At Juniper Overland, we’re passionate about the beauty and accessibility of Colorado’s vast network of trails. But enjoying these trails comes with a responsibility: practicing proper trail etiquette to ensure they remain open for future generations. During 14er Fest, we had the privilege of catching up with Sam from Stay the Trail, a Colorado-based nonprofit that focuses on educating off-road enthusiasts about responsible land use. Together, we dove into the top "dos and don’ts" of overlanding and how small changes in behavior can make a huge impact.

Why Responsible Trail Use Matters

As Sam explains, one of the key goals of Stay the Trail is to keep Colorado’s motorized trails open by educating users about how to recreate responsibly. Events like 14er Fest are unique because they bring together a diverse group of outdoor enthusiasts—not just overlanders and 4x4 drivers, but hikers, bikers, and anglers, too. Sam notes that many of these folks may not even realize they’re using motorized trails, and Stay the Trail uses these opportunities to spread awareness, provide information, and hand out maps to ensure everyone knows about designated routes.

Sam stresses the importance of staying on these designated trails. "If we do that," he says, "these little simple things that we can do responsibly, we can keep these trails open so we can keep coming out for generations and enjoying areas like Buena Vista and events like 14er Fest."

Dos and Don’ts: Staying on the Trail

So what’s the number one rule for responsible overlanding? According to Sam, it’s simple: stay on the trail. One of the most common mistakes off-roaders make is going around obstacles like puddles or rock piles, which leads to trail widening and resource damage. "If you see a puddle, go through it—nice and slow," Sam advises. "Those rock obstacles? Go over them. Don’t go around them." By sticking to the trail, you help prevent erosion, protect vegetation, and avoid the unintended consequences that can lead to trail closures.

Pre-Trip Planning and Knowing Your Vehicle

Another key point Sam highlights is the importance of pre-planning your trip. "Know before you go," he says. "A lot of times people get to an area without knowing what the trails are like or even having an accurate map." Proper preparation can prevent a host of issues, from getting lost to accidentally ending up on trails unsuitable for your vehicle. Stay the Trail encourages joining a group or club to learn from more experienced off-roaders, and even participating in volunteer stewardship projects to help maintain these trails.

It’s also critical to know the width of your vehicle. In Colorado, trails are designated for different types of vehicles, including single tracks for dirt bikes, 50-inch trails for ATVs, and full-size trails for 4x4s and side-by-sides. Accidentally taking a vehicle onto a trail not designed for it can cause serious damage to the trail and increase the risk of closures.

Handling Obstacles: Go Over, Not Around

Encountering obstacles like rocks or tough terrain is part of the fun of overlanding, but it’s important to handle them the right way. "Always plan to go over obstacles, not around them," Sam advises. "If you’re not comfortable with a section of trail, there’s no shame in turning around. But never create your own path—stay on the trail."

He also mentions that some trails have official bypasses, which are clearly marked on maps or with signage. However, if there’s no official bypass, always take on the challenge of the obstacle or choose another route, but never cut through fragile ecosystems like alpine tundra or meadows.

Be Mindful of Noise and Other Trail Users

Another aspect of responsible overlanding is considering noise pollution. While overlanders generally do a good job, Sam points out that things like loud stereos can disrupt the experience for others. It’s all about being courteous and mindful of other trail users, whether they’re hikers, bikers, or horseback riders.

When encountering non-motorized users, Sam advises pulling over, turning off your engine, and asking if it’s safe to pass. This is especially important with horseback riders, as horses can be easily spooked. It’s also a great idea to offer help if you see someone in need, whether it's a hiker running low on water or a biker with a flat tire.

Protecting Fragile Ecosystems

Colorado is home to several sensitive ecosystems, including alpine tundra and wetlands. Sam emphasizes the importance of protecting these areas by avoiding driving or camping in fragile environments. For instance, it’s best to camp at least 200 feet from water sources and avoid any areas marked for seasonal closures, which are often put in place to protect wildlife during calving seasons.

Winter wheeling also requires extra caution. While snow wheeling can be great fun, it’s essential to stick to designated trails and avoid causing damage to frozen ground or snowpack.

How You Can Help

One of the most important things Sam wants people to understand is that protecting trails is a group effort. He encourages off-roaders to get involved by adopting a trail, joining a stewardship project, or simply spreading the word about responsible trail use. "We’re incredibly lucky in Colorado to have hundreds of public roads and trails open for us to enjoy," Sam says. "If we all pitch in and follow a few simple guidelines, we can keep these trails open for future generations."

If you're in Colorado, check out Stay the Trail's website for more information on how you can get involved. And even if you’re not local, you can still support responsible overlanding by practicing good trail etiquette and donating to organizations like Stay the Trail that work to preserve public lands.

Conclusion

Overlanding is all about exploration and adventure, but with that freedom comes the responsibility to be a good land steward. By staying on designated trails, pre-planning your trips, respecting other trail users, and protecting sensitive ecosystems, you can help ensure that these beautiful Colorado trails remain open for years to come. Join us in supporting Stay the Trail and their mission to keep our trails healthy, safe, and accessible for everyone.