On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Trail etiquette

On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Trail etiquette

• Cyclists
• Hikers/trail runners
• Equestrians

By Steve Pate

Last spring, the Trails and Open Space Coalition (TOSC) assembled equestrians and others to get input on how to share trails with hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers. Here are the resulting recommendations to a Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation committee which led to signs in some open space areas. These signs suggest to trail users who encounter equestrians:

• Slow down. Horses are “prey” animals, always on the lookout for predators. Hikers and bikers should slow down and move to the side of the trail.
• Say “Hello.” Talking calms the horse and reassures the rider.
• Share the trail. Horses always have the right-of-way.

OCN previously shared Friends of Monument Preserve (FOMP) guidelines for mountain bikers, hikers, and equestrians sharing trails. FOMP’s guidelines reiterated those guidelines set forth by TOSC.

Here are guidelines for cyclists and hikers:

Cyclists

• Ride with a bell. Announce your presence in a friendly way. Try not to startle other users.
• When passing hikers, cyclists must yield. Cyclists are responsible for avoiding crashing into someone (or entering their safe space). Ride in control at all times. Be able to slow down and stop if necessary to negotiate a safe pass. Often, it’s easier for a hiker to move to the side of the trail to let you pass, and most hikers will do this if there is a safe place and you communicate with them. Thank them and continue on your way.
• If you are riding downhill and encounter someone riding uphill, you must yield to them. Usually, this means slowing and getting to the side or stopping. Get as far off the trail as possible and allow the uphill rider to ride past.
• If you encounter an equestrian, slow down, stop if necessary and engage in a conversation about the best way to pass.
• If there are others in your group, let the person you are passing know how many are behind you.
• If you stop for any reason, move off to the side—don’t block the trail.

Hikers/trail runners

• Maintain situational awareness. Watch for other trail users.
• Cyclists are required to yield to hikers and equestrians, but it is much easier for hikers to step off a narrow trail than it is for cyclists to do so.
• Avoid standing along the outside edge of a switchback/climbing turn. Most cyclists prefer to use the outside of the turn—it’s safer and easier to get through the turn.
• If hiking in groups, spread out so that other users can pass safely.
• If you stop along the way, move to the side—don’t block the trail.
• Please keep all pets under control, especially excitable, unruly, or aggressive ones, so they don’t negatively impact or injure other users.

Equestrians

As stated above, equestrians have the right of way. When you see someone approaching on horseback, please step aside, say “hello,” and control your dog if you have one with you.

Steve Pate can be contacted at stevepate@ocn.me

Please stay on designated trails and do not cut across.

Other On the Trail articles

• On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Annual Ride for Tim, Palmer Lake to Monument (10/1/2025)
• On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Ride for Tim scheduled for Sept. 13 (9/3/2025)
• On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Monument Hiking Group planning session (4/5/2025)
• On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Monument Hiking Group to Ice Cave Cliffs and Cap Rock (2/1/2025)
• On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Enjoy being outdoors, but be prepared (11/2/2024)
• On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Prescribed burn promotes forest health (7/6/2024)
• On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) –  Palmer Lake bridge dedication ceremony (6/1/2024)
• On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Cadets build bridge over Monument Creek (5/4/2024)
• On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Mount Herman “Leap” (4/6/2024)
• On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Palmer Lake Reservoir hike (3/2/2024)