hike are multi-use recreation areas. Simply, this means there may be hikers, bikers and horse riders on any section of trail you are planning to hike. Being conscious and aware of those sharing the trail with you and knowing what to do when you encounter others reduces shared trail friction. Be prepared to yield.

Yielding on the trail is much like yielding when driving a vehicle. Slow down and be prepared to stop. Proceed only when you can do so safely.

There is etiquette with regard to shared trail usage. The question being, when on a trail who yields? Essentially, it comes down to the faster yield to the slower. Which means (take a gander at the photo above) …

• Hikers/walkers headed downhill yield to hikers/walkers headed uphill
• Bikers yield to hikers/walkers
• Bikers yield to horse riders
• Everyone yields to horse riders

When encountering horse riders it is best to get off the trail on the downhill side. You will look smaller to a horse and less dangerous. Talk to the horse rider in a quiet voice; they will provide you additional instruction if necessary. And, stand quietly with no abrupt movement while the horse and rider pass.

Although hikers/walkers have the right of way; it is often less hazardous to let a biker pass. Say a quick “Howdy” and if you are stepping off the trail a bicycle rider will often take that as a sign to pass quickly.

And, etiquette says that groups should yield to a single hiker or a pair of hikers. But, the reality is that it is more difficult for a group to get off the trail (and probably more damaging) therefore it is agreeable to let the group have the right of way.

Quick conversation is all that is necessary to ensure the safety and quality experience of all trail users. Your keeping a smile and being aware to yield will make for a better day of hiking.

About Step Outdoors, LLC

Step Outdoors wants you to go outside and we lead individually inspired one foot in front of the other adventure pursuits to get you there. We tailor a first time overnight backpack or a more challenging multi-day hiking adventure just for you. Perfect for mothers and daughters, couples, families, or a group of friends, we provide a 100% guarantee of fun.

Check out our blog at http://stepoutdoorscolorado.com/blog/. Or send us an email at info@stepoutdoorscolorado.com.