Golden is home to several iconic trails on the Front Range, so it’s no surprise that some of them are at risk for overuse. At Colorado Mountain Club, we want to make sure that as many people as possible can access and enjoy our outdoor spaces responsibly, so we’ve put together this essential guide to keeping Golden’s backyard wild and welcoming for everyone. Whether this is your first time on the trail or your hundredth, there are a few things you should do every time you venture out to make sure that we don’t accidentally love our trails to death.

Golden Rules for Golden’s Trails:

1. Follow the Leave No Trace principles.

There are seven Leave No Trace principles essential for making sure that we’re all able to enjoy the trails: plan ahead and be prepared, stay on durable trails, pack out all trash, leave natural objects where they are, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife from a distance, and be considerate of other visitors sharing the path. In a nutshell, don’t take anything, don’t leave anything, and treat Golden’s outdoors (and the people in it) with respect.

2. Yield correctly.

Trail traffic can get busy, especially on weekends. Knowing who has the right-of-way isn’t just about being polite, it helps prevent erosion and protects delicate ecosystems.

• Uphill: Hikers, bikers, and riders climbing up are working harder. Step to the side of the trail and give them room to maintain their momentum.

• Right-of-Way Order: Horses first, then hikers, then bikers. Step to the side to let people pass safely.

• Communicate clearly: Surprises can lead to accidents. If you’re passing, call out or ring a bell to let people know that you’re nearby. More than anything, remember that we’re all out on the trail together. Take a breath and be kind to each other

3. Stay on the path.

In the spring and after summer thunderstorms, Golden’s clay-heavy soil becomes incredibly muddy. Walk THROUGH the mud, not around it. If It’s too muddy or you’d leave deep tracks, turn around and choose another trail. When you walk around the mud, you trample delicate vegetation and widen the trail, which can result in temporary (and sometimes permanent!) trail closures. Pro tip: Check the Jefferson County Open Space website for closures before you head out.

4. Respect the wildlife.

Golden’s cliffs and rocky outcroppings are home to sensitive, and sometimes dangerous, species. Give any wildlife you come across plenty of space. As soon as the weather warms up, rattlesnakes will often also hit the trails. If you hear a rattle, stop immediately. Locate the snake, and back away slowly. Never try to bother it or move it with a stick. For big mammals, the literal rule of thumb is that animal should always be far enough away that you could cover it completely with your thumb if you arm is fully extended and one eye is shut.

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5. Properly prepare for your adventure.

Being a responsible hiker means being a prepared hiker. Always make sure that you have plenty of water for your hike and that you wear the right clothing. Layers are key to a positive outdoor experience in Golden and you should also make sure that you wear the right footwear. Apply sunscreen (we’re closer to the sun here!), bring a hat, and bring a snack.