Hikers/Joggers
· Joggers yield to all trail stock and hikers
· Hikers yield, with caution, to trail stock
· All downhill traffic should yield to uphill traffic, no matter what type of user
· Approach each bend as if someone were around the corner top

Cross-Country Skiers
· Ski on the right side. Yield to faster skiers and those coming downhill.
· To get out of the track, lift skis parallel and off without disturbing the track.
· When breaking trail, keep skis wider apart than normal. The trail narrows with use.
· Fill and smooth the trail when you fall.
· On roads, make your ski track near the edge so snowmobiles can avoid it.
· Obey restrictions for dogs. Where they are allowed, bury dog feces off trail and smooth the track. Restrain dogs near wildlife winter ranges. top

Obtaining Access Permission
DID YOU KNOW?
That in Arizona, of a 72.6 million acre total:
*Some 13.1 million acres are private property
*Some 9.4 million acres are State Trust Lands
*State Trust Lands are not Public Lands and their recreational use requires a permit issued by the Arizona State Land Department or a hunting, fishing or trapping license issued by the Arizona Game and Fish Department
*Some 22.5 million acres are public land, e.g., Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service
*4.5 million acres of public and State Trust Lands are landlocked by private property and are not presently accessible by public means
*You must have verbal or written permission from private property owners for use of their legally posted private lands for any purpose, including crossing these lands by vehicle or foot to public and State Trust Lands not accessible by public means
*Public means are generally those designated public thoroughfares, easements for public conveyance, county maintained roads or existing roads, trails and paths which remain entirely on public or State Trust Lands. These may include foot or horseback travel by a route remaining entirely on public and State Trust Lands or any combination of public and State Trust Lands. For permit information call: (602) 542-4602. top

ARIZONA OUTBACK CAMPING
Recreationists may explore and camp along thousands of miles of back country roads available on Arizona's public lands. Whether your personal preference is the cool pine forests or the warm deserts the public lands offer unparalleled choices for backcountry touring at undeveloped areas.
But there is a price, not in money, but in expenditure of personal responsibility.
Generally, roads on public lands are open to vehicle use, unless specifically closed or limited. Camping is also permitted on public lands with the following provisions:

1. Camping at any one site is limited to 14 days per visit.
2. Pack out your trash.
3. Avoid camping within 300 feet of springs so that water is accessible to wildlife.
4. Campfires are not to be left unattended.

That's the easy part. The real challenge is learning - and then putting into practice - low impact techniques that permit us to enjoy the backcountry without diminishing its beauty. If we are to maintain environmental quality and maximize the recreational experience sought by all, a "leave no trace" ethic is essential. Responsible use of motor vehicles and adopting a minimum-impact style of camping will help maintain the quality of recreation areas. top

Selecting A Campsite
· Most damage to soil and vegetation occurs the first few times a campsite is used.
· Camp at a previously used site if possible.
· If it's necessary to camp at an unused site, try to pick more resistant areas such as areas with little plant cover. Follow strict "leave no trace" camping practices in pristine areas.
· Camp adjacent to existing roads.
· Keep your distance from water. Camp 300 feet or more from streams or stock tanks.
· Camp well away from archaeological or historical sites. top

Maintain Campsite Beauty
Keeping your favorite backcountry camping spot in good shape is part of the minimum impact challenge. To minimize the damage from repetitive use at popular undeveloped campsites follow these additional practices while in camp.
· Avoid driving, riding, or walking over areas where the vegetation is intact. Keep the development of "social trails" around a campsite to a minimum.
· Avoid erecting tents over vegetation. top

Dispose of Solid Bodily Waste Properly
Disposal of bodily waste is a special concern because many arid soils often lack the micro-organisms necessary to break down fecal material.
· Select a site well away from water sources.
· Dig a shallow "cathole" 6-12 inches deep in an area with organic soil such as near bushes or trees, and bury the waste.
· Pack out all toilet paper in a plastic bag with your other trash. top

Trash - It's Time To Take The Next Step
For years, public land managers have promoted the "pack-it-out" concept in an effort to foster a self-cleanup ethic among public land user. Generally, this has worked: most people no longer leave or bury trash at campsites. But it hasn't eliminated the problem. So. it's time to take the next step.
· Pack out your trash and a little extra. Take the additional step by picking up trash left by less thoughtful people. Think of that extra bag of trash as your contribution in keeping the public lands the way they deserve to be. top

Minimize Your Use Of Campfires
Reducing the use of campfires can dramatically minimize the impact of recreational use of the backcountry.
· Use a portable stove or self-contained charcoal fire for all your cooking.
· If you must have a campfire, collect only dead and downed wood. Standing dead snags are an important part of the landscape, let them stand.
· Gather firewood at seldom-used areas well away from popular campsites.
· Better yet, purchase your firewood from sources at home and bring it with you. top

If You Do Have A Campfire, Think Small and Burn Wisely
· Call the appropriate managing agency to determine the level of fire danger, campfires are prohibited when conditions are extreme.
· Bonfires are inappropriate and wasteful.
· Avoid building new fire rings. Redundant fire rings scar the natural beauty of any site and reduce the space available for other camp activities.
· Do not build fires in alcoves or underneath cliff faces. Blackened rock is ugly, it persists, and diminishes the naturalness of the environment.
· Do not put cans, bottles, or aluminum foil into a fire ring. These items do not burn and their presence will lead subsequent users of the site to build a new fire ring.
· Burn campfire logs down to ashes, then douse with water. Do not smother a campfire with soil, as this will make it more difficult for the next camper to use the same site.
Always make sure the fire is dead out before you leave. top

Fire Pans-The Way To Have A "Leave No Trace" Campfire
A fire pan is a metal tray used to contain a campfire and prevent it from blackening the soil. Fire pans should be big enough to contain a small fire and have at least a 3-inch high lip around the outer rim. Elevate the pan to avoid scarring the soil.
Barbecue grills are an example of an inexpensive, yet effective, device that can be used.
Before breaking camp, it is a simple matter to transfer cold ashes into a plastic bag or other container for disposal at home. If you use a fire pan carefully, it is possible to leave a campsite with no scars or long-term evidence of your use. top

Wildlife
When you encounter wildlife in the backcountry, appreciate it, respect, and LEAVE IT ALONE. It will return the favor. Keep your camp clean, bears and other animals are attracted to smelly, messy camps. If you observe a game law violation contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department at 1-800-352-0700. top

Vandalism
If you observe destruction of property of the environment or private property while in the outdoors you may notify the proper authorities by calling the Arizona Game and Fish Department's 1-800-VANDALS (1-800-826-3257) 24-hour hotline. top

ENJOY ARIZONA
Our state abounds with natural beauty, enjoy your adventures and memories of Arizona. All of us here at Arizona State Parks offer our sincere appreciation and thanks for your willingness to practice no impact recreation. Sources of information for this guide include:

Tread Lightly! Inc., Leave No Trace, The Bureau of Land Management, The U.S. Forest Service, Petersen's 4wheel & Offroad Magazine, Arizona Game and Fish Department, Arizona State Parks, The Idaho Trails Council

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