APPRECIATE ARIZONA
The Arizona Office of Tourism and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics has forged a new partnership to promote sustainable tourism practices across Arizona’s spectacular landscapes and unique destinations. Because people form lasting connections with nature when they understand how to protect it. Here is where you can find information to equip you with Leave No Trace knowledge and skills to protect Arizona’s iconic natural features while enjoying these spectacular destinations.
It begins with The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace.
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Stick to Trails
- Trash Your Trash
- Leave What You Find
- Be Careful With Fire
- Respect Wildlife
- Share the Outdoors
Learn more about each of the seven principles.
BE KIND TO OTHER VISITORS
You may have noticed among your friends and family that everyone’s comfort level for “getting back out there” varies greatly. This is OK. If you’re raring to go but you see others are not, the best rule of thumb to balance your different comfort levels is also the most basic: Be kind.
BRING A (SOCIALLY DISTANCED) HIKING BUDDY
Besides having someone with which to share the beauty of an Arizona sunset or an epic mountain view, a hiking partner also means useful back-up in case of unexpected incidents, such as a twisted ankle or a wrong turn on the trail. Whether you bring a friend or choose to go alone, don’t forget to tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return.
SUPPORT ARIZONA BUSINESSES
Whether it’s ordering take-out from a local restaurant, browsing the goods at a neighborhood shop, following Arizona-owned businesses on social media—even leaving a positive review on sites like Yelp or Google—there are both big and small ways to support the Arizona economy.
RESPECT TRIBAL COMMUNITIES
COVID-19 impacted Arizona’s tribal lands in varying degrees of severity. Some, like the Navajo Nation, have closed their borders to outsiders and set limitations on who can visit.
Before you plan a trip, check which parks and lands are open. If you visit a tribal park, make sure to follow that tribe’s rules and laws. This includes getting permission to take photos, observing sacred spaces, and not bringing alcohol or guns on tribal land. For more information and tips for traveling to tribal communities, visit our Tribal Tips page.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS
If you’re biking, hiking, kayaking, camping or otherwise soaking up Arizona’s natural lands, be aware of what you can handle—and what you can’t. If a strenuous six-mile hike doesn’t match your normal level of physical activity, dial it back. Opt for something shorter or easier.
If you have pre-existing health conditions, consult with your physician prior to activity to know what you can handle safely. Regardless of your physical condition, everyone should take precautions against the Arizona sun: Apply sunscreen, don a wide-brimmed hat and wear lightweight, breathable clothing. And…
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
Drink one-half to one quart of fluid for every hour you’re outside. Carry a water bottle or hydration bladder and don’t wait until you feel thirsty to start replacing fluids—by that time, you’re already dehydrated.
BE A RULE FOLLOWER
We can all do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 while still embarking on new experiences. One simple way? Keep to the rules put in place by parks, trails, services, restaurants, and shops.
As more Arizona destinations open up to welcome us, you may find each has established its own set of safety guidelines to protect visitors. Help them out by respecting these guidelines. If you’re unsure of a park’s new rules or a business’ new protocol, visit the website www.AppreciateAZ.com, or phone ahead before you visit.
