When we step into the outdoors, we’re entering environments that have existed long before us, shaped by thousands of years of natural and cultural history. Whether we’re hiking, camping, or simply enjoying a picnic, our presence impacts these spaces. Leave No Trace (LNT) was developed to help us minimize this impact, ensuring these beautiful places remain healthy and accessible for generations to come.
As we explore the meaning and application of Leave No Trace, it’s essential to acknowledge that LNT, though well-intentioned, is not always applied equally and can sometimes contribute to the policing of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in the outdoors. And with the rise of social media, LNT can also become a performance rather than a true practice. Moreover, as public lands face unprecedented budget cuts, these conversations around responsible outdoor practices are more crucial than ever. In this post, we’ll examine LNT’s principles, their importance, how to practice them thoughtfully and inclusively, and ways to support our public lands beyond Leave No Trace.
You can watch the full video episode here, listen here, or read the recap below.
Why Leave No Trace Matters Now More Than Ever
With public land agencies like the U.S. Forest Service facing extreme budget cuts, the future of these cherished natural spaces depends on individual responsibility. According to recent reports, the Forest Service’s budget will be significantly reduced next year, impacting its ability to maintain trails, manage waste, protect wildlife, and enforce conservation efforts. This lack of funding means fewer resources to repair damaged trails, maintain campgrounds, and enforce regulations—resulting in greater strain on fragile ecosystems.
The Forest Service has always played a vital role in ensuring public lands remain accessible, clean, and safe. However, with these upcoming budget cuts, the responsibility of protecting these lands increasingly falls on us as individuals. When we practice Leave No Trace, we’re not only preserving the beauty and integrity of natural spaces, but we’re also helping to offset the effects of limited funding and stretched resources. It’s a powerful reminder that responsible outdoor practices are essential for the health and future of our public lands, especially when the agencies charged with protecting them face reduced support.
What is Leave No Trace?
The concept of Leave No Trace was formalized in the 1960s and 1970s by the U.S. Forest Service as a response to the environmental impact of increasing outdoor recreation. Recognizing the strain that large numbers of visitors placed on public lands, the Forest Service, along with the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service, began to develop guidelines to educate the public on responsible outdoor behavior.
In the 1990s, the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics was founded as a nonprofit organization to further spread these principles. This organization partnered with various agencies, outdoor companies, and environmental organizations to promote Leave No Trace as a comprehensive framework for reducing human impact on nature. Today, the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics continues to refine and promote these principles globally, adapting them to fit the diverse ecosystems and cultural contexts where they are practiced.
Although Leave No Trace principles align with many Indigenous teachings about stewardship, it’s important to remember that Indigenous communities have always had their own ways of respecting and caring for the land, which go beyond these guidelines. As such, Leave No Trace is a helpful framework, but it’s also a reminder of the respect and care that Indigenous communities have long held for these lands.
Leave No Trace isn’t a one-size-fits-all checklist; it’s a mindset, and each principle has nuances. For example, enforcing these rules can disproportionately impact Black, Indigenous, and people of color in outdoor spaces. White hikers playing music loudly at a campsite might be ignored, while BIPOC visitors are more likely to be policed. Approaching these principles with empathy and respect for diverse perspectives is essential.
The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
Proper preparation helps minimize environmental impacts and ensures a safer, more enjoyable experience. This principle covers everything from packing the right gear to understanding the rules and regulations of the area you’re visiting.
Research the area: Know the rules, check seasonal conditions, and understand any specific environmental sensitivities in the area.
Bring the 10 Essentials: Make sure to have enough food, water, clothing, navigation tools, and first aid supplies. (Learn what the ten essentials are here!)
Be self-sufficient: Don’t rely on finding resources along the way—plan for your own needs, so you can minimize your impact on the area.
Know the safety protocols: In high-risk areas, such as avalanche zones, ensure you’re properly trained and equipped to handle potential hazards.
This principle also encourages us to be mindful of our limitations. If you’re unfamiliar with a particular environment, do some extra research or consider joining a group to ensure you’re well-prepared.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
This principle is all about preserving the landscape and preventing erosion. Stick to established trails and camp only on durable surfaces, like rock, gravel, or dry grass. When we step off designated paths or camp in sensitive areas, we risk damaging fragile ecosystems that may take years or even decades to recover.
Stay on established trails: Avoid shortcuts, which can create unofficial trails and lead to soil erosion.
Camp on durable surfaces: Look for established campsites or gravel patches for pitching your tent.
Avoid creating new campsites: The best campsites are found, not made. Avoid clearing vegetation or disturbing wildlife to create a “better” spot.
Remember, even subtle actions can have lasting impacts, so choose your campsite and travel routes carefully to protect the natural environment.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
This one covers all types of waste: trash, food scraps, gray water, and human waste. Improper disposal can pollute water sources, harm wildlife, and create unpleasant conditions for other visitors.
Pack out all trash: Even biodegradable items like apple cores and banana peels can disrupt the local ecosystem.
Handle human waste responsibly: When bathrooms aren’t available, dig a “cat hole” 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and campsites. Cover it with soil and natural materials.
Store food safely: Prevent animals from accessing your food by storing it in a bear canister or hanging it from a tree.
Dispose of gray water properly: Strain out food particles and scatter the remaining water 200 feet from water sources.
Every bit of waste left behind disrupts the ecosystem and creates a ripple effect, impacting both the environment and the wildlife that calls it home.
How to Poop and Pee Outdoors While Following Leave No Trace
When no bathroom facilities are available, here’s how to handle human waste responsibly in the backcountry:
How to pee outdoors
Where to Go: Pee at least 200 feet (about 70 adult steps) away from water sources, trails, and campsites to protect water quality.
Choose Absorptive Ground: Pee on durable surfaces (like dirt or gravel) to minimize environmental impact, or in areas where vegetation can help absorb the liquid. In sensitive alpine or desert environments, disperse your spots to avoid overuse of any one place.
How to poop outdoors
Digging a Cathole: Use a trowel to dig a cathole 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter at least 200 feet away from water, trails, and campsites.
Covering and Camouflaging: Once done, cover the hole with soil and camouflage it with natural material.
Packing Out Toilet Paper: Always pack out used toilet paper. If local regulations require it, pack out all human waste using sealable containers.
4. Leave What You Find
Leave natural objects, plants, flowers, and cultural artifacts as they are. This principle encourages us to appreciate nature without altering it, allowing future visitors to experience these wonders as they were meant to be.
Avoid picking flowers or removing rocks: Each element contributes to the ecosystem, and removing them can disrupt natural processes.
Respect cultural artifacts: Many parks and trails contain historical or cultural items. These should be left undisturbed.
Resist creating “rock cairns”: While stacking rocks might seem fun, it disrupts the natural environment and can mislead hikers who rely on cairns for navigation.
The only exception is seaglass (sometimes): Unless it's a protected resource at a beach you are usually permitted to collect a small amount of seaglass from beaches since it's technically trash.
This principle requires a mindset shift—when we see a beautiful shell, a vibrant wildflower, or a unique stone, let’s appreciate it in place rather than taking it home. Take a picture and make a memory instead.
5. Minimize Campfire Impact
While campfires can be a cherished part of the outdoor experience, they also pose a significant risk to the environment, particularly in fire-prone areas. Minimize your impact by following these guidelines:
Use a camp stove: Camp stoves are a safer and more eco-friendly option for cooking.
Use established fire rings: If you must have a fire, use existing fire rings rather than creating new ones.
Keep fires small and manageable: Avoid large fires that can spread easily.
Extinguish completely: Pour water over the fire, stir the ashes, and repeat until there’s no heat or embers left.
In areas prone to wildfires, consider opting out of a fire entirely or choosing a propane stove for cooking. Safety is paramount!
6. Respect Wildlife
Interacting with wildlife might seem tempting, but it can cause significant harm to both the animals and ourselves. Leave No Trace emphasizes respecting animals from a distance and minimizing human-wildlife interaction.
Don’t feed animals: Human food can be harmful to animals and encourages them to associate people with food, which can lead to dangerous situations.
Observe from afar: Use binoculars or zoom lenses to admire wildlife without disturbing their natural behaviors.
Give animals space: Remember that you’re a visitor in their home. Respect boundaries and avoid approaching them.
By respecting wildlife, we help preserve their natural behaviors and minimize human impact on their lives and ecosystems.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
A huge part of Leave No Trace is respecting other people’s outdoor experiences. Treat public lands as a shared space where everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and welcome.
Keep noise levels down: Avoid playing music loudly and keep conversations at a reasonable volume.
Practice trail etiquette: Yield to uphill hikers, step to the side for equestrians, and be courteous to other trail users.
Leave areas clean: Pack out not only your trash but any litter you find.
This principle fosters an inclusive, enjoyable experience for everyone and creates an environment where all visitors feel respected and valued.
Beyond Leave No Trace: Additional Ways to Protect Our Public Lands
While following Leave No Trace principles is essential, there’s even more we can do to protect and support our public lands—especially as budget cuts and limited resources affect agencies like the Forest Service. Here are some actions you can take beyond LNT to help preserve these spaces:
Read trail signage: Trail signs provide valuable information about the area, including trail closures, restrictions, and wildlife safety tips. Paying attention to these signs helps keep both you and the environment safe.
Fill out trail registers/logs: Signing trail logs not only helps park services track visitor numbers, but it can also be helpful in emergencies for locating hikers. Filling out these logs is a simple but effective way to contribute.
Make sure you have the correct permit/pass: Many parks require permits or passes, and the funds from these fees are used for maintenance, staffing, and other conservation efforts. This small investment goes a long way in supporting public lands.
Pick up after others: Bring a garbage bag and gloves to collect any litter you see along the trail. Picking up trash helps ease the burden on forest service staff, especially as resources become more stretched.
Assume the best in people and educate with kindness: If you see someone engaging in harmful practices, approach them kindly and explain the why behind Leave No Trace principles. For instance, if you see someone tossing a banana peel on the ground, you might kindly explain that it can take months to decompose and attracts animals to areas with high human traffic. Many people simply don’t know and will appreciate the gentle guidance.
Write trail reports: Sites like Washington Trails Association, local trail organizations, and AllTrails allow users to report trail conditions, which can alert other hikers and even land managers to issues. Reporting downed trees, dangerous conditions, or erosion helps make trails safer for all users.
Submit reports to the Forest Service: If you notice larger issues like downed trees or overflowing toilets, report them directly to the Forest Service or local park agency. This information is invaluable for land managers, especially with budget and staffing cuts.
Vote: In the U.S. our Congress controls the budget for public land agencies, including the Forest Service. Voting for candidates who value and fund conservation work is a powerful way to ensure the long-term health of our natural spaces.
Performative Leave No Trace on Social Media
It’s disheartening to see influencers and brands performatively promoting Leave No Trace without true commitment. Real responsibility goes beyond sharing a post or picture; it involves conscious action. For example, if an influencer profits off public lands without paying commercial fees, that’s exploitation. We need to hold each other accountable, ensure our actions match our words, and push for authentic advocacy in the outdoor community.
Example 1: Photographers and Public Lands Fees
One of the biggest communities I see engaging in performative environmentalism is photographers. Some professional photographers regularly post about Leave No Trace principles in their captions, trying to establish themselves as ethical and conscientious users of natural spaces. However, organizations like Public Land Creatives (PLC) have lobbied against permit requirements for photographers and filmmakers using public lands, arguing that such regulations are overly restrictive or inappropriate for their work. Yet permit fees and regulations serve an essential purpose.
Permits and fees are designed to offset the impact of commercial activity, helping to fund the preservation, maintenance, and safety of these lands. When photographers conduct commercial work on public lands without paying fees, they’re profiting from these spaces without giving back or supporting their long-term sustainability. Complaining about paying for access while presenting a “Leave No Trace” persona can come across as wanting the aesthetic of being environmentally conscious without truly supporting or respecting the land. Public lands are meant to be enjoyed by all, not to serve as free backdrops for profit-driven enterprises, and businesses that benefit from them should take responsibility by contributing to their upkeep.
Example 2: Influencers
Another example of performative LNT is when influencers call out irresponsible behavior, like an unattended campfire, but don’t educate their followers on how to properly extinguish a fire. Without including information on safely putting out a fire, they’re only pointing fingers rather than promoting a solution that prevents future problems. To make a real difference, these influencers could take a moment to inform followers of the necessary steps: douse the fire with water, stir the ashes, and make sure it’s cold to the touch.
For Leave No Trace to be effective, it should go beyond captions and hashtags—LNT should involve real action and education, promoting practices that encourage people to make informed choices in the outdoors.
Addressing Pushback/Criticism
A common reaction to Leave No Trace is the sentiment that “There are no rules in nature” or “Don’t tell me what to do in the outdoors.” It’s natural for some to feel that entering the wilderness should mean freedom from societal constraints, and while LNT may seem restrictive, it’s helpful to remember that the goal isn’t to impose strict “rules” but rather to encourage mindful choices that protect nature for all.
Think of it this way: Leave No Trace is about respect—respect for nature, for others, and for the privilege of enjoying these spaces. The idea is similar to being a good house guest; just as we wouldn’t leave a friend’s home in disarray, we don’t want to leave natural spaces worse off. While it’s true that no one is required to follow specific “rules” in the wilderness, Leave No Trace encourages personal responsibility, helping everyone reduce their impact on the outdoors.
Final Thoughts: Leave No Trace as a Collective Responsibility
Leave No Trace is a commitment to preserving nature so that future generations can enjoy it as we do. It’s not just about following rules; it’s about respecting the environment, wildlife, Indigenous communities, and other visitors. This mindset can help us create a more inclusive outdoor space where everyone feels welcome and responsible.
Listen to the full Leave No Trace episode of Outdoorsy, where I explore these principles in more detail and share practical tips for inclusive, sustainable outdoor practices.
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