General Trail Courtesy and Safety 

  • Know Before You Go: Check weather, trail conditions and park rules before heading out
  • Stay On the Trails: Protect wildlife and natural resources, respect the land, leave no trace, be a good steward
  • Be Kind: Communicate, trails are for everybody and everyBODY, respect other trail users
  • Yield Rules: Situational awareness…

Bikes

  • Slow down, announce your presence, ride in control 
  • Ride single file around others
  • Use a bell and say “Howdy”, “Hi” or “Hello!”
  • Yield protocol: Cyclists yield to hikers and equestrians, but do what’s best for the situation

Hikers, Walkers & Runners

  • Stay alert. Be on the lookout for faster trail users – bikers, runners, and equestrians.
  • Allow room for others to pass. If necessary, walk in single file and don’t block the trail.
  • Yield protocol: Cyclists yield to hikers, hikers yield to equestrians, but do what’s best for the situation

Equestrians

  • Voice communication
  • Let other users know when it’s safe to pass
  • Yield protocol: Hikers and cyclists yield to equestrians, but do what’s best for the situation

Dogs

  • Ruts and erosion
  • Clog drainage features
  • Widening the trail
  • Undo hours of volunteer labor
  • Public perception of damage
  • Damage to your bike or equipment

Parks

We recognize most people already know these simple gestures of respect and stewardship, and we thank you for it. We also know that the most courteous park visitor may stumble now and then. But all it takes is one bad encounter to wipe out 10 good ones, so let’s amplify those positive interactions out on the trail!

Other Resources

  • Be in control of your dog, use voice commands, be aware of leash laws, bag it up
  • Dogs are not allowed in most California State Parks

Impacts of Using Wet Trails

  • Ruts and erosion
  • Clog drainage features
  • Widening the trail
  • Undo hours of volunteer labor
  • Public perception of damage
  • Damage to your bike or equipment

Parks

We recognize most people already know these simple gestures of respect and stewardship, and we thank you for it. We also know that the most courteous park visitor may stumble now and then. But all it takes is one bad encounter to wipe out 10 good ones, so let’s amplify those positive interactions out on the trail!

Other Resources