Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just visiting one of the state’s many national parks for the Memorial Day weekend, understanding how the seven principles of Leave No Trace operate in Utah’s many …
SALT LAKE CITY, (ABC4) — Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just visiting one of the state’s many national parks for the Memorial Day weekend, understanding how the seven principles of Leave No Trace operate in Utah’s many landscapes can be tricky and overwhelming.
Practicing Leave No Trace is just that: a practice. Different ecosystems and activities may call for different applications, according to U.S. National Park Service. However, the cumulative efforts of the millions of people who enjoy the outdoors make a noticeable difference in ecosystems.
ABC4.com has compiled a comprehensive guide to keeping our outdoors pristine in accordance with Leave No Trace principles. Between Utah’s dry red rocks, snowy alpine terrain, and many lakes and streams, here’s how to make the most out of your next outing.
10 tips to beat the heat in Utah this summer, both indoors and outdoors
Plan ahead and prepare
Studying the regulations and conditions of the area you plan to visit is key to being prepared for Utah’s rugged outdoors. Generally, it’s recommended to bring several extra layers in case of unpredictable weather and to visit in small groups to minimize impact.
In Utah’s deserts, it’s easy to overheat and run out of water. Be sure to know the areas where water is especially scarce and plan accordingly. It’s also recommended to hike between 4 a.m. and noon to avoid the hottest and most dangerous parts of the day.
Planning outings in the snow may be a more rigorous process. Batteries and lightweight stoves may not work as well in the cold; simple things like tying shoelaces and heating water take longer, and the weather is much less predictable at high elevations.
Additionally, it is recommended to carry an avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel. Leave an itinerary and a return time with friends staying behind, and use a map and compass rather than relying on tree markings or rock cairns, which may be obscured by snowfall.
For those planning amphibious outings, it is also important to have a flexible schedule, as campsites along waterways can change frequently with the season, depending on the water flow and adjacent terrain.
Zion National Park is busy this Memorial Day, but not as crowded as many expected
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
No matter where you go, it is critical to minimize your footprint by sticking to existing trails and walking in a single file in the middle of the path. Additionally, good camping sites are found, not made; preserve riverbank areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes or streams.
Vegetation in desert environments is especially vulnerable, so always camp on rock, gravel or sand when available. Also, be careful that the area you choose is not in a flash flood zone by watching out for past debris, dramatic terrain, sparse vegetation and smooth rocks.
You can minimize your winter camping impacts by pitching your tent in areas of deep snow cover or, preferably, the thick ice of a lake. Be mindful of fragile branches overhead, as they may be extra brittle in the cold and fall.
Hiking in wintry environments is challenging. Crampons, or shoe spikes, can wear down quickly when not walking on snow. In the muddy spring, it is still recommended to stay on snow or walk in the middle of the trail to avoid creating new trails or damaging trailside plants.
For those using watercraft, always dock at established sites. If none are available, opt to beach it on sand or rock rather than grass. To fully minimize your footprint, avoid walking on vegetation altogether.
The buzz about the WWII WASPs in SLC, 104-year-old female pilot’s legacy honored
Dispose of waste properly
You’ve heard it before: pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite for litter, clean dishes with biodegradable soap and scatter the dishwater, and dig cat holes six to eight inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails.
Unfortunately, most desert ecosystems lack the moisture and organisms that typically break down solid human waste in cat holes, so it will need to be packed out. If cat holes are permitted, locate them on south-facing slopes and don’t dig deep to allow the sun to do the work.
Snow-covered environments present a similar issue. Be prepared to pack out solid waste if the ground can’t be reached through the snow or if it’s frozen. Additionally, it is recommended to pack non-greasy meals that don’t require cooking to make things easier on yourself.
Advertisement
Along many river corridors throughout Utah, use of a portable toilet is mandatory. According to Leave No Trace Dude, “cat holes quickly convert a campsite into a litter box.” Avoid this by complying with the regulations or by doing your business far, far away.
Man found dead at Salt Lake City home under suspicious circumstances
Leave what you find
Utah is home to some of the greatest archaeological sites in the country. In addition to leaving rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them, remember to preserve the past by examining but not touching.
This is perhaps most sensitive in Southern Utah. For organic litter, such as pine needles, it is advised not to move them to make way for a tent, as they help reduce soil erosion, retain moisture and release scarce nutrients into the soil, which is essential for Utah’s deserts.
Especially near Moab, you will find trailhead signs that read, “Don’t bust the crust” and “Don’t tiptoe on the crypto,” in reference to knobby black bumps that line many trails. According to biologist Jayne Belnap, these biocrusts are extremely fragile. If destroyed, it “can wreak havoc on ecosystems hundreds of miles away, and even accelerate the melting of ice and snow when they are coated in heat-absorbing dust.”
If you build a shelter in a snowscape, it is recommended that you disassemble it before leaving the area. Leaving it up could attract other recreationalists to traffic the area, and there are potential safety concerns if they decide to enter a melting structure.
Along Utah’s waterways, adhere to Leave No Trace principles by properly disposing of live bait and thoroughly cleaning equipment to prevent the spread of invasive species, such as Quagga mussels, which are currently causing damage at Lake Powell.
Minimize campfire impacts
Always check fire restrictions and permits before burning. You should use established rings and lightweight stoves over open burns. Keep fires small using sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand, keep fire buckets handy, and scatter the cool ashes after it’s extinguished.
Fire danger can vary greatly depending on desert flora. You can visit Utah Division of Fire, Forestry, and State Lands for maps and more information. Still, it is recommended to be mindful of the distance from the fire to flammable objects and wind strength, which could carry embers.
U.S. National Forest Service explains that a fire is not out if it’s still hot to the touch. Whitish or gray coals can retain heat for several hours and even be insulated by dirt or sand that’s simply kicked onto them. Disperse and stir hot coals, then pack them out.
Respect wildlife
Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them. Feeding them damages their health, alters their natural behaviors, and potentially exposes them to predators. Additionally, secure your smellables and keep your pets under control.
Water sources are scarce in Utah’s deserts, so it is especially important to be careful, as a single mistake can endanger the entire ecosystem. Camp far away and visit only during daytime hours. Some animals, such as coyotes, primarily frequent water sources at night to avoid predators.
Conversely, fewer food sources in the winter create a vulnerable environment for animals. Disturbing them may cause them to expend additional energy due to stress. Be sure to use a bear locker or tie up a bear bag if you’re in the backcountry.
Always check regulations specific to the waterway you are fishing in. Give waterfowl plenty of room, especially during mating and nesting season. For more information, visit Utah Division of Wildlife Resources’ Waterfowl and Migratory Game Birds Guidebook.
Be considerate of other visitors
Leave No Trace includes leaving a mark on others’ experiences in the outdoors. Let nature’s sounds prevail, camp away from trails and other visitors, yield to downhill traffic when hiking and match your clothing to blend in with your surroundings.
Latest headlines:
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Source: Utah News