Hiking Etiquette

Explore alpine lakes, wildflower meadows and high-alpine forest on Crystal’s miles of hiking, horseback riding and biking trails. Make sure you know before you go:

Hiking Etiquette


  • Bikers yield to hikers and horses.

  • Hikers yield to horses.

  • Hikers traveling downhill yield to hikers traveling uphill.

  • Stay on the trail. Do not cut switchbacks or take shortcuts.

  • When overtaking someone, let them know you are approaching and will be passing on their left.

  • Whenever you stop for a view, a rest, or to yield, move off the trail so it is free for others. If you are selecting the spot for a rest, get off on a used area or a durable surface such as a rock, dirt, or snow. Don’t just trample off the trail into a nice soft field of grass and flowers.

  • When hiking in a group, hike single file or take no more than half of a wide trail. Make sure everyone in your group understands what actions to take when encountering hikers, bikers, and horses.

  • When meeting a horse: – Get off the trail on the downhill side. – Quietly greet the rider and ask if you are ok where you are. – Stand quietly while the horses pass.

  • Hike Quietly. Echos are fun, but keep conversations quiet and enjoy the lack of noise pollution

  • Don’t leave any markers when hiking off-trail. Cairns, ducks, or little piles of rocks are not needed.

  • Read trailhead guidelines. There may be specific rules for the trail you are on.

  • Pack It In – Pack It Out. Respect the natural environment and carry out all of your trash, even biodegradable items such as banana peels. It is not good for animals to eat non-native plants/foods and who wants to look at your old banana peel while it ever-so-slowly decomposes? If you packed it in, pack it out.

  • Take only pictures. A pretty rock or a bunch of flowers deserve to remain where they are. The only souvenirs a hiker should come home with are photographs and happy memories — and maybe an improved fitness level!

  • Most hikers you encounter on the trail will be friendly; a “hello” or “how’s it going?” is sufficient. Sometimes you’ll meet a hiker who may not welcome a greeting; if so, continue hiking and let them go by.

10 Essentials Every Hiker Should Carry 1. Map 2. Compass (optionally supplemented with a GPS receiver) 3. Sunglasses and sunscreen 4. Extra food and water 5. Extra clothes 6. Headlamp (outdoor)/flashlight 7. First aid kit 8. Fire starter 9. Matches 10. Knife