Safe_Trails

Fellow trail user. This brochure has been developed to help trail users, like yourself, to safely enjoy the paths through these Southwest Colorado mountains.
Safety is our primary concern. Following some simple guidelines should insure that your trail experience is enjoyable and safe for you and other trail users, regardless of mode of transport.
Most local trails are shared by Hikers, Horses and Bicycles while some include Motorcycles and ATVs. With different modes of transport there can sometimes be conflict.
Any conflict on a single-track trail can pose an unsafe situation for all parties involved and can be potentially life threatening, given the time and distance to medical care.

Courtesy and Common Sense are the first two rules. They supersede all other rules.
No matter who is supposed to yield to whom, varying circumstances will require courtesy and common sense to prevail. For instance, when one trail user traveling downhill meets someone coming uphill, the downhill traveler should probably yield the trail to those traveling uphill. Inclement weather and trail conditions may also determine your course of action in some situations. Again, let courtesy and common sense prevail.

Stay off wet trails if possible.
It's one thing to head downhill when the weather moves in, it's quite another to start up a trail in these conditions and is, in fact, potentially dangerous.

Mechanized travelers should be aware of slower traffic which may be ahead.
Remember, you are faster and may overtake slower trail users at any time.

The land agencies who maintain these trails have created a hierarchy for trail users, based on the potential for injury. Adhering to this hierarchy greatly reduces the chance of injury and conflict to all trail users.
The following rule of thumb explains how it all works.

Motorcycles/ATVs
yield to
Bicycles
yield to
Hikers
yield to
Horses/Mules/Llamas
As you can see, the faster, more mechanized modes of transport yields to slower traffic.

Horses, Mules and Llamas have right-of-way due to the unpredictable nature of these animals.
Other trail users need to be aware of approaching livestock and let your presence be known to the animal and rider/handler as soon as possible by speaking in a normal voice until the rider/handler is aware of your presence, then move off the trail (downhill side if feasible) to an open location. This lets the animal know you are human and they will be less likely to spook, causing harm to yourself or the rider. Follow the riders' instructions should the animal become frightened.

Dogs should be under control at all times.
Many riding and pack animals are afraid of dogs and may kill a dog or cause injury to itself or others when frightened by one. Also know that not everyone will share your fondness of dogs and may not appreciate your dog jumping on them.

Turn off engines of motorized vehicles when encountering horses, mules and llamas.

Pack strings are the most likely to encounter problems when approached by other traffic. Give pack strings plenty of room and respect the fact that these animals may startle easily, causing you harm.

Horseback riders should yield the trail to large groups or when common sense deems it appropriate.

Look for tracks of slower traffic in the trail.
Fresh tracks, moving in the same direction as you may be an indication that you are about to overtake another trail user.

Stay in control of your chosen mode of transportation and remain aware of your fellow trail users at all times.
This rule goes for everyone, regardless of how you choose to enjoy the trails. If you are responsible for yourself and aware of others, chances are everyone benefits from it, especially you.

Be patient and courteous toward your fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Not everyone knows proper trail etiquette and may only need a friendly tip to help them see why we have these “rules of the trail”.

Report dangerous, unlawful and destructive activity to the proper authorities.
DO NOT TAKE THE LAW INTO YOUR OWN HANDS!

Know where you're going and let somebody else know when you expect to return.

Weather in the high country can change quickly. Be prepared for any changes.
Remember, the one time you're unprepared is when something bad will happen. The Colorado Mounted Rangers are ready and willing, but hope you never need us to come to your rescue.

Colorado Mounted Rangers
Troop D
P.O. Box 12
Durango, CO 81302
http://dtroop.coloradoranger.org
www.coloradoranger.org
The Colorado Mounted Rangers are a volunteer, non-profit organization.

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