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Hiking Hints

Traveling a mountain trail, away from centers of civilization, is a unique experience in Southern California living. It brings intimate association with nature—communion with the earth, the forest, the chaparral, the wildlife, and the clear sky. A great responsibility accompanies this experience—the obligation to keep the mountains as you found them. Being considerate of the wilderness rights of others will make the mountain adventures of those who follow equally rewarding.

As a mountain visitor, you should become familiar with the rules of wilderness courtesy outlined below.

Trails

Never cut switchbacks. This practice breaks down trails and hastens erosion. Take care not to dislodge rocks that might fall on hikers below you. Improve and preserve trails, as by clearing away loose rocks (carefully) and removing branches. Report any trail damage and broken or misplaced signs to a ranger.

Off Trail

Restrain the impulse to blaze trees or to build cairns where not essential. Let the next fellow find his way as you did.

Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikers need to respect the rights and the safety of hikers and horseback riders and should follow sound conservation practices. Yield right-of-way to other trail users. Control your speed. Stay off muddy trails, and do not shortcut switchbacks. Mountain biking is permissible on most forest trails but is prohibited in wilderness areas and on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Campgrounds

Spread your gear in an already-cleared area, and build your fire in a campground stove. Don’t disarrange the camp by making hard-to-eradicate ramparts of rock for fireplaces or windbreaks. Rig tents and tarps with line tied to rocks or trees; never put nails in trees. For your campfire, use fallen wood only; do not cut standing trees or break off branches. Use the campground latrine. Place litter in the litter can or carry it out. Leave the campground cleaner than you found it.

Fire

Fire is the greatest danger in the Southern California mountains; act accordingly. Smoking is permitted only in campgrounds, places of habitation, and vehicles. Report a mountain fire immediately to the US Forest Service.

Litter

Along the trail, place candy wrappers, raisin boxes, orange peels, and so on in your pocket or pack for later disposal; throw nothing on the trail. Pick up litter you find along the trail or in camp. More than almost anything else, litter detracts from the wilderness scene. Remember, you can take it with you.

Noise

Boisterous conduct is out of harmony in a wilderness experience. Be a considerate hiker and camper. Don’t ruin another’s enjoyment of the mountains.

Hiker Ethics

Human life and well-being take precedence over most everything else—in the mountains as elsewhere. If a hiker or camper is in trouble, help in any way you can. Give comfort or first aid, and then hurry to a ranger station for help.