How to Not Be An Asshole on Hiking Trails

Occasionally on trails we’ve hiked, we’ve come across what we’ve affectionately dubbed (well, sort-of) “the trail asshole”. Now, I’m not just being oversensitive or judgy. There are some legitimate pieces of trail etiquette that people either haven’t taken the time to learn or they simply just don’t care. So, we’re here for you. We want to help others to not be an asshole on hiking trails. We hope that you’ll help us spread the word to other hikers too so we can all have a better trail experience.

Don’t Drop Your Trash On the Ground

I genuinely cannot believe that in 2024, I’m still having to write this same old shit. But I’m often blown away by much garbage I see and pick up on trails! It’s so insane! Pack it in, pack it out. And if you’re on a trail and see trash that you feel comfortable with picking up, grab it! You help the environment and you probably get some bonus good karma! You know what they say, Leave it Better than You Found it!

Don’t Blast Music on a Trail

This is a relatively new one for me. Only in the last 8 years or so have we seen this, well, actually, heard this, becoming an increasingly common issue. I have heard so many people with bluetooth speakers strapped to their daypacks blasting – truly blasting – their music. It’s super frustrating because their EDM or even the indie folk we typically love are not what we go out into nature to hear. Plus, it is also disruptive to the local wildlife.

Now, I know the noise issue is a double-edged sword, because I do have two very small children who can sometimes be quite noisy on hikes – occasionally even louder than the bluetooth speakers. I promise, though, we’re doing everything we can to make that noise not happen or to stop it once it has started. But, to everyone whose experience we’ve hindered, I truly apologize.

Don’t Go Off Trail; Especially Where It’s Specifically Posted Not To

This is something that I will potentially pull a “Paige Justice” on. There are certain places on a trail that I don’t get as jazzed up because people are going to do what they’re going to do and I can’t control everyone; even though we should all stay on blazed trails. BUT when there is a barricade with signs clearly posted and people just blatantly disregard them, I will call people out. Matt calls it “Paige Justice”.

For instance, in September we were in Sequoia National Park and there were signs all over not to cross the barricades because of the shallow roots of those giant trees. Lo and behold, there was a man, setting up his camera to walk into the shot and take a little video to put on social media. It made me so mad, especially because there are several other sequoias in the park that you can walk right up to. So, I called him out on it. I did it as respectfully as possible, but I also really wanted to protect those giant trees!

Don’t Swim in Water When It’s Posted Not to Do So

I get that there are so many pools of water that look so enticing to dive in or waterfalls to let shower down over you. But there are reasons that these signs are posted, not just being a killjoy. Sometimes there are fragile species that they’re protecting, sometimes there are potentially sharp objects or strong currents or even harmful bacteria. As a rule of thumb, I just think it’s amazing that land is preserved for us, so it’s the least we can do to just follow simple rules of a particular trail.

Booking.com

Don’t Fly Drones Where You’re Not Supposed To – Like in U.S. National Parks

It may not be the most mature response, but any time I see a drone flown where I know it shouldn’t be, I flip off the camera hoping they’ll not want to use the shot because of it. Drone flying disturbs wildlife, it disturbs the peace others enjoy in those stunning locations and is just simply a selfish act in areas where they’re specifically banned. Especially because there are loads of other beautiful places to take a drone out for a flight.

If Your (pet) Dog Isn’t Supposed To Be On a Trail, Don’t Bring Them

There are reasons that your dog isn’t supposed to be on particular trails. Dogs can disrupt local wildlife – even just their scent can, dogs can carry disease, they can disturb the peace and some people are fearful of dogs. Whatever the reason is, just respect it. 

If Your Dog Is Allowed to Be On a Trail On a Leash, Put Them On a Leash

I love dogs. I will typically stop and pet dogs on a trail, if owners are okay with that. When we had a dog, we took him on trails on occasion too! BUT, that said, not everyone loves dogs. Some people have even had bad experiences with dogs and are legitimately afraid of them. Having a strange dog run up to them or jump on them can be traumatic. Also, you’re much less likely to see if they pop a squat, which leads me to our next point…

Pick Up After Your Dog & Dispose of the Poo Bag Properly

… and on that note. Please pick up after your dogs. I get that wild animals can potentially poop right on a trail, but to be fair we are all guests in their home when we hike. No one wants to step in dog poop and it can also attract animals to the trail who sniff out the strange poo. Also, after you pick up your pet’s poop, for the love of trails, carry the bag out. We have a local trail near us that we find at least one bag of dog poop knotted up sitting along the trail. So, now the poop isn’t on the trail, but there’s a plastic that will take who knows how long to decompose. 

Don’t Interact with Wildlife –  They Are In Fact Wild Animals

So, still on the subject of animals, but now the wild ones. We have all seen the photos and videos of tourists attracting attention by approaching buffalos in Yellowstone, getting too close to bears in parks or even feeding the cute little chipmunks. When people do this, they’re not only putting themselves in danger, but they’re also disrupting the lives of the animals that live there, attracting animals to areas humans are occupying or even harming them by feeding them food that they’re not designed to digest – directly or indirectly; not disposing of their trash properly. And in some cases, literally endangering the lives of the animals because some animals, once they’ve interacted with people, have to be put down.

Let Faster Hikers Pass

Just think of hiking like driving. But, like driving, some people will go slowly until they sense someone coming up on them, and instead of stepping to the side to allow the faster hikers to pass, they speed up. It’s okay to go at a different paces – hikes aren’t races. We have been the faster and the slower people on the trail and try to be mindful of people getting close when we’re slower or saying something simple like, “Excuse us, we’re gonna sneak by you” when coming up on someone. (Yes, we are from the Midwest – ha!)

Don’t Smoke Cigarettes on Trails

This is a big pet peeve of ours. We hate when we’re out to get some fresh air and enjoy nature, only to be breathing in cigarette smoke instead – it’s just not quite the natural experience we’re looking for. And now that we have kiddos, I’m especially protective of their little lungs. Plus, more importantly, there’s also the potential wildfire aspect to it too. May sound dramatic, but in 2017, a 150-acre wildfire was started by a single cigarette butt in Colorado.

Sharing Is Caring – Even in the Great Outdoors

Many trails lead to beautiful vantage points or iconic sites. Obviously, we all want a cool photo and take a moment to take it all in. We are understanding and patient, but also, we don’t camp out in the only perfect photo spot on the trail trying to take the perfect shot for social media. Let others take their photo too. Or, hell, even just see it in person and take a moment. Basically, be mindful if you’re creating a bottleneck or line because you’re jumping in the air for the 40th time and running back to look at the pics between each jump.

I’m sure there are many other ways that people are assholes on trails. Shoot, I may even be a trail asshole and not even know it! What are things that drive you insane while getting outside? 

Did You Enjoy This Post? PIN IT So Others Can Too!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a reservation with Booking.com, a travel insurance policy with World Nomads or a purchase with Amazon through For the Love of Wanderlust, you will help me stay on the road + keep my site running at no additional cost for you.  
Be sure to read the terms + conditions of these sites when booking or purchasing!