Have you ever been out recreating on a trail, whether it’s hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding, and had a moment of panic when you weren’t sure about the appropriate trail rules? You’re not alone.

As someone who does all three, I thought it would be helpful to provide some trail etiquette tips for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and horseback riding. I’ll also give some in-depth information as to why some of these are helpful to the others, and I’ll touch on trail etiquette for dogs as well. 

Trail Rules Right of Way

For anyone recreating on any sort of trail system, it is essential to know who has the right-of-way:

• Horses and other pack stock (including llamas and pack goats) have the ultimate right-of-way. Everyone yields to them.
• Mountain bikers and bicyclists yield to hikers, runners, horses, and other pack stock. 
• Uphill (ascending) hikers or runners have the right-of-way over downhill (descending) hikers and runners.

Trail Etiquette Horses 

We’ll begin by talking about trail rules regarding horses since this is arguably the most dangerous way to recreate on the trails. It doesn’t matter how well-trained, responsive, and gentle a horse or mule is; they are independent animals with a fight or flight survival instinct. 

When a horse or mule is out on the trail, there are already many things that look scary to them, and for all they know, it could be a bear or a mountain lion waiting to attack them. Stumps, downed trees, and rocks can throw off even the most well-trained animals. An experienced rider can navigate these setbacks (usually), but it can quickly turn dangerous for a rider with less experience.

Throw in a hiker with an enormous backpack or a mountain biker heading full-speed down the trail, and it can quickly turn into a disaster waiting to happen. 

Hikers, Runners, and Horses: Trail Rules 

While a person in a regular setting may appear normal to an equine, a hiker with a large backpack coming down the trail or standing on the side can look like a giant, scary creature ready to eat them (at least in their horse/mule minds). 

I guided trail rides in Grand Teton National Park for three seasons and learned some valuable techniques from both the rider and hiker perspectives. I have spent a significant amount of time in the Bob Marshall Wilderness with a pack string of horses and mules and ridden Montana trail systems extensively. I’ve also spent a lot of time backpacking and hiking in these same areas. 

Here I refer specifically to horses and mules, but these general rules of thumb will apply to other pack stock as well, such as llamas and goats. 

Hikers and Runners

Step off the trail on the downhill side

If you are hiking or running, whether you have a large pack on or not, step off the trail on the downhill side. This is because if a horse or mule spooks from you, they will naturally move away from you, and them moving uphill is better. I have been on some steep, nasty sections of trail that if the animal stepped off on the downhill side, there is a real risk of them going entirely off and tumbling to their death, or worse, pulling the rest of the pack string with them. 

Watch ahead of you

Always watch ahead of you. If you see horses coming, be looking for a place ahead of time that you’ll be able to safely step off on the downhill side and get far enough off. However, don’t go too far as to be obscured by rocks, bushes, or trees. You still want the animals to be able to see you.

Talk to the riders

Next, start talking to the riders. This can be small talk such as “How is your day going? The weather is beautiful. Nice horse you’re riding.” It doesn’t matter what you say, but talking matters because it lets the livestock know you are a human and not a bear or other wild animal ready to eat them. 

Don’t hike or run up behind livestock

If you are going in the same direction as livestock, do not hike right up behind the last animal as likely this will startle and spook them, creating lots of issues for the riders. Instead, stay a substantial distance behind, around 20 yards at least. 

Don’t yell at the riders, as this can also startle everyone. Calmly announce your presence and be patient. Eventually, the riders, especially if they have a pack string, will try to find a place to get out of your way. 

Horseback Riders and Packers

Talk to hikers and runners

Horseback riders and packers are also responsible for talking to hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. First, it is okay to instruct other people on what you need to do. After all, you are sitting on the living, breathing, sometimes ticking time bomb (hopefully not!). If they are doing what you want them to be doing, talk to them anyway so your horse knows they’re human, and to just be friendly! Horse users can be intimidating to others that aren’t used to being around livestock. We should strive to build goodwill amongst other user groups out on the trail!

Trail Etiquette Mountain Bikers

Mountain bikers are at the bottom of the right-of-way chain when it comes to trail rules. This isn’t because they are less important, but because they can quickly run over a hiker or spook a horse. 

Mountain Bikes and Horses

I have a very memorable experience as a horseback rider, having encountered fast-moving mountain bikers. 

I was riding with two other people and leading a horse. We were going up a popular mountain bike trail at a time of year they were all out using it. I was on a mule while everyone else was on horses. Mules are generally more perceptive and aware of what is happening around them, and she spotted two mountain bikers roaring down the trail full speed. She saw them before they saw us, and before I could stop her (I probably couldn’t have), she spooked and leaped off the trail on the downhill side as I tried to hold onto the lead rope of the horse I was pulling behind me, and stay on.

Luckily, I was able to stop her, and the mountain bikers stopped. They stepped off their bikes (as they should) and got off the trail. They did everything right, and we proceeded without further incident. 

Stop and get off the trail

The critical thing mountain bike riders can do is stop and get themselves and their bikes off the trail several feet. However, don’t get so far off you’re hidden in the trees or behind a rock or stump, as a horse can’t tell what you are. As with hikers, this is where it’s also important for bikers to talk to the horseback riders, so the animals know you’re a human and not a monster. 

Mountain Bikes, Hikers, and Runners: Trail Rules

Fortunately, mountain bikers and people on foot have much less to worry about than when horses and mules are in the mix. However, that doesn’t give you the free range to run people over. Hikers and runners still have the right-of-way. Mountain bikers should pull off the trail and stop to allow foot traffic to pass. 

Trail Etiquette Dogs

No matter how you are recreating, maintaining control of your dog at all times is critical if you want to be a trail rules follower.

Keep them leashed, maintain voice control

Keep them on a leash if it’s required or if you don’t have voice control over them. NEVER let them run into the middle of a pack string or horseback riders as this can cause a huge wreck and be incredibly dangerous for horses, riders, your dog, and potentially you. Even if you have voice control over them, if you see riders coming, stop and get a hand on them and make sure they stay put on the side of the trail next to you. Don’t allow them to bark either. 

Not all hikers and runners love dogs, so don’t assume others want your dog to come greet them. Many runners have had bad experiences with dogs and have a low tolerance for dogs ambushing them. 

Also, don’t assume other dogs will be friendly to your dog. Communication is critical to ensure there are no dog fights or unwanted dog advances. Again, keep control of your dog and keep them off of others unless there is an indication the other people are okay with it. 

I cannot stress this enough, but the takeaway message is to make sure you have control of your dog at all times and don’t assume other people love your dog as much as you do. 

Trail Etiquette for Conditions, Vegetation, and Wildlife

First, know and practice leave no trace principles.

Be aware of trail conditions

Be aware of trail conditions before you go out. This applies to everyone, but using a trail in wet and muddy conditions can quickly degrade and destroy it, especially if you’re on horseback. Mountain biking can also do substantial damage. If it’s excessively muddy, you might want to rethink going out and instead wait for drier conditions. 

Be careful of vegetation

Something else to think about is the vegetation on the side of the trail. Again, if conditions are wet and muddy, you can easily crush flowers, grass, and other plants. But this can happen even if it’s dry, so just be aware and pay attention to what you’re potentially stepping on. 

Watch for wildlife

Wildlife can be anywhere, including on or near the trail. Recreating in bear country is an entirely different article, but you should still pay attention to your surroundings and be on the lookout for wild animals. Give them space and a clear berth. Know the types of animals you may encounter where you’re at and how to handle them. Also, DO NOT let your dogs chase them.

Final Thoughts on Trail Rules

My final recommendation for good trail etiquette is to be friendly! No matter how you’re using the trails, whether it’s hiking or running, mountain biking, or horseback riding, be kind to your fellow trail users. Be helpful if someone needs assistance, answer questions, and share your knowledge if asked. 

If someone doesn’t get proper trail etiquette precisely right, a friendly reminder goes a lot further than barking directives. The more everyone is educated, the better experience will be had by all.

Don’t be afraid to get out, but educate yourself. Knowing these rules will keep everyone safe and able to get out another day. 

If you liked this article, check out How to Hike Alone and Camping with Dogs!