Leave no trace principles
The widely taught leave-no-trace principles come to seven habits: plan ahead, stay on trails and durable ground, pack out all trash, leave what you find, keep fires small or skip them, keep your distance from wildlife and never feed it, and be considerate of other visitors. Bury human waste six to eight inches deep, 200 feet from water.
About 10 minutes to learnEveryday skill
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How to do it
- Plan ahead: check rules, weather and closures, and repackage food to cut down on trash.
- Walk on established trails and camp on durable surfaces such as rock, gravel or existing campsites.
- Pack out everything you pack in, including food scraps and wrappers.
- Dig a cat hole six to eight inches deep at least 200 feet from water, trails and camp, and cover it after use.
- Leave rocks, plants and old objects where you found them.
- Use a stove or an existing fire ring, keep fires small, and burn wood to ash.
- Watch wildlife from a distance, store food securely, and never feed animals.
- Keep noise down and yield to other hikers on the trail.
Common mistakes
- Throwing orange peels and apple cores into the bushes.
- Cutting switchbacks, which erodes the trail.
- Feeding birds or squirrels at camp.
- Washing dishes with soap directly in a stream.
Quick self-check
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Teach this to someone
A one-page sheet for showing a friend, a roommate or a kid: what to say, what to show, and one question to check it landed.
Teach: Leave no trace principles
What to say
The widely taught leave-no-trace principles come to seven habits: plan ahead, stay on trails and durable ground, pack out all trash, leave what you find, keep fires small or skip them, keep your distance from wildlife and never feed it, and be considerate of other visitors. Bury human waste six to eight inches deep, 200 feet from water.
What to show, in order
- Plan ahead: check rules, weather and closures, and repackage food to cut down on trash.
- Walk on established trails and camp on durable surfaces such as rock, gravel or existing campsites.
- Pack out everything you pack in, including food scraps and wrappers.
- Dig a cat hole six to eight inches deep at least 200 feet from water, trails and camp, and cover it after use.
- Leave rocks, plants and old objects where you found them.
- Use a stove or an existing fire ring, keep fires small, and burn wood to ash.
- Watch wildlife from a distance, store food securely, and never feed animals.
- Keep noise down and yield to other hikers on the trail.
The check question
Ask: How far from water should you dig a cat hole?
Related skills
- How to build and put out a campfire
- How to pitch a tent
- How to purify water when camping
- Every skill in Outdoors
Words on this page
Sources
- National park and forest service visitor safety guidance, current edition. Checked September 28, 2026.
Last reviewed . First published .