Travel Responsibly:
- Stick to designated roads, trails, and areas.
- Follow all posted signs and respect barriers.
- Drive over obstacles instead of around them to prevent widening the trail.
- Use minimum impact travel techniques suited to your vehicle.
- Travel with at least one other vehicle. Establish meeting points in case of separation.
- Cross streams only at designated fording points where roads intersect the stream.
- Avoid muddy areas when possible. In soft terrain, drive gently to prevent wheel spin and rutting.
- Avoid turning around on narrow or unstable terrain; back up to find a safer turning spot. Travel straight up or down hills for safety.
- Frequently stop and scout ahead on foot. For better traction, balance your load and lower tire pressure (typically not below 20 pounds).
- Be aware of your vehicle’s lowest point to avoid damage and fluid spills.
- Maintain a safe distance between vehicles.
- Use a winch appropriate for your vehicle’s size. Inspect equipment before use and ensure at least five wraps of wire rope around the drum. Attach winching equipment low on the object being winched and let the winch do the work.
- Use a wide tree strap to avoid damaging tree trunks when winching from trees.
Respect the Rights of Others:
- Respect the rights of property owners, fellow trail users, and others to ensure everyone can enjoy their activities undisturbed.
- Be considerate on the road, trail, and at campsites. Learn and follow basic trail etiquette.
- Leave gates as you found them. Request permission if crossing private property.
- Minimize noise and dust.
- Respect other campers' privacy by keeping a reasonable distance and avoiding their campsites.
- Yield to vehicles traveling uphill and to non-motorized users like bikers, hikers, and horses.
- When encountering horses, move off the trail, turn off your engine, and communicate with the rider for safe passing.
- Approach horses and pack animals cautiously to avoid startling them.
- Avoid driving in camping, picnicking, and residential areas. Keep speeds low around crowds and in camping zones.
- Use camping gear in natural colors to blend with the environment and reduce impact.
Educate Yourself:
- Before your trip, obtain maps and regulations from relevant agencies. Plan your trip thoroughly and inform someone of your plans.
- Check the weather forecast and prepare for emergencies with appropriate gear and supplies.
- Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition. Bring necessary tools, supplies, and a spill kit for potential repairs.
- Wear seat belts at all times. Be aware of your limits and manage your time, fuel, and energy.
- Consider taking an off-highway driving course to better handle terrain challenges.
- Contact land managers for information on restrictions, closures, and permits.
Avoid Sensitive Areas:
- Stay away from sensitive environments like meadows, lake shores, wetlands, and streams. Stick to designated routes.
- Avoid fragile habitats such as desert soils, tundra, and nesting areas.
- Do not disturb historical, archaeological, or paleontological sites.
- Keep a respectful distance from wildlife and livestock to avoid causing stress.
- Motorized vehicles are prohibited in designated Wilderness Areas.
Do Your Part:
- Model good behavior by leaving areas better than you found them.
- Pack out all trash, including items brought by others.
- Use established campsites and camp at least 200 feet from water sources and trails.
- Prefer camp stoves over open fires to minimize environmental impact. If a fire is necessary, use existing fire rings, build mound fires, or use fire pans. Only burn fallen wood and gather it away from your camp. Ensure fires are completely extinguished.
- Do not wash in streams or lakes. Use a wash station 200 feet away and scatter gray water to help it filter through the soil.
- In areas without toilets, use a portable latrine if available. If not, bury waste in a shallow hole (6-8 inches deep) at least 200 feet from water sources and trails, and cover with natural materials. Pack out toilet paper.
- Be mindful of pet waste and pack it out, especially near trails or trailheads.
- Wash your vehicle and gear before and after trips to prevent the spread of invasive species.
- Engage with other recreational users to build a positive trail community.
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