Responsible Recreation - It Takes All of Us
Mount Diablo Trails Alliance (MDTA) is proud to launch our Responsible Recreation education advocacy program. In the coming months, we look forward to meeting you on the trails with pop-up events and trail user engagement to reinforce the importance of respecting the gift of the trails.
Trails provide a safe place for connecting to nature, supporting conservation, fitness and renewal-based activities like hiking, biking, running, and horseback riding, as well as landscape, wildflower and wildlife photography.
Our stewardship, access and Responsible Recreation goals aim to ensure that the trails at Mount Diablo State Park are accessible and welcoming for all park visitors while also protective of ecological and cultural resources.
Help Protect the Trails:
Stay on designated trails to protect the watershed, flora, fauna and wildlife
When trails are muddy, do not hike or ride on them
o Foot, tire or horseshoe damage on muddy trails (especially below Junction Ranger Station) can cause safety and environmental hazards
o Please consider alternate activities and return to the park another day
Observe the Right of Way Triangle
o Yield means temporarily stop and move to the side of the trail
o Bikes must yield to hikers, runners and horses
When there are limited clearance or safe passing options, dismount from bike to signal that right of way has been established for everyone’s safety
o Hikers and runners must yield to horses
Use a bell to alert others
o When on a bike, use a bell (e.g., Spur Cycle or Timber Bell) to alert trail users
o Bell usage does not exempt a cyclist from yielding
Remember, some trail users may be hearing impaired
Be situationally aware
o Do not wear headphones in both ears
o Externally played music (portable speaker) or bike noises (e.g., free hub spinning) can startle horses, potentially causing injury or death for equestrian and horse
To learn more, visit the official website of Mount Diablo State Park and scroll down to the Safety Tips section.