Pack it in, pack it out. Or pick it up to leave a place better than you found it. Put litter, even crumbs, peels and cores in your nearest waste/recycling bin.Remember to bring a bag specifically for trash

• The Ouray Visitor Center has medium Smokey Bear trash bags you could pick up to use

• Wash yourself, your dog or whatever else needs cleaning at least 200 feet from waterways, and use biodegradable soap. A bubble bath is no treat for fish.

Toilet paper takes many years to biodegrade. It also can attract animals and be harmful to them.

• Make sure to bring ziplock bags so you can put the toilet paper in the bag until you can dispose of it

• If you have to poo, walk at least 70 steps from trails, water and people. Dig a cat hole 6 inches deep, do your thing in the hole, cover it and pack out your TP. Or, use a wag bag (a disposable bag found in most outdoor stores) so you can pack out your waste.

• If your dog needs to go to the bathroom, please pick up after them with doggie bags (can be found around town, so stock up if you forgot yours)

Whether you are adventuring on foot or on wheels, make sure you stick to the trails.

• Even though shortcuts can be tempting, please don’t take them. A few extra strides on the path will protect plants and the homes of the true locals.

• Melting snow and rain leave trails and vegetation more open to damage. Be sure to stick to trails and walk in the middle of the trail — even if it's wet, muddy, slushy or icy — to avoid erosion and damage to trailside plants.

• Make sure to wear sturdy footwear — like insulated, waterproof hiking boots — so you can always stick to the trail, particularly in spring and early summer when trails are more likely to be wet and muddy from melting snow.

• With tons trails and campsites, there’s no need to venture beyond. By sticking to these areas and camping at least 200 feet from lakes, rivers and streams, you’re helping natural areas stay natural.

When you are exploring Ouray, please refrain from taking nature from its home. That includes not picking the wildflowers. Instead, take lots and lots of pictures!

• Leave plants, rocks and historical items as you find them so others experience the joy of discovery.

• Any of our more than 2,000 different species of wildflowers will live forever in a photo. Snap away, but only with a camera.

• Colorado is beautiful all on its own. Building structures or campsites on public land isn’t cool. Keep it pristine for everyone to enjoy.

• Treat all living things with respect. Carving or hacking plants and trees may kill or disfigure them.

Ouray sits at 7,792 feet. Being in high terrain we do have low humidity, and dry air. With that combination, it can create dangerous fire conditions.

• Keep campfires small and manageable to avoid sparking wildfires.

• When putting out a fire, water it until you can handle the embers. Never let a fire burn unattended.

• Use care when smoking in Colorado’s dry climate. Always put cigarettes out completely and don’t leave your butts behind.

• Always check for local fire restrictions.

• Regardless of the season, avoid making fires in areas where there is little or no dead and down wood, where fires may scar the landscape, or in parking lots and at trailheads.

Chances are you’re not out in nature to people watch, so try out the lesser-known paths and sites. Make sure you are courteous to all while exploring Ouray. Please see our “Are You Ouray Ready?” section in regards to who has the right-of-way.

• Silence your cell phone before stepping into nature and speak softly without using the speaker function.

• Be considerate when passing others on the trails and yield to the uphill hiker and biker — they need the momentum.

• Listen to nature. Keep your voice and music soft so all can enjoy the peace of Colorado.

• Keep noise to a minimum when near others on the trail and let nature’s sounds prevail.

Colorado is home to tens of thousands of furry, scaly and feathered creatures. To keep them — and you — safe, don’t approach them.

• Do not feed wildlife no matter how hungry you think they might look.

• Keep your furry buddies leashed when enjoying dog-friendly trails, and pack out their waste. All the way to a trashcan.

• All wildlife, from squirrels to moose, have to work a lot harder to survive in winter. Observe all wildlife from a distance, and do not follow or pursue them. Fleeing forces them to burn energy they need to survive the colder months.

• Spring can be a particularly sensitive time for wildlife since many species are nesting, having their young or coming out of hibernation. Be sure to travel quietly and give all wildlife extra space during this time.

While it is rare to encounter a black bear or mountain lion along a trail, we do share the alpine environment with them. Never approach, startle, or feed any wild animal, especially a bear or lion with young. If you encounter a bear: stay calm, back away, and speak softly. Step off the trail and allow the bear to leave.

If you encounter a lion: make yourself look larger by raising your arms or opening up your jacket. Never turn your back and run. Pick up small children to keep them from running.