Southwest Leave No Trace Guide

The Southwest is one of the most fragile landscapes on Earth and is home to ancient cultural sites, cryptobiotic soil crusts, endangered plants, dry washes that flood without warning, and wildlife uniquely adapted to heat and drought. Leave No Trace takes on an even deeper meaning here, where a single footprint can last for decades and one careless action can harm both ecosystems and cultural heritage.

This guide applies the 7 Leave No Trace Principles, adapted specifically for the deserts, canyons, mountains, and cultural sites of the Southwest.

1. Plan Ahead & Prepare

Know the Land You’re Entering

The Southwest includes Tribal lands, National Parks, State Parks, BLM land, National Forests, and wilderness areas—all with different rules.

Plan for:

• extreme heat (May–September)

• flash floods in monsoon season

• limited shade

• no cell service in canyon areas

• permit systems for high-use areas (Havasu Falls, Arches, Coyote Buttes, The Wave, Narrows, Angels Landing, etc.)

Know Whose Homeland You’re In

Much of the Southwest overlaps with the ancestral and current homelands of Indigenous Nations including the Navajo (Diné), Hopi, Zuni, Tohono O’odham, Ute Mountain Ute, Hualapai, Havasupai, Southern Paiute, Yavapai, Apache tribes, Pueblo communities, and O’odham and Yaqui homelands in the Sonoran Desert.

Understanding this context adds respect and responsibility to your visit.

Always Bring More Than You Think

• Water: 1 gallon per person per day minimum

• Electrolytes

• Sun protection (UPF layers, hats, sunscreen)

• Emergency gear

Desert conditions turn small mistakes into big emergencies quickly.

2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces

Stay on Established Trails

Desert soils are fragile—especially cryptobiotic soil crust, the living black/bumpy crust that prevents erosion and supports plant life. One step can kill decades of growth.

Stick to:

• rock

• sand

• open durable ground

• established trails

Avoid:

• black soil crust

• biological crusts

• soft desert vegetation

Camp on Durable Ground

Choose:

• established campsites

• slickrock

• previously disturbed ground

• gravel washes (ONLY if no rain is forecast—never camp in a slot canyon or active wash)

Avoid:

• cryptobiotic crust

• fragile desert plants

• anywhere near cultural sites

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

Pack Out EVERYTHING

The desert does not break down waste quickly. Pack out:

• all trash

• food scraps

• wipes

• toilet paper

• fruit peels

• dog waste

Human Waste

Many areas require (or strongly encourage) WAG bags, especially:

• river corridors

• canyon systems

• high-use desert trails

• alpine starts

• climbing crags

If catholes are allowed:

• Dig 6–8 inches deep

• 200 ft from water, camp, and trails

• Cover + disguise the site

Never bury toilet paper. Pack it out.

4. Leave What You Find

Artifacts, bones, shells, pottery, and stone tools stay put.

Do not touch, move, stack, or collect anything.

The Southwest’s cultural landscape sits above and below the soil surface—your feet and hands can damage thousands of years of history.

Do Not Build Cairns

They mislead hikers, damage ecosystems, and disrupt natural loading of rocks used by small animals.

Leave Natural Features Alone

• Don’t pick desert wildflowers

• Don’t take rocks

• Don’t carve or scratch anything

• Don’t collect wood from live or dead trees in protected areas

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

Avoid Fires When Possible

The Southwest is extremely fire-prone. Wind, drought, and dry vegetation mean a small spark can become a wildfire.

Opt for:

• camp stoves

• established fire rings

• designated sites where fires are allowed

Never Build New Rings

Use existing ones or go without. Scatter cold ashes only when allowed.

Know Fire Restrictions

Many Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico public lands implement seasonal fire bans.

6. Respect Wildlife

The Desert’s Wildlife Is Sensitive

Animals endure extreme temperatures; human disturbance can cost them vital energy or access to scarce water.

Give distance to:

• desert tortoises

• big cats

• snakes

• nesting birds

• javelina

• bighorn sheep

Do Not Touch or Disturb Reptiles

Snakes, lizards, and tortoises are especially vulnerable to heat stress and human contact.

Never Approach Water Sources

Desert springs, seeps, and tanks are crucial.

If wildlife sees humans nearby, they may abandon water during critical times—sometimes fatally.

7. Be Considerate of Others

Sound Travels Far in Open Desert

Keep noise low, especially near sunrise and sunset.

Share Narrow Trails

Canyon and desert trails can be tight. Yield to:

• uphill hikers

• stock animals

• families with young kids

• slower hikers who stepped aside first

Respect Cultural and Tribal Protocols

Many desert landscapes are part of active cultural and spiritual traditions.

Be aware of:

• closed areas

• no-photo zones

• active ceremonies

• sacred peaks and mountains

• Tribal requests regarding access and photographing sensitive places

If you encounter Tribal members at a cultural site, move away and give space.

Other Key Principles

Flash Flood Awareness

Slot canyons and washes can flood with storms miles away.

Check forecasts for:

• your location AND

• upstream regions

Heat Awareness

Temperatures reach 100–120°F in many regions May–September.

Always carry:

• excess water

• electrolytes

• shade clothing

• emergency GPS if remote

Geotagging Considerations

For fragile or unmanaged areas, use:

• “Arizona desert”

• “Colorado Plateau”

• “Sonoran Desert”

• “Northern Arizona”

Follow land manager guidance and avoid precise tags in culturally sensitive locations.

The Bottom Line

The Southwest is a place of:

• living Indigenous cultures

• fragile desert ecosystems

• ancient heritage

• extreme weather

• breathtaking beauty

It asks visitors to move slowly, think intentionally, and treat the land, and the people connected to it, with respect.