Safety Info & FAQ

"Empowering communities through safe adventure, leadership, and education; building a stronger El Paso, one adventure at a time."

WE HIKE Safety Commitment

At WE HIKE, safety is our first priority and our lasting promise. We are committed to providing every participant, family, and community member with the knowledge, resources, and environment needed to explore the outdoors confidently and responsibly.

Through certified training, education programs, and proactive leadership, we strive for the utmost safety on every adventure from beginning to end.
We empower individuals not only to protect themselves, but also to lead by example, fostering a culture of safety, respect, and stewardship on every trail and in every community we serve.

When you hike with us, your safety is our priority. Take the safety pledge today and become a WE HIKE Safety Ambassador.

Take the Safety Pledge Now

City of El Paso - Mayor's Proclamation
Hiking Safety Week Apr. 2025

Presented by City Rep. Cynthia Trejo Boyar - District 4

click to see video

Basic Hiking Safety - Before You Go

Plan Ahead
Research the trail, check the weather, and let someone know your plans.
Dress Appropriately
Wear sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and sun protection.
Stay Hydrated
Bring enough water and snacks to maintain energy.
Carry Essentials
Pack a first-aid kit, map, flashlight, whistle, and multi-tool.
Stay on the Trail
Avoid straying from marked paths to prevent getting lost.
Be Aware of Wildlife
Respect animals, keep a safe distance, and avoid feeding them.
Know Your Limits
Hike at a comfortable pace and recognize signs of fatigue or dehydration.
Emergency Preparedness
Have a charged phone, know basic first aid, and be prepared for unexpected situations.

Leave No Trace Principles

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.

Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.

Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.

Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.

Repackage food to minimize waste.

Use a map and compass or GPS to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Durable surfaces include maintained trails and designated campsites, rock, gravel, sand, dry grasses or snow.

Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.

Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.

In popular areas:

Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.

Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.

Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.

In pristine areas:

Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.

Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.

Dispose of Waste Properly

Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite, food preparation areas, and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.

Utilize toilet facilities whenever possible. Otherwise, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.

Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.

To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

Leave What You Find

Preserve the past: examine, photograph, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.

Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.

Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.

Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.

Minimize Campfire Impacts

Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the environment. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.

Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.

Keep fires small. Only use down and dead wood from the ground that can be broken by hand.

Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

Respect Wildlife

Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.

Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, [habituates them to humans], and exposes them to predators and other dangers.

Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.

Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.

Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.

Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.

Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.

Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.

Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

NPS.GOV