Whether you travel our trails by bike, by foot, or on horseback, your courtesy is critical to the shared enjoyment of our trail system. Here are a few tips to consider.
Travel on Open Trails Only
Respect all trail and road closures. Do not trespass on private land. Be aware that bicycles are not permitted in areas protected as federal Wilderness.
Trail Conditions
Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you and the environment. Wet and muddy trails are more at risk to damage than dry trails, so please consider other options where trails are drier when local trail conditions are soft. Bicycle tires leave linear trenches in mud, increasing rapid erosion potential during wet conditions.
Leave No Trace
Be sensitive to the environment. Don't cut switchbacks. Stay on the existing trail and do not create new ones - keep singletrack single. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as well as cultural and historic structures and artifacts as you find them. Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. Pack out trash – at least as much as you pack in.
Be a Responsible Dog Owner
Dogs must be on leash at all times on all Town trails. Even if your dog is well behaved off leash, other trail users, especially those with small children do not know this. Leash law strictly enforced. Please clean up after your pets; animal waste adds nitrogen to ground water and can contain harmful organisms like Giardia, Samonella and E-Coli that can be transmitted to humans and other animals. Roundworms and hookworms deposited by infected animals can live in the soil for long periods of time and be transmitted to other animals and humans. Please be courteous and clean up after your dog and help keep our parks and trails clean.
Stay in Control
Be aware of your surroundings. Inattention for even a moment could put others and yourself at risk. Bicyclist remember to ride within your limits and obey speed regulations and recommendations.
Share the Trail and Yield Appropriately
Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Be courteous and yield to other users on the trail. Do your utmost to let fellow trail users know you're coming – a friendly greeting or bell ring are good methods. Try to anticipate other trail users as you approach corners. Bicyclists should yield to other trail users such as hikers and equestrians, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to users that are traveling uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic. Hikers should step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering Equestrians and pack stock. In general, strive to make each meeting with other trail users a safe and courteous one.
Respect Wildlife
Keep your distance and never feed, startle or provoke wildlife. Animals are easily startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement or a loud noise. Give animals enough room and time to adjust to you. When passing or approaching horses and equestrians, use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife are serious offenses.
Plan Ahead
Carry food and water, extra clothing and sunscreen. Carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. Know your equipment, your ability and the area you are traveling. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Strive to be self-sufficient. Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit. Be aware of the health effects of High Altitude and diminished oxygen levels.
Trail Maintenance
Service vehicles and equipment may be encountered. Please use caution.
In Case of Emergency
Dial 911 on your phone or ext. 4201 on any of the on-mountain phones to contact the Snowmass Ranger Station. Or, call the Snowmass Ranger Station directly at 970-923-0531.