Article Trail Etiquette

VegasUnderworld.com

The most complete guide to Southern Nevada's mining history.

Trail Etiquette

Don't be that guy.

Keep the noise down
When trails are closed, it is most often in response to complaints and the first and most common complaint from rural residents will be the noise. If you can, do something about it. Make sure your exhaust is working properly and try to avoid hard throttle around others. Keeping even throttle will help to keep noise levels down and will reduce trail damage. Turn your music down. Even better, turn it off. Don't impose or assume others share your tastes or volume in music or want to hear it in nature.

Don't show off
Insecurity makes some feel that they aren't getting wanted attention, recognition, or are being underestimated. Speeding, peeling out and kicking up rocks and dust around others may get you attention, but not in the way you want. That kind of immaturity comes off as unsafe and since this group regularly ventures underground, nobody wants someone unsafe among them. After you leave, nobody is commenting about your show of speed and power or level of cool. Everyone was talking shit about you and saying you should never be invited again.

Slow down
Especially around blind corners. Quite a few times, we've come very close to being struck by others traveling too fast around blind corners. On more than one occasion, the offenders have been tour groups who should be practicing better safety and courtesy. These are public lands. You're not the only ones out there. Always assume someone is just around the corner.

Make way for others
There is nothing wrong with taking the trail slow, but be aware that not everyone enjoys your pace. You've probably encountered people on the Interstate who just refuse to be passed. Something about driving triggers their competitive gene. They are comfortable at their traveling speed until they see you want to get by and speed up. Some are the same way on the trail, but it's more annoying at slower trail speeds. If someone not in your group approaches from your rear, pull over at your first possible opportunity and allow them to pass.

Do not block trails

Too many lack the foresight or common courtesy to not block trails or obstacles. We've come across vehicles stopped in the middle of the trail with no drivers in sight. After a few taps of the horn, they got our attention from a couple hundred yards up the mountain side. They weren't too happy when they reached their vehicles to move them, but a little courtesy on their part would have saved them some time and energy. Even if it's in the middle of the week in a remote area, always assume someone may want to get by and move completely off the trail when stopped.

Yield right of way to bikers, hikers, and horseback riders

Because mountain bikers and hikers are less protected, they have right of way. That isn't to say that they can just ride or walk in front of vehicles on the trail. It just means vehicles yield to them which direction they want to go. In most cases, both will yield to vehicles, but be sure they acknowledge you and maintain a safe distance and speed as you pass. Because horses are unpredictable, horse riders have right of way on the trail. Approach and pass slowly, quietly, and allow plenty of space. Follow safety directions of the rider if given.

Vehicle traveling uphill has right of way

When possible, always scan the trail above and below for vehicles or signs of vehicles like dust clouds. Vehicles travelling uphill require more traction and momentum than those travelling downhill and have right of way. If you are in the uphill bound vehicle and another vehicle is coming downhill, allow the downhill vehicle ample space to maneuver. Although the uphill bound vehicle has right of way, it may sometimes be easier or necessary to reverse course and reattempt the climb after the trail has cleared.

Use proper hand signals

When approaching others on a trail, signal the number of vehicles behind you in your group by a show of fingers. This is especially important in areas with blind corners. If there are more than five vehicles in your group, drivers in the vehicles towards the front of the line should hold up five fingers until there are less than five behind them and so on. The driver at the rear of the line should hold up a closed fist to indicate they are the last vehicle in the group.

Be responsible for the vehicle behind you
The more events we have, the more apparent this is a problem. The lead vehicle cannot see what is happening at the end of the line. It's acceptable and preferred to leave plenty of space between vehicles. Tailgating gives the impression that everyone behind is caught up. Meanwhile, slower vehicles behind the tailgater(s) can lose visual contact and miss turns. Slower vehicles should position themselves towards the rear of the line. Vehicles in front of them should slow to match their speed and maintain visual contact. If all vehicles in the line do this, the lead vehicle will have a better idea of what is happening at the rear. Each driver is responsible for the vehicle directly behind them.

Don't leave garbage

It's sad that this even has to be said.

"Pack it in, pack it out. "

"Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints."

"Leave no trace."