Spring is a beautiful time to get out on the trails, see nature in full bloom and feel the warmth of the sunshine. The beautiful sights and sounds can be entirely peaceful and even therapeutic, especially when winter has kept us indoors. However, springtime presents challenges when navigating hiking trails depending on where you’re journeying.

Know Before You Go

Regardless of what trails you plan to do, the best sound advice I can give you is to visit the US National Park site. Here you can see what trails are open and if there are any hazardous conditions, examples such as fires, flooding, avalanche zones, or active wildlife in the area. These hazards are things to be mindful of and know how to react to the situation if an encounter might arise. Springtime brings warmer weather, and the high peak mountains will begin having melt offs which cause high rivers and a higher probability of avalanche occurrences. 

The weather is the next thing you will want to check before heading out. Climate can cause extremely hazardous conditions in some world areas that can potentially cause injuries or even death. It is best to avoid challenging trails in the high elevations if the area expects precipitation. 

If you plan to transverse across mountainous terrain, more than likely, you will still be encountering icy and snowy conditions. If you have planned accordingly and brought your MICROspikes /Crampons and poles, you will have an easier time continuing on your journey. However, if you don’t have poles and spikes, you may want to hold off on continuing any further until more favorable conditions.

I cannot express enough how important it is to have these pieces of hiking equipment with you. It will make your adventure much more enjoyable. The spikes will help you avoid slipping and falling and help give that extra support and confidence when walking over icy terrain. The poles will give you that extra push when ascending and help your body take less impact when descending steep inclines. Trust me, your knees, legs, and joints will thank you later. 

Below is a list of some of my recommendations when hiking during the spring season.  

I cannot stress this enough about All-Trails, but this app will become your best friend on the trails. So many times, Google Maps have failed me in finding my routes. Using All-Trails has never let me down yet! One thing to note is even if you have no cellular service, the map will still work so long as you have saved your specific trail in your lists to explore. Another option is upgrading to All-Trails Pro to download your maps offline, but it is unnecessary.

The last thing to mention is the most important when hiking in nature or enjoying the outdoors: the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace. This practice has adapted to provide the support the environment needs to continue to grow and for us to help protect the plant and animal life in our world.

Below is the outline for the Seven Principles to follow:

1. Plan ahead and prepare: Knowing the restrictions and particular concerns in the area will allow you to have a more efficient and smooth sailing hike ahead of time. Checking the sites a day or two prior and the morning of will help decide if it’s best to do a long day hike, short ones, or delay for another day.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces: Protecting nature and allowing for new growth for the future is vital. It’s essential to stay on maintained trails, rocks, gravel, sand, snow, and dry grasses to avoid impacting vegetation within the parks and forest floors. Staying on durable surfaces goes for hiking through or planning to camp overnight.
   
3. Dispose of waste properly: Everyone has heard the term “Pack it in, Pack it out” food and human waste can have devastating consequences for nature and wildlife. It’s an important reminder to dispose of waste properly and make sure the area is clear before heading out. If needing to dispose of human waste, venture at least 200 feet away from water sources and trails and dig down at least 6-8 inches, but pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. If planning to wash yourself or cooking utensils, use a tiny amount of biodegradable soap, and again, make sure you’re at least 200 feet away from water sources.
   
4. Leave what you find:  It goes without saying but leaving what you find will continue to preserve the history and allow future generations to explore the beautiful lands for years to come.
   
5. Minimize campfire impacts: It’s crucial to know areas where prohibited and allowed fires occur. Checking ahead on the National Park Service pages will help you understand if a drought has impacted the site where forest fires can ignite or if there has been significant rainfall. Using a lightweight stove to cook on will eliminate the need for starting a fire in these areas. However, if permitted keep the fire small and contained, utilize fire rings, pans, or mounds, and use only the deadwood found on the ground floor. When leaving the area, make sure the campfire is completely out, and the ash has had time to cool off.
   
6. Respect wildlife: It’s a great reminder that you’re hiking into the wildlife’s habitat. Respecting the animals you may encounter along the way and giving them the space will allow everyone to continue co-adapting. Never approach an animal and provide them with food. Feeding the wildlife food can damage their health, alter their natural behavior and cause animals to seek out humans and campsites, which can have devastating consequences given time. Ensure containers and storage for food rations and trash are secure to eliminate the hazards. Another good option is avoiding seasons where wildlife is the most vulnerable, such as mating, nesting, and winter.
   
7. Be considerate of others: 

• When hiking, be respectful and courteous when on the trails to allow everyone to have a great overall experience.
• Remember to yield when heading downhill and allow those to continue to ascend.
• Give plenty of space if able and take breaks if people are fast approaching to let those journey at their same pace.

If you’re not a fan of crowds, try visiting the park during shoulder seasons or arriving early to the trailheads.There will be fewer crowds to encounter here, giving you the quiet you’re looking for but stay mindful. Everyone is heading to nature for different reasons, so breathe in and enjoy the views.

To find out more information on these Seven Principles, visit the National Park Service site. Remembering that we are in the wildlife’s habitat is vital, and showing respect on all accounts to animal and plant life will allow the journey in the wilderness to be enjoyed by all for years to come.