No trace and camping lite are just common sense. If you are going to the mountains to “get away from it all” and “to enjoy the glory of the wilderness” try to leave it better than you found it.

• Travel in small groups – the smaller the better.
• Use sites that have been previously used. Place your camp in areas that are already bare and use fire pits that are already there.
• Use hard or durable surfaces that have good drainage for your camp and that are well away from water and trails; the best surfaces are rock, gravel, sand, snow, and dry grass. Allow previously used sites to recover, in high country or backcountry change your site often.
• Avoid creating paths in your camp and while hiking.
• Stay on designated trails. Walk “single file.”
• Do not take shortcuts between switchbacks.
• Use a map and compass so you don’t need to “mark” your trail with rock piles, slashing trees, breaking brush or tying strings all over the place.
• Pack out all trash and garbage – even if it isn’t “yours”.
• Clean up spilled food and carry out leftover food – do not bury it, burn it or feed it to the animals.
• Properly dispose of human waste and fish and game remains. Burn or carry out your TP.
• Scatter cooking water and water used for cleaning at least 200 feet (75 adult steps) from water sources and camps. Use only biodegradable soaps, and minimize their use. Don’t dump the tub of water, spread it out.
• Take necessary steps to avoid attracting bears to your camp.
• Never use live trees and plants for firewood. Don’t pick or dig up the flowers & ferns.
• Leave things the way you found them.
• Don’t disturb rocks and fallen timber, artifacts, or other items of interest.
• Don’t trench around tents.
• Use a camp stove in lieu of building a fire whenever possible.
• Scatter unused wood into the forest before you leave.
• Choose the right tent. Always use the smallest tent you can for your needs.

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