Draft Update on the GDTA Trail Users Code

By Jenny Feick, PhD

The original Great Divide Trail Association (from the mid-1970s to late 1980s) developed a trail user’s code that first appeared in 1975 and 1976 in the two editions of their policy paper.

The first GDT’s Trail User’s Code appeared in this report that promoted the GDT concept.

On pages 9-10 of the Great Divide Trail: Banff to Waterton, Its Concept and Future, it says that the fifth aim of the GDTA is “to encourage proper wilderness etiquette through the Trail User’s Codes, newsletters and other publications.” It then presents the Great Divide Trail User’s Code. 

The Great Divide Trail User’s Code (1975 Version)

  • Travel only along marked routes.
  • Carry out all garbage (if you can carry it in full, you can carry it out empty!)
  • Do not disturb wildlife. Even approaching with a camera can constitute harassment.
  • Do not damage vegetation. Be especially careful with the fragile plants of the alpine and sub-alpine zone, and never cut green trees or boughs.
  • Do not graze horses in alpine areas. Avoid camping above treeline.
  • Light cooking fires at official campsites only and in designated sites. Drench fires after use (better still, carry a light-weight hikers’ stove).
  • Leave campsites tidier than the way you found them.
  • Clear the trail of obstructions (windfall) when possible and desirable.
  • Travel in small groups: large parties cause excessive disturbance, and travelling alone can be hazardous.
  • Travel for pleasure — not to establish records.
  • Leave only your thanks and take nothing but photographs.
The 1975 version of the GDTA’s Trail Users Code guided trail users during a time when few people knew about and backpacked on the GDT. (Photo by Chris Junck).

Based on research[1] and feedback received since the last issue, I developed an updated draft of The GDTA’s Trail Users’ Code. In general, the Code is meant to foster the application of Leave-No-Trace Principles as well as respect for the environment, wildlife, Indigenous peoples, cultural resources, and authorized users of the GDT (hikers and equestrians).

GDTA members and other readers of the GDTA’s Pathfinder Newsletter can send me feedback on this draft by emailing [email protected] with the subject line “Feedback on the draft New GDTA Trail User’s Code”. The next draft will go to the GDTA Board of Directors and appropriate committees for their consideration, approval, promotion, and application.

The Great Divide Trail User’s Code (2022 Draft)

  • Plan your trip in advance with the trip resources on the GDTA website. Ensure you know how to use the GDT app (or equivalent GPX track) to follow both the blazed and unmarked sections of the GDT. Book your national and provincial park campsites months ahead. Obtain any required permits and pay any fees to the agencies that manage the land through which the GDT passes.
  • Familiarize yourself with the different rules, regulations and policies of the various land management agencies that affect your GDT trek and comply with them during your trip.
  • Be cognizant and respectful of the First Nations through whose traditional territories you pass while on the GDT, including the unceded Indigenous lands on the British Columbia side of the Great Divide.
  • Practice Leave-No-Trace Principles throughout your trip on the GDT.
  • Carry out all of your garbage. If you can carry it in full, you can carry it out empty! If feasible, remove litter left by others. Leave campsites tidier than the way you found them.
  • Do not disturb wildlife. Even approaching with a camera can constitute harassment. Never feed any wild animal or leave food or toiletries unattended at a campsite or along the GDT.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and practice bear-aware behavior. Do not play music in the backcountry assuming it will scare off bears. Periodic talking, shouting or singing is much more effective.
  • Do not damage vegetation. Be especially careful with the fragile plants of the alpine and sub-alpine zone, and never cut green trees or boughs.
  • Do not short-cut switchbacks. This kills vegetation and causes erosion.
  • Do not graze horses in alpine areas. Avoid camping with horses above treeline unless in a designated equestrian campsite.
  • Use a light-weight hikers’ stove for cooking. Light cooking fires only when permitted in designated sites at official campsites. Drench fires completely after use.
  • Do not remove any natural or cultural object as a souvenir or damage any natural or cultural feature.
  • Participate in a GDTA trail maintenance trip to learn and apply the skills needed to keep the GDT open and in good condition.
  • Travel safely and responsibly. Train and prepare for the challenges you will face. Know and respect your own strengths and limitations and those of everyone in your travel group.
  • Travel in small groups: large parties can cause excessive disturbance, and travelling alone can be hazardous.
  • Travel for pleasure, inspiration, learning, and healing—not to beat others’ records or to “conquer” Nature. Appreciate the wilderness experience the GDT offers.
  • Be thankful for any assistance you need that is offered and given by Trail Angels. Establish clear communication about expectations in advance. Set appropriate boundaries. Do not take advantage of Trail Angels. They should not be expected to grant your every request.
  • Be kind to all those you meet.
  • Leave only your thanks and take nothing but photographs.
The new updated GDTA User’s Code should remain true to the original intent to minimize negative environmental effects while reflecting the changes in recreational use, gear, social norms, etc., that have taken place in the past 47 years since the code was first developed. (Photo by Jenny Feick).
Jenny doing field research on the GDTA’s Trail Users’ Code while hiking on the GDT in Waterton Lakes National Park in late September 2022. (Photo by Ian Hatter).

[1] Besides the Leave No Trace Principles, I looked at the BTA Trail User’s Code , Pacific Crest Trail Association Volunteer Code of Conduct, Trails BC’s “A Trail User’s Code of Ethics”, Alberta TrailNet’s Trail Etiquette/Respect the Land, the Thru-Hikers Code of Conduct, and the Climbers Code of Respect.

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