In the peak of summer, trails buzz, campsites fill before noon, and alpine lakes echo with human voices. July draws more people outdoors than any other month, and while the Leave No Trace (LNT) principles remain constant, the way we apply them needs seasonal adjustment. With monsoon season softening soil, swimming holes brimming with flip-flops and chip crumbs, and wildlife straying dangerously close to trails for salty snacks, it’s time for a mid-summer refresh.
Here’s how to rethink the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace to match the demands of July’s high-use season.
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare – For Crowds and Storms
July’s popularity means competition for campsites and sudden monsoon storms. Pack extra layers and know your area’s flash flood zones. Check local land use restrictions and fire bans ahead of time. If you’re heading to a high-traffic trail, have a Plan B (or C) in case parking lots are full or conditions change.
July Tip: Include a portable trowel, trash bags, and quick-dry clothing in your pack. Prepare to adapt your plans to avoid overcrowding or trail damage.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces – Wet Soil Is Not Durable
Monsoon rains can turn trails into slippery mud slides. Walking around puddles tramples vegetation and causes trail widening. Instead, step through the center of the trail, even if it means wet boots.
July Tip: Avoid creating new paths around muddy spots. Camp on gravel, rock, or previously impacted ground to prevent soil compaction in soggy areas.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly – Micro-Trash Matters
With more people snacking on-the-go, micro-trash (tiny bits of food wrappers, corners of energy bars, twist ties) is a growing issue. These fragments don’t just look bad—they attract animals and degrade over time into harmful microplastics.
July Tip: Conduct a “micro-trash audit” before leaving. Check under rocks, in the sand, and around swimming holes for hidden scraps.
4. Leave What You Find – Even That Cool Rock
Crowded trails lead to more people picking flowers, stacking rocks, or pocketing mementos. Over time, these small actions cause big changes to landscapes.
July Tip: Resist the urge to collect “cool” rocks from riverbeds or shores, where erosion is already high due to increased foot traffic.
5. Minimize Campfire Impact – Or Skip It Entirely
Fire bans are common in July, and even legal fires can damage ecosystems. Charred ground and leftover ash are unsightly and hard to rehabilitate.
July Tip: Use a portable stove. If fires are allowed, keep them small and in established rings. Scatter cold ash and naturalize the site when done.
6. Respect Wildlife – Salt Trails Are a Real Problem
Sweat, urine, and food residue draw animals, especially in July when trails are busiest. Deer and rodents often lick rocks and soil where humans rest, which can alter their natural behavior and lead to dangerous habituation.
July Tip: Rinse sweat-soaked gear away from trails and campsites. Pee away from water sources and well-traveled paths. Never leave salty snacks behind.
7. Be Considerate of Others – Share the Shade
Shade is a hot commodity in July. Large groups often dominate picnic areas, trailheads, and water access points, leaving little room for others.
July Tip: Rotate out of prime spots like shaded benches or swimming holes after you’ve cooled off. Keep music to yourself and yield to uphill hikers.
Further Reading & Resources
A full breakdown and background of each Leave No Trace principle.
Understand how monsoon weather impacts trail safety and terrain.
Additional strategies for reducing your footprint in high-use areas.
Insight into how human use affects trail integrity, especially in wet conditions.
