How We Practice Leave No Trace Outdoors
We love spending time outdoors, whether we're hiking, camping, birding, or simply exploring somewhere new. Those places give us so much, and we believe it's our responsibility to leave them just as beautiful as we found them.
A few years ago, Joshua Tree National Park launched its "Explore Responsibly" campaign, reminding visitors that protecting these landscapes is just as important as enjoying them. That idea fits perfectly with the Leave No Trace principles, which have become second nature for us every time we head outside.
Leave No Trace isn't about following a long list of rules. It's about making thoughtful choices that reduce our impact so the next person, and the wildlife that lives there every day, can enjoy the same experience.
Plan Ahead and Prepare
A little planning goes a long way.
Before every trip, we research trail conditions, permits, weather, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions. We pack only what we need, repackage food to reduce trash, and always carry a backup plan in case weather or campsite availability changes.
We also rely on maps, GPS, and navigation apps instead of building rock cairns or other trail markers. Those stacks of rocks might seem harmless, but they can confuse other hikers and disturb the natural landscape.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Whenever possible, we stay on established trails and camp in designated campsites.
In places where dispersed camping is allowed, we choose durable surfaces like gravel, rock, or bare soil rather than fragile vegetation. We also avoid camping close to water sources, giving wildlife plenty of room to access the water they depend on.
When hiking, we stay on the trail, even if it's muddy. Walking around puddles or obstacles often widens the trail and damages surrounding plants.
The goal is simple: when we leave, it should look like we were never there.
Dispose of Waste Properly
"Pack it in, pack it out" is one of the easiest Leave No Trace habits to remember.
Everything we bring into the outdoors comes back out with us, including food wrappers, scraps, and other trash.
For human waste, we always follow the regulations for the area we're visiting. In many places that means digging a proper cathole well away from trails, campsites, and water sources, while other locations require all waste to be packed out using waste bags. It's always worth checking the local rules before your trip.
When washing dishes, we strain out food particles, pack those scraps out with our trash, and scatter the wastewater well away from lakes, streams, and campsites. Even biodegradable soap should be used sparingly and never directly in natural water sources.
Leave What You Find
Nature is best enjoyed where it belongs.
Interesting rocks, feathers, flowers, and other natural treasures are much more valuable when they stay where they are for others to discover.
The same goes for cultural and historic sites. Petroglyphs, old cabins, mining remnants, and other historic features should be admired without touching or climbing on them. Preserving these places helps ensure they'll still be here for future generations.
When we find something especially beautiful, we take photographs instead of souvenirs.
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Whenever possible, we cook on a camp stove instead of building a fire.
When campfires are allowed and conditions are safe, we use established fire rings, keep fires small, burn only local firewood where required, and make absolutely certain the fire is completely out before leaving.
California's dry climate makes wildfire prevention especially important, and many of our trips take place during periods when campfires aren't allowed at all.
Respect Wildlife
Watching wildlife is one of our favorite parts of being outdoors, but that means giving animals the space they deserve.
We never feed wildlife or approach animals for a closer photograph. We keep food stored securely, use bear lockers whenever they're provided, and properly dispose of trash so animals don't learn to associate people with food.
If camping or hiking with pets where they're allowed, make sure they don't disturb wildlife and clean up after them.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Many people head outdoors for the same reason we do: to enjoy the peace and quiet.
We try to keep voices low, avoid playing music on speakers, yield appropriately on the trail, and be courteous to everyone we meet.
Sometimes the best soundtrack is simply the wind in the trees, birds calling, or a creek flowing nearby!
Final Thoughts
Leave No Trace isn't about being perfect. Every outdoor destination is a little different, and the best choice sometimes depends on local regulations and conditions. What matters is taking a moment to think about how our actions affect the place we're visiting.
The outdoors are busier than ever, and that's wonderful to see. The more people who discover these incredible places, the more important it becomes for all of us to care for them. We want the next hiker, camper, birder, or photographer to experience the same wild landscapes that make us want to keep coming back.
