The Southwest’s mesmerizing landscapes—dramatic slot canyons, sweeping deserts, and red rock vistas—are more than just a feast for the eyes. They are home to delicate ecosystems, sacred cultural sites, and centuries of natural and human history. Exploring these areas requires more than curiosity—it demands responsibility.

Leave No Trace (LNT) principles provide a practical and ethical framework for enjoying these environments while preserving them for future generations. At All Ways Adventure, we embrace LNT as part of our commitment to responsible exploration. Whether you’re canyoneering through stunning narrows, hiking off-the-beaten-path trails, or rappelling down sandstone cliffs, our expert guides help you experience the Southwest while leaving minimal impact.

Here’s how to adapt the seven LNT principles to your Southwest adventures—and how All Ways Adventure can help you go beyond, go guided, and go responsibly.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

The Southwest’s beauty often comes with extreme conditions—scorching summers, frigid nights, and remote trails without water sources. Preparation is key not only to your safety but also to protecting the fragile environment.

Before your trip, research weather conditions, trail regulations, and cultural guidelines. Agencies like the National Park Service (NPS), the US Forest Service (USFS), and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) provide up-to-date information on permits, camping rules, and seasonal restrictions.

At All Ways Adventure, we take the guesswork out of planning. Our guides are seasoned professionals who handle everything from route selection to gear recommendations, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the terrain and conditions. This preparation minimizes the chances of emergencies, which can lead to unintentional harm, like creating unplanned trails or disturbing delicate areas.

2. Travel on Durable Surfaces

In the Southwest, appearances can be deceiving. What looks like a sturdy patch of ground may actually be cryptobiotic soil, a living crust of microorganisms that helps prevent erosion and supports plant life. A single misstep can destroy decades of growth, leaving the land vulnerable to wind and water damage.

Stick to established trails and campsites whenever possible. When you’re exploring narrow slot canyons or hiking to remote arches, let our guides lead you along durable surfaces like rock or sand, steering clear of vegetation or delicate soils. For camping, you should always be at least 200 feet from water sources and away from fragile ecosystems.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

In the desert, decomposition is slow, making proper waste disposal even more critical. All trash—including food scraps, used toilet paper, and hygiene products—must be packed out. Wildlife doesn’t need your leftovers, and leaving behind organic waste can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.

When it comes to human waste, guidelines vary by location. In some areas, such as popular slot canyons or remote USFS and BLM lands, you may be required to carry out waste using WAG bags or portable toilets. In other areas, catholes—holes 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet from water sources—may be acceptable. Always check local regulations, which are clearly outlined by agencies like the NPS, USFS, and BLM.

4. Leave What You Find

The Southwest is a living museum filled with cultural artifacts like pottery shards, petroglyphs, and arrowheads that tell the story of Indigenous Peoples. Removing or disturbing these items not only erases history but can also violate federal laws protecting cultural resources. To learn more about visiting cultural sites with respect, check out our recent blog. 

Natural objects, like rocks and plants, are equally important to the environment. When you join an All Ways Adventure hike or canyoneering trip, we encourage you to admire the beauty of these objects without altering them. Our guides educate visitors about the significance of the Southwest’s cultural and natural heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation for the land and its history.

5. Minimize Campfire Impact

Campfires are a quintessential part of outdoor adventures, but in the Southwest, they can do more harm than good. The region’s arid environment and frequent winds make wildfires a constant threat, especially during fire season, which often stretches from late spring through early fall. A single ember can ignite a blaze that devastates thousands of acres, impacting wildlife, communities, and cultural sites. Even a small, controlled fire can leave permanent scars on the land, and collecting wood disrupts the slow-growing vegetation that supports delicate ecosystems.

To minimize your impact, consider using portable stoves instead of open fires. Stoves are efficient, safe, and leave no trace behind. Always check fire regulations with agencies like the NPS, USFS, and  BLM, as fire bans are common during high-risk periods. If fires are permitted, keep them small, use only established fire rings, and burn local wood if allowed. Before leaving, ensure your fire is completely extinguished—drench it with water, stir the ashes, and repeat until cold to the touch. By forgoing campfires or following these precautions, you help protect the Southwest’s fragile landscapes and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires.

6. Respect Wildlife

The Southwest is teeming with unique wildlife, from the elusive desert fox to the soaring golden eagle. These animals are a vital part of what makes the region so extraordinary, but human interaction can harm them in significant ways. Feeding wildlife, approaching too closely, or leaving food unsecured can disrupt their natural behaviors, making them more vulnerable to predators or reliant on human food sources. Such interactions not only threaten the animals but can also lead to dangerous encounters for humans.

To observe wildlife responsibly, maintain a safe distance, and avoid any actions that might disturb their routines. A helpful tool for gauging your proximity is the Thumb Trick, which you can read about in our recent blog about Zion’s wildlife here. 

By respecting wildlife and keeping a safe distance, you help preserve the delicate balance of the Southwest’s ecosystems, ensuring these species can thrive and future visitors can share in the wonder of these encounters.

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

The Southwest attracts people seeking solitude, adventure, and a connection to nature. Sharing the trails and canyons with others means respecting their experience. Keep noise levels low, avoid overcrowding popular sites, and yield to other hikers or climbers when needed.

Our guided trips are designed to enhance your experience while minimizing your group’s impact on others. With small group sizes and carefully chosen routes, we ensure that your adventure feels personal and intimate, even in well-loved destinations.

The All Ways Adventure Approach to Leave No Trace

At All Ways Adventure, we believe that exploring the Southwest is about more than just visiting—it’s about understanding, respecting, and protecting. By incorporating Leave No Trace principles into everything we do, we create adventures that are as responsible as they are unforgettable.

When you join us for a canyoneering trip, a guided hike, or a rappel through sandstone cliffs, you’re not just exploring—you’re learning how to protect these landscapes for generations to come. Together, we can ensure that the Southwest’s beauty endures, one mindful step at a time.

So, let’s go beyond. Let’s go guided. And let’s always leave no trace.