Society is full of rules. As grownups, we all know not to talk with our mouths full and to always face forward in a crowded elevator. But there was a time when we were young and inexperienced and maybe a little unsure of how to behave. Let’s face it, we’ve all either been that kid (or shared space with that kid) who sneezed without covering his mouth or stared at someone for way too long.
Hiking is no different. There are definite dos and don’ts, and many of us have had to learn them the hard way. Somewhere along the way, someone shed some light on our less-than-welcome behavior, and we are all the better for it. If the thought of hiking etiquette makes you feel like that uninformed kid, here are five simple things to keep in mind the next time you hit the Arizona trails.
A common rule of thumb is to yield to the bigger object. Most trail signs will say that bikers should yield to hikers because of their maneuverability but it’s often easier for the hiker to simply step out of the way due to the higher speeds the bikers are usually traveling.
• Pass on the left: Just as on the road, slower traffic should stay to the right while letting the passers do so on the left. If faster hikers are coming up behind, you don’t need to walk faster. Simply move to the right and let them pass. Adjusting your speed to a pace you are not comfortable with can be dangerous…