I have been a hiker for most of my life, and although I've never had the privilege of visiting Yellowstone National Park, I would like to put forth this list of good choices that can be made in the woods anywhere (or the prairie, or the mountains, or whatever). Some of them I learned from sad experience, and some of them I learned from watching other people do stupid things.
1. If you don't know where you're going, bring a map and make a plan.
This sounds like something cheesy you learn in Scouts, as well you should. I just got back from a day hike where I neglected to bring a map (because I had been there before); neglected to evaluate the route beforehand; and neglected to pay attention to where I was going, until I realized I was lost. Then I attempted to bring up a map on my phone, at which point I realized that of course, since I was in the middle of nowhere, my phone was dead. Needless to say I've since made my way back to civilization and the Internet but my point is, don't get too big for your britches. You aren't too cool for a map. Take a second to check out where you're going before you get there. Tl;dr--better safe than sorry.
2. Do not bring a boombox in the woods.
Why this is even a thing? If your hike isn't complete without Kanye West, at least have the thoughtfulness to put your ear buds in.
3. Bring water.
Is it July? Is it December? It doesn't matter, because if you hike you'll be sweating and get dehydrated no matter the temperature. You might be inclined to think that you are some sort of superhuman individual who will be fine hiking a couple miles without water. You are not. Bring water.
4. Leash the dogs of war.
Nothing like a little self-examination. I'm a dog owner and I let my dogs off leash whenever I'm hiking anywhere that allows it. I realize that not everyone will appreciate this, and I've run into a lot of mixed feelings and different opinions on the matter. I do my best to be respectful of other hikers by not allowing my dogs to approach other people (unless they're fine with it) and keeping them within eyesight at all times. Both of my dogs are well-behaved off leash and aren't aggressive with other dogs, so I feel like I can somewhat justify letting them loose. My point here is, I guess, if you have a dog that's out-of-control or aggressive then please, please keep it leashed up. I would welcome any thoughts on the subject since this may be expanded into its own blog post in the future.
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| Even dogs should pack out. Also, pack out your dog. |
5. Pack out what you packed in.
This is an obvious one, but always bears repeating. It seems like more and more parks, scouting groups, and other types of programming are introducing kids to Leave No Trace principles, which is awesome. Maybe in another couple generations we won't have to be picking up Propel Zero bottles at the tops of mountains.
6. Follow the rules.
Park rules are there to protect the resource or to protect you. All the coolest places are off limits, and it sucks. But even if you're respectful of sensitive ecosystems while venturing into closed areas, the people that see you and follow might not be. Even if you're careful with your fire during a burn ban, the people that come by the next day and use your fire ring might not be.
I'm sure there are lots more important things to keep in mind, but these are a handful of my top pet peeves and/or stupid things I've done that you shouldn't do. Feel free to add more in the comments, if there's something that especially grinds your gears. And of course be sure to take the Yellowstone pledge if you're heading out into the national parks this year.
