Not Just Stay the Trail, Maintain the Trail

I’ve been reading on the forums about what you should carry in your Bronco or Bronco Sport when you hit the trail, and of course, as a Bronco Off-Roadeo guide, we always cover this topic from a safety perspective. You should always carry recovery gear to get yourself unstuck, a first aid kit, at least one gallon of water per person and items to help you shelter, among other necessities. A few years ago however, we started carrying a few more tools that help us not only stay the trail but maintain the trail.

Off-roading has become very popular

The 4x4 and scenic trails here in the American west are truly national treasures, and they receive lots of use and many times, abuse. Most of this damage is accidental or caused by the ignorance of motorized users; however, that does not change the fact that over time, users can close trails permanently. Damage is a regular occurrence –– living and playing for many years in Moab, I have seen many instances of trail widening, creation of bypasses, signs run over or stolen, and serious ruts caused by drivers trying to use trails that are too muddy for proper use.

Knowing how to stay the trail

In my opinion, the best way to maintain trails is to have the knowledge of how to use them. Many people assume that just because there are tracks through the desert, that must be a legal route. When I first started off-roading, signage on public lands would state to “stay on existing routes.” In the past several years, those signs have changed to “stay on designated routes.” Staying on those designated routes requires a little research on the trails and areas you are visiting and have maps or trail apps downloaded ahead of time and know how to navigate properly with them. A simple search will direct you to some great trail maps and guidebooks, and this is a fun way to plan and be prepared for your trip.

Staying the trail also includes not driving around rocks or obstacles but staying toward the center of the route. Trail widening happens when motorized users attempt to find smoother ground, and roads several lanes wide ruin the off-road experience. At best, this creates a work project for someone and at worst, leads to trail closure. Trying to find another route around a trail obstacle is illegal, and new designated routes cannot be created on public lands without an application and specific approval.

Tools to carry

Beyond staying the trail, many users carry some simple tools that can improve and even repair the routes so they can be used for generations to come. The easiest tool to carry is a trash bag. Picking up garbage and leaving the trail cleaner than you found it is a rule that many motorized users follow. I’ve actually seen improvements and reduction of trash because it has been communicated in many forums and through off-roading clubs.

Another simple tool is a rake. Taking 5-10 minutes out of your trail day to rake out tracks can help prevent trail widening. We frequently will rake out tracks and then move rocks or drag dead tree limbs to make that area seem undisturbed.

Sign repair is the final easy step that off-roaders can do to contribute back for the privilege we have in using these trails. Sign markers are frequently damaged purposely or struck accidentally by vehicles, causing them to bend or break. We often re-anchor signs, or at least prop them back in place with rocks until they can have a more permanent repair. Purposeful damage includes vandalism by what seems like harmless painting or placing stickers. Having a cute sticker to identify yourself or your club is fine but adding it to signs on the trail is vandalism and someone (usually a volunteer) spends hours removing them.

Messaging to others

When we see individuals or groups using the trail incorrectly, we invite a polite discussion about how the trails are endangered and the threat of them being closed down. Some listen; some don’t. If you see purposeful damage happening, take photos and notify public lands officials. This is often uncomfortable and difficult to do, but I have seen huge changes when a few bad apples are held accountable.

Volunteering

If you were to contact the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Office in Moab, they would tell you that many of the more difficult trails could never be repaired if not for volunteer projects by organizations like Tread Lightly! and local 4x4 clubs. When planning a visit to an area, see if there are work projects happening and ways you can help. One of my specific projects was to design “You are Here” signs and install them in strategic places on the trails (with the blessing of the BLM). Our club financed the signs, had them created, and built the posts. Then went out on several work projects with generators, drills, and epoxy, and installed them. If you visit Moab today, you might see some of them on the trail.

My last recommendation would be to go to TreadLightly.org and review specific ways you can take care of the trails in your area and in the areas you plan to visit. It is my hope that Bronco and Bronco Sport owners will become the gold standard in trail respect and care, and based on those of you I’ve engaged with already, that’s exactly what you are –– thanks!