Safety, Pace & Trail Etiquette
Everything you need to know to stay safe, run smart, and be a respectful part of the trail community.
Safety First
🔦 Know Where You’re Going
- Use a trail app like AllTrails or Wikiloc
- Download offline maps or take a photo of the trailhead map
- Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back
💧 Hydration & Fuel
- Bring water — always, even for “short” runs
- Add electrolytes on hot days or long climbs
- Pack a small snack — it can save your day if energy dips
🧢 Be Weather-Aware
- Mountain weather changes fast — pack a light layer
- Avoid ridgelines or summits during storms
🐻 Wildlife & Environment
- Skip headphones in remote or quiet areas
- Make noise in wildlife zones if running solo
- Leave no trace: pack out all trash, even peels and wrappers
Pacing for Trails
Trail running isn’t road running. Embrace the hike.
- Expect to hike steep climbs — it’s normal
- Your pace will be slower — and that’s okay
- Run the flats, hike the ups, cruise the downs
- Use effort as your guide: if you can’t talk, ease up
Pro Tip: If you’re breathing too hard to talk, you’re going too fast.
Trail Etiquette
Be kind. Be visible. Be part of the trail community.
- Stay right, pass on the left — say “on your left” when passing
- Yield to hikers and uphill runners
- Step off the trail, not on it, when stopping
- Keep dogs under control or leave them home
- Don’t litter — ever
Final Thoughts
It doesn’t take long to feel at home on the trails. A little awareness, a little humility, and a lot of curiosity will take you far.
Trail running isn’t about doing it perfectly — it’s about being present, respectful, and ready for whatever the trail brings.
Run smart. Run kind. We’ll see you out there.
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