Springtime is here. And that means some of the trails are almost dry and ready for hiking, biking, backpacking and more! In preparation for this new outdoor recreation season, Visit Durango teamed up with San Juan Mountain Association and Durango Trails for a “Care for Durango” campaign. Each month will have a theme centered around sustainability with the purpose of spreading awareness and information on how to be more sustainably minded during your next outdoor adventure.

April’s theme is “Know the Trail Conditions.” This theme is specifically important during the month of April because many trails may still be wet and muddy. Recreating on muddy trails can negatively affect the trail’s condition, its longevity and the surrounding plant life. Other important things to know before you go include:

Check the weather. The weather in Durango can be unpredictable, especially at high elevation. Check the weather before you go to make sure you have all the proper clothing, and you are not in a vulnerable area when a mountain monsoon hits.Pack enough food, water and salt. When researching your trail route, evaluate the distance, incline and conditions. This will help you determine how much food, water and salt (which is crucial in preventing dehydration) you will need. It is always better to have more supplies than not enough.Know and respect the fire restrictions. Campfires and charcoal grills are typically not permitted on U.S. Forest land. However, it is imperative to check and adhere to current fire restrictions before you spark firewood in a permitted area.Stay on the trail, do not cut switchbacks. When recreating on our expansive trail system, staying on the trail is an incredibly helpful way to preserve routes. Switchbacks are an important part of trail design, and though it may be tempting to take a shortcut, over time it can negatively impact the structural integrity of the area.Be considerate of others. There are many easy and enjoyable ways to be considerate of others on the trails. If you have a dog, make sure it is on a leash, be mindful of your noise level and yield to uphill traffic.

Have fun, be safe and adventure responsibly!

For more information about trail conditions and recreation tips, visit Durangotrails.org or SJMA.org.

Rachel Welsh is the PR and communications manager at Visit Durango.