Hiking Trail Etiquette
For hiking with Nature and Networking, which operates in desert and mountain areas, proper trail etiquette combines standard hiking courtesy with specific precautions for the local desert environment. The group emphasizes safety, respecting the environment, and being considerate of others.
Standard trail etiquette
Yield to uphill hikers: The person hiking uphill has the right-of-way, as they are often exerting more energy.
Yield to equestrians: If you encounter horses, move to the downhill side of the trail and stand still and quiet until they pass. A sudden movement or sound could spook the horse.
Pass on the left: When overtaking someone, verbally announce that you are "passing on your left" so they are aware of your presence.
Move off the trail to stop: If you need to rest or enjoy the view, step off the trail so others can pass easily. If possible, move to a durable surface like rock or dirt.
Keep groups small and single file: When hiking in a group, walk in a single file line or only take up half the trail to allow others to pass. Large groups should yield to smaller ones.
Keep noise to a minimum: Avoid loud talking, music from speakers, or yelling to preserve the peace and quiet of the natural environment for all hikers.
Desert-specific etiquette
Respect fragile soil: Cryptobiotic soil, which looks like a black, crusty layer on the desert ground, is extremely fragile and takes many years to form. Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging it.
Leave archaeological sites undisturbed: Many areas have historic and cultural sites. Do not touch or remove artifacts or disturb structures. Always observe them from a distance.
Respect wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance and never feed them. Feeding animals can alter their natural behavior and pose dangers to both them and humans. This is especially important in desert environments where wildlife can be sensitive to human interference.
Don't build rock cairns: Unofficial rock piles, or cairns, can lead hikers off the official path and create unnecessary trail scars. Stick to official, marked trails.
Pack out all waste: Carry out all your trash, including food wrappers and toilet paper. In dry, arid climates, burying waste is not sufficient because it does not break down easily and can contaminate the area. Use a WAG bag for solid human waste and pack it out.
Nature and Networking | Specific Information
Follow hike leaders: When hiking with Nature and Networking always listen to and follow the instructions of the experienced hike leaders. They have local knowledge of the trails and safety protocols.
Come prepared for desert conditions: Always carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Nature and Networking provides resources on their website, such as "10 Essentials" and "Hydration" checklists.
Know your limits: Nature and Networking has hikes for all skill levels, but it's important to choose one that matches your experience and physical condition. The club also recommends being mindful of desert heat and knowing when to turn back if you are feeling unwell.
Nature and Networking defines hiking difficulties primarily based on a combination of distance and elevation gain, with other factors like pace and terrain also considered.
Here are the specific definitions used by Nature and Networking
Easy: Up to 6 miles in distance and up to 500 feet of elevation gain. These hikes are generally suitable for anyone who enjoys walking on mostly level terrain.
Moderate: Between 6 and 10 miles in distance and between 500 and 1,800 feet of elevation gain. These hikes may have varied terrain and some steeper sections, providing a challenge for novice hikers.
Strenuous: Over 8 to 15 miles in distance or longer and over 1,800 feet of elevation gain. These hikes will challenge most hikers and generally involve significant elevation changes.
Very Strenuous: This rating is used for longer, more challenging hikes (up to 20 miles or more) with significant elevation gain (up to 3,000 feet or more), suitable only for well-conditioned and prepared hikers.
The hike leader has the discretion to adjust the rating based on other variables:
A faster-than-average pace might increase a hike's difficulty to the next level.
Terrain factors, such as rock scrambles, loose surfaces, or poor trail conditions, may also influence the final rating.
Hikers should use these ratings to select hikes that align with their fitness level and always consult with the hike leader if they have doubts about a hike's suitability.
Group hiking with clubs like the Coachella Valley Hiking Club (CVHC) emphasizes collective safety through preparedness, communication, and designated roles. The primary rules are to stay together and follow the leader's instructions.
Key Group Safety Protocols
Designated Leaders and Sweeps: The group must have a designated leader (at the front) who sets the pace and navigates, and a "sweep" (at the rear) who ensures no one falls behind.
Stay Together: The group moves at the pace of the slowest member. Never walk ahead of the leader or fall behind the sweep without informing them. The group should stop and regroup at all trail junctions.
Clear Communication: Participants should alert the leader or sweep if they are having issues (health, pace, gear, need a "bio break"). A whistle can be used as a signaling device in emergencies (e.g., three blasts for help).
Hiker Responsibility: While the leaders manage the group, each hiker is responsible for their own safety, fitness, and gear. Know your limits and be prepared to turn back if conditions are unsafe.
"Buddy System": Pairing up with another hiker to keep an eye on each other is a great way to ensure everyone is accounted for.
Pre-Hike Briefing: At the trailhead, the leader should introduce themselves and the sweep, review the route, expected weather, and emergency procedures, and confirm any relevant medical conditions within the group (e.g., location of an EpiPen).
Minimize Environmental Impact: Group hikes can have a larger impact. Stay on marked trails, hike single file on narrow paths, and follow the Leave No Trace principles to preserve the environment for others.
Essential Gear for Group Hikes
Each hiker should carry the 10 Essentials to be self-sufficient if separated:
Navigation (map and compass/GPS)
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Insulation (extra clothing layers)
Illumination (headlamp or flashlight)
First-aid supplies
Repair kit and tools (pocket knife)
Nutrition (extra food/snacks)
Hydration (sufficient water, min 1 liter per hour, or purification means)
Emergency shelter (space blanket/tarp)
Fire starter (waterproof matches/lighter)
By following these guidelines, Nature and Networking ensures a safer and
Group hiking with groups like Nature and Networking emphasizes collective safety through preparedness, communication, and designated roles. The primary rules are to stay together and follow the leader's instructions.
Key Group Safety Protocols
Designated Leaders and Sweeps: The group must have a designated leader (at the front) who sets the pace and navigates, and a "sweep" (at the rear) who ensures no one falls behind.
Stay Together: The group moves at the pace of the slowest member. Never walk ahead of the leader or fall behind the sweep without informing them. The group should stop and regroup at all trail junctions.
Clear Communication: Participants should alert the leader or sweep if they are having issues (health, pace, gear, need a "bio break"). A whistle can be used as a signaling device in emergencies (e.g., three blasts for help).
Hiker Responsibility: While the leaders manage the group, each hiker is responsible for their own safety, fitness, and gear. Know your limits and be prepared to turn back if conditions are unsafe.
"Buddy System": Pairing up with another hiker to keep an eye on each other is a great way to ensure everyone is accounted for.
Pre-Hike Briefing: At the trailhead, the leader should introduce themselves and the sweep, review the route, expected weather, and emergency procedures, and confirm any relevant medical conditions within the group (e.g., location of an EpiPen).
Minimize Environmental Impact: Group hikes can have a larger impact. Stay on marked trails, hike single file on narrow paths, and follow the Leave No Trace principles to preserve the environment for others.
Each hiker should carry the 10 Essentials to be self-sufficient if separated:
Navigation (map and compass/GPS)
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Insulation (extra clothing layers)
Illumination (headlamp or flashlight)
First-aid supplies
Repair kit and tools (pocket knife)
Nutrition (extra food/snacks)
Hydration (sufficient water, min 1 liter per hour, or purification means)
Emergency shelter (space blanket/tarp)
Fire starter (waterproof matches/lighter)
By following these guidelines, Nature and Networking ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience for all participants.
Once on the trail, hikers will be expected to:
Follow the hike leader’s and sweep’s instructions.
Apprise the leader if they are having difficulty
Accept an escort to return to the trailhead if they can’t keep up with the group.
