Leave no trace

Stewardship is Part of the Climb

At the core of every guided trip is something bigger than the summit: a commitment to care for the places we love. As climbers, we have the privilege of spending time in some of the most beautiful, wild places on Earth — and with that comes the responsibility to protect them.

I follow and teach the Leave No Trace principles not as a set of rules, but as a shared ethic. Whether you're new to the outdoors or a seasoned climber, understanding and applying these practices helps ensure that crags, trails, and wilderness areas remain healthy and open for generations to come.

I encourage every guest to become familiar with the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace, developed by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics:
🔗 Learn more at LNT.org

The 7 Principles

Click on each image below to explore in-depth tips, examples, and best practices for every Leave No Trace principle. Each one opens up a guide tailored specifically for climbers.

Plan ahead and prepare

travel & camp on durable surfaces

dispose of waste properly

Leave what you find

minimize campfire impact

respect wildlife

be considerate of other visitors

What This Looks Like in Practice

As a full-time guide working in both frontcountry and backcountry environments, I see firsthand how small choices add up.

In the Backcountry

Everything we bring in — we pack out. This includes trash, food scraps, hygiene products, and yes, even human waste using wag bags (unless regulations specifically allow catholes in high alpine areas). I help clients understand how to minimize their footprint in these sensitive zones where recovery takes decades.

In the Frontcountry

These more accessible areas often see high traffic, so I take extra care to leave it better than I found it. That might look like:

  • Picking up trash or forgotten gear left by others

  • Talking with clients about noise pollution and being mindful of other climbers

  • Choosing rope tarp and belay locations that avoid trampling cryptobiotic soil or plants

  • Avoiding shortcuts and staying on designated trails — even when it’s tempting to cut a switchback

  • Encouraging respectful crag behavior, especially when others are waiting in line for a route

Every time we climb, we have the chance to model what good stewardship looks like.

Why It Matters

Leave No Trace isn’t about perfection — it’s about intention. Every step we take to minimize our impact keeps the land open, accessible, and beautiful for others. It’s part of what makes climbing feel whole.

As your guide, I’ll always make space to talk about these practices, help you build habits that align with them, and show you what it looks like in real time.

Let’s climb with care.