There is nothing more magical than riding singletrack through a pristine forest, stand of aspens or a gorgeous stark desert landscape. These rides can fill your soul and let your brain relax. The experience can be tainted by trail destruction, litter or even simply by widening. We do our part at Women in the Mountains to take care of every trail we ride by following the rules below. We implore you to do the same and to teach everyone you ride with about these!
Leave no trace.
The general premise of Leave no Trace is to minimize the impact of our visits and to leave the land, air, and waters just as they are. Visit Leave No Trace to review the seven principles, which can be applied to any setting. Below, we’ll discuss some ways that mountain bikers can specifically reduce the impact on the trails and earth we love.
Stick to legitimate trails.
Always stay on designated trails, and make sure mountain biking is allowed. Follow rules for trail direction.
Don’t use shortcuts.
Don’t pave your own paths or trails. While it may be tempting to cut a switchback, doing so can create drainage patterns that result in land erosion.
Rest on durable surfaces.
When you need to step off the bike path for any reason, rest or gather on durable surfaces if possible. Look for areas with rocks, sand, or durable vegetation like dry grasses. In desert areas, avoid stepping or riding on cryptobiotic soil or biological soil crust. Soil crust covers much of the ground in southeast Utah and is a crucial part of desert ecosystems.
Keep singletrack single.
Don’t ride two abreast on singletrack trails, and ride through mud puddles instead of riding around them. Don’t widen trails by riding around challenging features. If you don’t feel comfortable riding a feature, walk it if possible.
Ride only dry trails.
Don’t ride trails when they are muddy, as this can cause extensive damage. If mud is sticking to your tires, turn around and come back another day. If you encounter mud in the middle of the trail, ride through it, not around it. When you ride around it, you widen the trails.
Following these tips will help keep trails and surrounding lands pristine for future generations of riders. As always, have fun and ride safely!
