Hiking is great. I like hiking. Hiking is even better when those around you have good etiquette! Now I’m not really one for rules, so here are 10 “suggestions” of ways to have good trail etiquette. 

1. Leave No Trace
Don’t litter. Leave the place looking better than when you arrived. 

2. Talk Quietly
Trust me, not everyone wants to hear drama, obnoxious screams, and vulgarity etc. Use your indoor voice while outside (haha) so we can all enjoy the birds singing and the sound of trees dancing in the wind.

3. No Smoking
Smoking is banned in most National & State Park areas, smoking increases the risk of forest fires, AND most people *gasp* actually want to enjoy the fresh air, not secondhand smoke.

4. No Loud Music
I love music, I really do! But usually not when I’m out hiking. It distracts from being connected with nature. If you really need to jam, try using this magical thing called headphones, or at the very least, turn your backpack speakers to a lower volume. 

5. Don’t Hog the Trail 
Be courteous and let others pass. If you are hiking in a group, hike in a single file line instead of forcing others off the trail.

6. Don’t Disturb or Harm Plant or Wildlife
Do your best to stick to trails and avoid stomping on plants. Don’t feed or scare wildlife.

7. Pet Responsibility 
Keep your dog on a leash when others are around. Dogs can easily spook horses and wildlife, some people are seriously afraid of dogs, and other’s hiking with their dogs will appreciate it. For your pet’s safety too it’s a good idea. Also, pick up their poop.

8. Respect Other Photographers
At populated view points, get your shot and then step aside so others have the opportunity to snap some cool pics too.

9. Be Friendly
Smile, say hi, help others out when they are in need… You know, basic human kindness.

10. Try Going Electronic Free
Do yourself a favor and occasionally put down the electronics. Allow yourself to take it all in, meditate, and enjoy nature without distractions.

“All you need is Mother Earth, Father Sky, and your dear old Uncle Tony.”
– Tony Perkis, Heavy Weights

“One does not simply walk into Mordor.
Its Black Gates are guarded by more than just Orcs.
There is evil there that does not sleep, and the Great Eye is ever watchful.
It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire and ash and dust,
the very air you breathe is a poisonous fume.
Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly.”
– Boromir, The Lord of the Rings

The lava tubes at Snow Canyon State Park are types of caves that were created by lava. There are a few different trails you can take to get the lava tubes. To get there you can take the Butterfly trail, the Lava Flow trail, or string together a few different connecting trails like we did if you want a longer hike. It’s a bit spooky exploring inside the caves. I felt like I was in Mordor. If you check these out, make sure you take the necessary safety precautions and don’t forget flashlights/headlamps!