Trail Use During MUD Seasons

Tips to Avoid Trail Damage

All trail users can agree that they want to keep trails in great shape for long term use, right?

We can all work together to keep our trails running smoothly for years to come by following these simple guidelines for trail use during mud seasons (typically spring and late fall).

Why NOT use muddy trails?

• Every footprint, wheel rut, and paw print can harden into a shallow hole that causes water to puddle on the trail or run off the trail, causing erosion. Proper trail building prioritizes water runoff channels so that avoid erosion. Ruts and postholes destroy this careful planning and building and lead to damage.

What if there is a short puddle? Do I still have to turn around?

• If you encounter a short puddle go straight THROUGH the standing water. Going around the puddle widens the trail, can kill plants living along the sides of the trail, and eventually leads to increased erosion.

Find an alternate route.

• Check AllTrails or another trail app to find a route that avoids muddy sections.
• Stick to trails that run along a south-facing aspect. These areas are likely to get more sun exposure and are more likely to be dry than north-facing trails.

An Example of a Damaged Trail Before and After:

Thankfully our Foothills trails are dry and durable during summer months. Foothills trails can even be dry in the winter during low snowfall years. Please be sure to check out our trail conditions page before heading out on your next adventure in the Foothills! We appreciate your respectful, safe use of trails.

Want to learn more about safe, responsible recreation in Salt Lake City? Our Be WILD campaign has you covered. Be WILD is all about being Welcoming, Inclusive, Limiting Your Impact, and Doing What You Can.

We can all be good stewards of our public spaces! For more tips on how to Be W.I.L.D. – Welcoming, Inclusive, Limit Your Impact, and Do What You Can – visit slcbewild.com.

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