Trail Etiquette: The Basics
Spring is finally here! As the season’s change, so do our outdoor activities, so it’s always important to review trail etiquette to ensure all users have an enjoyable time out on the trails.
The trails at West Bragg Creek (WBC) are multi-use, meaning you could encounter any number of different users while exploring. So, with all those users, who has the right of way? Cyclists should yield to all other users while hikers yield to people on horseback. As with most things though, there are some situational conditions where the right of way may be altered. Although bikers should never expect hikers to yield to them, if a biker is slogging up a tough incline the considerate thing to do would be to step aside and let them continue. A general rule to follow, for both hikers and cyclists, is the uphill party has the right of way over the downhill party. If encountering equestrians on the trail remember to speak calmly when approaching, avoid abrupt movements, and step off on the downhill side of the trail, whenever possible, to let them pass. It’s also common courtesy to let faster individuals/ groups pass you, if you’re moving slower than they are.
The WBC trailhead and surrounding area is a Provincial Recreation Area (PRA), meaning dogs are required to be on leash. Once past the PRA boundary signs, however, you are no longer within the PRA’s limits and dogs are allowed to be off-leash, provided they are kept under control, meaning they are not harassing livestock, wildlife, or other trail users. Always pick-up after your dog and ensure the bagged waste is not left on the trail and is disposed of properly.
In addition to the above, there are a few more etiquette rules to follow, most of which can be attributed to the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Remember to pack out all garbage/food scraps that you brought with you, stay on the trail instead of creating shortcuts that ultimately lead to trail braiding and soil erosion, avoid using trails in soft/muddy conditions, be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, emergency situations, and wildlife encounters, follow trail signage, slow down at intersections, and avoid using portable speakers as they have a tendency to annoy other users and are not effective at deterring bears. In case of an emergency, call 911 (there’s a cellular hotspot located at the Trails Centre entrance) and ask for Kananaskis Emergency Services.
Lastly, be friendly. We’re all out there to have fun, get some exercise, and connect with nature and you’d be surprised how far a quick ‘hello’ to passing groups can go!
We’d also like to take this opportunity to invite you to our AGM, happening on June 7th from 6:00-8:00pm at the Snowbird’s Chalet in Bragg Creek.
Tyler Dixon
