Top 5 Rules of the Ride: How to Mountain Bike Responsibly on Utah Trails

1. Yield to Wildlife and Hikers

First, on a busy trail, who must yield to whom? Horses (or wildlife, generally) have top priority, followed by hikers and, then, mountain bikers. Riders of any age on any type of trail (whether it’s singletrack, gravel road or slickrock) must yield to wildlife and hikers. In most cases, that means pulling off to the side and allowing them to pass. Often, hikers will gratuitously and encouragingly wave you by. If so, act like a local by thanking them and letting them know how many others are behind you in your group so they can stay alert. You can holler something like: “Three more!”

2. Respect the Flora and Fauna

This should be obvious, but don’t feed, harass or otherwise interfere with wildlife for their safety — and yours. If you encounter a moose or any other animal on the trail, do not attempt to yell at it, reason with it or chase it away. Mountain bikers don’t speak moose and could be misinterpreted by the beasts. This is especially dangerous during the spring-early summer calving season! If you spot a moose or its young near a trail, move past them if possible. Don’t stop to take a selfie unless you want to include your X-ray pics, as well. 

If animals are sunning themselves in the middle of the trail, then stop and retreat. Yes, in the case of moose, bear and mountain goat, you might have to go back 100 yards, take a water break or leisurely lunch and wait for it to move on, or if it doesn’t, then search your trail map for a different way back to your car or hotel. Under no circumstances should you try to “shoo” wild and enormous animals! It’s not uncommon for a mamma moose to charge mountain bikers and hikers who get too close to her young.

Similarly, don’t bust the crust — stay on the trail. From alpine wildflowers to the desert cryptobiotic soils, Utah wildlife starts at the trail's edge. (Read: "Soil Sleuth: Protecting Utah's Living Landscapes")