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#TrailWiseCOS
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Colorado Springs trails are shared-use trails, meaning you may encounter bicyclists, hikers and runners, equestrians, and trail users with dogs as you venture along our great trail system. Follow these #TrailWiseCOS guidelines to help keep our trails safe, respectful, and sustainable.
Stay Right, Pass Left
- Keep to the right side of the trail unless you are passing.
- When passing, always move left and give others space.
- Be aware of your surroundings – headphones can make it harder to hear others approaching.
Give a Heads-Up
- Use a bell or say “on your left” to alert others when passing.
- Communicate early and clearly, especially on curves or in crowded areas.
- A friendly heads-up can prevent surprises and create a more positive trail experience.
Yielding Order Matters
Knowing who has the right of way prevents confusion and collisions:
- Horses have the right of way – Always yield, slow down, and speak calmly as you pass.
- Pedestrians have the right of way over bikes and runners.
- Uphill traffic has the right of way – if you’re heading downhill, step aside.
Slow Down & Don’t Block the Trail
- The trail speed limit is 20 miles per hour.
- Go slower when trails are crowded, around corners, or near other users.
- Don’t block the trail and allow room for other users to pass safely
Be a GOOD #TrailWiseCOS Ambassador
- Greet others to create a respectful trail culture that is enjoyable for all.
- Help others when needed, especially new or unsure trail users.
- Be a role model – others learn from what they see.
- Want to show off your trail pride? Pick up a free #TrailWiseCOS sticker at select locations:
- PRCS Admin Office
- Community Centers
- Pop-Up Events
Stewardship is Strength
We all love our trail system and it’s up to all of us to maintain environmental stewardship to safeguard the natural, cultural, and historical resources that make Colorado Springs such a fantastic place to live and visit.
Follow the Leave No Trace Seven Principles (all principles listed below):
- Pack out all food, trash, and pet waste.
- Stay on designated trails – straying damages habitats and causes erosion
- Keep pets leashed and under control; don’t allow them to chase wildlife.
Trail Etiquette by User
Bicyclists
- Control your speed. Slow down and use caution when approaching other trail users and blind turns. Obey the 20-mph speed limit.
- Always yield to all other trail users.
- Communicate your presence when approaching, talk calmly to equestrians, and slow down when passing. Yield to uphill bicyclists.
- Avoid startling horses, dogs, hikers and joggers. Always slow down when approaching other trail users to allow for safe positioning when passing.
- Communicate, stop and wait. When passing on narrow trails, move to the side of the trail and wait for equestrians, uphill bicyclists and hikers to pass safely.
- Ride only on trails designated for bicycle use. Going off-trail, racing or reckless riding is prohibited.
Hikers and runners
- Always yield to equestrians. If you are running, slow down or stop. Horses can get spooked when a runner approaches too fast.
- Be alert. Always be aware of approaching bikes or horses and pass carefully.
- Don’t block the trail. Groups should always allow space on one side of the trail for others to pass. When taking a rest, step off to the side of the trail.
- Keep at least one ear open. For safety and for communicating with others, wear only one ear bud when listening to devices.
Equestrians
- Inform other users of the safest way to pass. Not all trail users are familiar with horse behavior. Some dogs and people can be frightened; communicate your needs clearly.
- Be responsible. Maintain control of your horse at all times. If your horse is high-spirited, please alert other trail users.
- Desensitize your horse. Before riding on multi-use trails, be sure to train your horse properly to get them accustomed to other trail users.
- Ride only on trails designated for equestrian use. Going off-trail is prohibited.
Trail users with dogs
- Dogs must be on a leash. Ideally, you would have your dog heel and sit while other trail users pass.
- Pick up dog waste, take it with you, and discard it in a designated trash receptacle.
- Maintain control of your dog. Many horses and other trail users are frightened of dogs; communicate with others and train your dog to behave around horses, bikes and hikers.