Trail Etiquette Tips from the Web

• Don’t use wet trails. If you are leaving prints (hoof, tire, or boot), the trail is too wet to use. When approaching muddy spots, go through the center of the mud to keep the trail narrow.
• Stay on the trail. Do not go off trail (even to pass), create new trails, or cut switchbacks. Narrow trails mean less environmental impact and happier critters.
• Respect. It’s a simple concept: if you offer respect, you are more likely to receive it. All user groups have rights and responsibilities to our trails, and to each other.
• 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 or dirt. Don't just trample off the trail into a nice soft field of grass and flowers.
• Do not block the trail. When taking a break, move to the side of the trail.
• Smile. Greet. Nod. Every user on the trail is a fellow nature lover. Be friendly and expect to see other folks around every corner.
• RESPECT: It's a simple concept: if you offer respect, you are more likely to receive it. Education with friendly respect will diminish negative encounters on the trail for all users.
• COMMUNICATION: Let folks know you’re there — before you’re there. Riding up on horses and stock can be dangerous even for the best-trained critters. For bikers and hikers; 1. Make yourself known to stock and rider. A simple “Howdy” works to get attention. 2. Step downhill and off trail.
• HORSES UPHILL: Horses and mules are prey animals. That means they think everything wants to eat them; even the hiker with a large, scary backpack and especially the fast-moving biker “chasing” them. When startled, frightened critters go uphill. You should move downhill to avoid an encounter with a 1,000 pound panicked animal. Yikes!
• YIELD APPROPRIATELY: Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you’re coming - a friendly greeting is a good method. Anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. Bicyclists should yield to other non-motorized trail users, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic. In general, strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one.
• REVERE THE RESOURCE: The Santa Monica Mountains have lots to offer for the active person. Help protect your accessibility by playing nicely with your neighbors and treating trails with reverence. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics and pitch in to give back - pick up trash, volunteer on a trail project or become a member of your local trail club. Take action and get involved today!
• AVOID SPREADING SEEDS: Help keep weeds out of our local mountains. Noxious weeds threaten our healthy ecosystems and livelihoods. Stay on trail, drive on designated roads, use weed seed free hay, check your socks, bikes and horse tails for hitchhikers when you get back to the trailhead. Let’s keep our forests strong and clean.
• BE INFORMED: It’s YOUR responsibility to be “in the know.” Questions about where to ride, trail closures, outdoor ethics and local regulations are important to know before you head out on the trails. Contact your local land manager if you are unsure about what you can and can’t do in a given area.
• Yielding to Equestrians: In Colorado, a huge part of our heritage is tied up in riding horses. Bikers often scare horses. We are less familiar to them than hikers, so use caution. We recommend that as you approach an equestrian you call out a friendly greeting from far away. Slow the heck down, too. You want to start talking from about 50-75 ft away if you can. Like I said, horses spook easily, so try asking how the person on the horse would like you to get by. Would they like you to get off and walk (this is great for horses that are really skittish) or should you pass slowly at the next safe spot? From http://bouldermountainbike.org/content/trail-etiquette
• Yielding to Hikers: This isn't a race, so yelling "On your left!" probably isn't the best thing. In years of practice, we've found that the best thing to do is to SLOW DOWN. We know, we know, it's harshing your mellow, but good interactions mean more open trails. Then just say something like "Hi there! Great day." People usually wake up to your presence without alarm. from http://bouldermountainbike.org/content/trail-etiquette
• 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.