JACKSON, Wyo. — Summer is in full swing in Jackson Hole and for many people that means exploring the vast networks of trail systems by foot, bike or horse. Bridger Teton National Forest has compiled a list of tips to share the trails this summer, no matter where you recreate.

Many trails are multi-use, shared with hikers, bikers, horseback riders and off-highway vehicles. BTNF says a basic rule is “Wheels yield to heels,” bicyclists or motorized vehicles yield to all other users while hikers yield to horseback riders.

Hikers, Walkers, Backpackers

  • Move off the trail whenever possible for other trail users.
  • Hikers going uphill have the right of way. On occasion, an uphill hiker may let others come downhill while they take a breather, but remember that’s the uphill hiker’s call.
  • When hiking in a group, hike single-file, never taking up more than half the trail, and stay on the trail itself. Over time, off-trail use can badly erode switchbacks and destroy drainage diversions.
  • When a group meets a single hiker, it’s generally preferable for the single hiker to yield and step safely to the side.
  • When meeting someone riding a horse, step off the trail to the downhill side and speak calmly. That allows the horse to recognize you as a human.
  • Dogs can potentially frighten horses. Be sure to keep your dog quiet, close to you and still when sharing a trail with horseback riders.
  • Keep dogs on the trail and be sure to clean up after them. Do not let them disturb wildlife.
  • Avoid spreading seeds. Noxious weeds threaten ecosystems. Stay on the trail, check your socks for hitchhikers when you get back to the trailhead.

Mountain Bikers, Bikers

Bicyclists must yield to other non-motorized trail users, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill yield to ones headed uphill unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic.

  • Move off the trail for less mobile users, including hikers and horseback riders.
  • Stay on the trail.
  • Do not ride through streams.
  • Make your presence known at corners or blind spots.
  • Control your bicycle.
  • Call out the number of bikers following when passing another group.
  • Bikes should never pass a horse from behind. Call out that you want to pass, so the rider can turn the horse around to face the bike. When a horse is coming towards you, bikers should stop, move to the downhill side of the trail and say “hello.”  If the animal appears anxious, bikers should consider taking off backpacks or helmets and dismounting bikes.

Equestrians

  • Practice minimum impact techniques.
  • Always clean up after your horse.
  • Keep horses in campsite only long enough to unpack or pack them.
  • Stock tied to trees ruins trees and turf: do so only for a short time. Use tie lines.
  • Never tie horses within 200 feet of lakes, streams or springs.


ATVs, Motor vehicles, electric bicycles, off-highway vehicles

  • Approach pedestrians slowly, pull over and turn off your engine.
  • When passing someone, follow at a safe distance until you reach a safe place to pass: pass slowly.
  • Do not ride on areas that are either wet, have loose soil, steep slopes, meadows or swamps.
  • Motorized vehicle riders should stop their vehicle, turn off the engine and let horseback riders pass. Additionally, motorized users should allow the horses to move a considerable distance down the trail before starting the engine back up.

During hunting season

  • Hikers should wear at least one article of hunter orange viewable from all directions such as a hat, jacket, or vest. Cover your backpack with orange.
  • Horseback riders should wear a hunter orange vest and helmet cover. Use a hunter orange vest or rump sheet on your horse.
  • Dogs should wear hunter orange or another visible color, like a vest, leash, coat, shirt or bandana.

All users should avoid spreading seeds. Noxious weeds threaten ecosystems. Stay on the trails and check your socks, bikes and horses for hitchhikers when you get back to the trailhead.

Remember, everyone is out there for the same reasons, to enjoy nature and to enjoy what they are doing.

Lindsay is a contributing reporter covering a little bit of everything; with an interest in local policies and politics, the environment and amplifying community voices. She's curious about uncovering the "whys" of our region and aims to inform the community about the issues that matter. In her free time, you can find her snowboarding, cooking or planning the next surf trip.