Stay back from the pack. Find your way to less-visited and off-peak destinations to minimize downtime and maximize your connection with special places.
Bring along reusable water bottles or hot drink tumblers to limit waste and stay hydrated in our dry climate.
Check conditions where you plan to visit. In Colorado, even late spring can bring snowstorms, so be aware of the latest news for weather and snow, as well as for road and trail closures.

• Even though shortcuts can be tempting, please don’t take them. A few extra strides on the path will protect plants and the homes of the true locals.
• Melting snow leaves trails and vegetation more open to damage. Be sure to stick to trails and walk in the middle of the trail — even if it’s wet, muddy, slushy, or icy — to avoid erosion and damage to trailside plants.

• Pack it in, pack it out. Or pick it up to leave a place better than you found it. Put litter, even crumbs, peels, and cores, in your nearest waste/recycling bin.
• Wash yourself, your dog, or whatever else needs cleaning at least 200 feet from waterways, and use biodegradable soap. A bubble bath is no treat for fish.

• Leave plants, rocks, and historical items as you find them so others experience the joy of discovery.
• Treat all living things with respect. Carving or hacking plants and trees may kill or disfigure them.

• Colorado’s low humidity has perks but can create dry, dangerous conditions. Keep campfires small and manageable to avoid sparking wildfires.
• When putting out a fire, water it until you can handle the embers. Never let a fire burn unattended.
• Use care when smoking in Colorado’s dry climate. Always put cigarettes out completely, and don’t leave your butts behind.
• Always check for local fire restrictions.

• Colorado is home to tens of thousands of furry, scaly, and feathered creatures. To keep them — and you — safe, don’t approach them.
• Do not feed wildlife no matter how hungry you think they might look.
• Keep your furry buddies leashed when enjoying dog-friendly trails, and pack out their waste. All the way to a trashcan.

• Pick up dog waste and dispose properly.
• Chances are you’re not out in nature to people-watch, so try out the lesser-known paths and sites.
• Silence your cell phone before stepping into nature and speak softly without using the speaker function.
• Be considerate when passing others on the trails and yield to the uphill hiker and biker — they need the momentum.
• Listen to nature. Keep your voice and music soft so all can enjoy the peace of Colorado.