OSTWG News:

With the beautiful trails of the Pajarito Plateau bustling with hikers, mountain bikers, runners, and equestrians, the Los Alamos Open Space & Trails Working Group is excited to announce a “Test Your Knowledge” quiz designed to raise awareness and promote safer and more harmonious shared trail experiences. Participants will be eligible to win a prize package from local businesses valued at more than $350!

Multi-use trails are a wonderful resource, offering diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation. However, with different user groups comes the potential for misunderstandings and even conflicts. Common issues arise from varying speeds, silent approaches, and differing expectations about right-of-way.

“We’ve all been there – a mountain biker whizzing by unexpectedly, a hiker unaware of an approaching runner, or an equestrian rider encountering a startled dog,” working group member Craig Martin says. “These moments, though often unintentional, can lead to frustration or, in the worst cases, accidents. Our goal with this quiz is to foster a greater understanding of trail etiquette among all users, ensuring everyone can enjoy our trails safely and respectfully.”

Common Multi-Use Trail Conflicts and Misunderstandings Include:

• Right-of-Way Confusion: Who yields to whom? While general rules exist (e.g., wheels yield to heels, downhill yields to uphill, all yield to horses), situational awareness and clear communication are paramount.
• Speed Differentials: Mountain bikers often move significantly faster than hikers or runners, creating a need for early warnings and controlled speeds, especially around blind corners.
• Silent Approaches: Users wearing headphones or those who don’t announce their presence can unintentionally startle others, leading to dangerous situations.
• Lack of Awareness: Distracted trail users, whether by phones or conversation, may not be fully aware of their surroundings and other approaching individuals.
• Pet Etiquette: Uncontrolled or unleashed dogs can be a significant source of conflict, particularly with equestrians or other hikers. Pet waste should always be picked up and packed away.
• Trail Widening/Erosion: Going around or mucking through muddy spots, cutting switchbacks, or creating social shortcuts can damage trails and the surrounding environment.

This fun and informative quiz aims to address these common points of friction by reinforcing best practices for sharing the trail. It’s a quick and easy way to brush up on your trail manners and contribute to a positive outdoor community.

Ready to Test Your Trail Smarts?

Click to take the “Multi-Use Trail Etiquette Quiz” today! The quiz covers essential topics like right-of-way, passing protocols, pet etiquette, and Leave No Trace principles.

Prize Details:

A prize package will be awarded to the participant(s) with the highest score. In the event of a tie, a drawing will be held among all respondents who achieved the top score. The winner will be contacted via email after the quiz closing date of June 30, 2025.  The prize package has been donated by local businesses and includes two 12-movie and popcorn punch passes to SALA, good for the next year, an author-signed copy of Beer Hiking Southern Rockies, a Beer Hiker Kit, gift certificates from LA Bootery (trail boots and shoes) and Metzgers (outdoor & bike gear) and a lightweight trail first aid kit.

Let’s work together to make our multi-use trails enjoyable and safe for everyone!

About the Los Alamos Open Space and Trails Working Group:

The Open Space and Trails Working Group (OSTWG)  is a working group of the Los Alamos County Parks & Recreation Board. The OSTWG is dedicated to advising the Board and the community on policy and issues relating to open spaces and trails under the stewardship of Los Alamos County.  We promote responsible outdoor recreation and preserving the natural beauty and health of the community’s open spaces and trails.