Courtesy is important when respecting others. Our personal space is important. In crowded places, personal space is small. In Big Sky Country our personal spaces are much larger.
What happens when you are hiking or traveling a remote trail and suddenly need to yield the Right of Way? Who has the Right of Way? Generally, a downhill traveler should have the Right of Way. They are usually going faster and have a greater risk of falling. If you are on a larger vehicle or horse, you get the Right of Way.
Trails and backcountry roads can be narrow and have few pull-offs. Switchbacks can make close encounters even tighter. Common sense determines the most proper reactions to an encounter.
The one encounter that scares many of us is the fast mountain biker blasting downhill. In thick timber, you may not see or hear them coming. The hiker may have small kids and pets. Even if the biker has breaks, they may not be able to stop in time. A blind curve or lack of attention can mean an accident.
Meeting wildlife on the trail can be fun unless it is something that can bite, growl, and eat you. Bears, cougars, skunks, porcupines, snakes, and deer could be a danger.
Things to Do!
Be noisy!
Wear bright colored clothing.
Pay attention. No earphones are a good idea. You need to hear what threats may be in your path.
Anticipate an encounter. If you expect a bear, carry bear spray, bear bells, or sidearm. Be observant with all your senses. You may smell the threat ahead of the encounter.
Be friendly and polite when having a trail encounter. Other outdoor hikers have a lot in common with you.
Limit the smartphone use. Maybe just allow limited camera time. Most remote areas will not have a cell signal anyway.
Be Prepared. Have a first aid kit, water, snacks, etc. just in case. In Big Sky Country, you should be able to spend the night in a pinch. Having a fire building capability, knife, axe, etc. could save your life.
Don’t alter nature. This means no rock cairns, graffiti, carving in the trees, making structures, etc. Not everyone appreciates your viewpoints and signs. Nature belongs to all not just you.
Leave a Footprint and take only a picture!
Montana Grant
