Taking Care of Each Other and the Places We Love

Recreate Responsibly

No matter how you're getting outside, responsible recreation is critical to protect the land, water, wildlife, other people and yourself.

With more users than ever enjoying and exploring public lands, recreating responsibly—reducing our impact on people, animals, and the environment when we recreate, ensuring our public lands remain beautiful and accessible into the future—is more important than ever.

We’ve worked with Grand Teton National Park and other partners to create guidelines to help locals and visitors on the BTNF recreate responsibly.

: Know what reservations and permits are required; check the conditions—road, weather, avalanche, fire, availability; have appropriate gear, including extra clothing and maps; and know your limits.
: Educate yourself on and follow proper trail etiquette, including knowing when to yield on trails and when you have the right-of-way; practice patience towards other users; be friendly and courteous when you do interact; avoid excessive noise; and leash your pet in crowded areas.
: The best way to prevent a wildfire is to not build a campfire. If you do want to have a campfire, first check the local fire danger to see if campfires are allowed. If they are, only build a campfire in a designated fire ring. Never leave your fire unattended, and make sure that it is completely extinguished—drown it with water, stir, feel for heat, and then repeat until it is cold to the touch.
: Give wildlife space—at least 100 yards for bears and wolves and 25 yards for moose and other animals; properly store all attractants; carry bear spray and know how to use it; and comply with seasonal closures that protect wildlife habitat. And never, ever feed wildlife. Not even the cute chipmunk at the trailhead.
: The seven Leave No Trace principles for responsible recreation include packing out all trash and toilet paper, preventing the spread of invasive weeds and aquatic species, and using motor vehicles only on designated routes (when not muddy).

Learn More about LNT
: We all have a responsibility to sustain the places we love. Volunteer, donate, and advocate for the outdoors.

#RecreateRsponsibly

Leave No Trace

The 7 Leave No Trace Principles

Plan and prepare.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces (stay on trails and camp on already existing campsites).
Dispose of waste properly.
Leave what you find.
Minimize campfire impacts.
Respect Wildlife.
Be Considerate of others.

Be a BFF of the BTNF

Responsible Recreation Field Guides

Snowmobiling? Backcountry skiing? Hiking? Hunting? However you plan on using the BTNF, our activity-specific field guides can help you #recreateresponsibly.

View All Guides