Summer in Jackson Hole brings many outdoor enthusiasts to the extensive trail systems in Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF), where hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and motorized vehicle users share the paths. BTNF emphasizes the importance of trail etiquette, including the rule “wheels yield to heels,” meaning bicyclists and motorized vehicles yield to hikers, who in turn yield to horseback riders. Key guidelines include hikers moving off trails for others, biking cautiously and yielding appropriately, horseback riders minimizing impact and cleaning up after their animals, and motorized vehicle users approaching pedestrians slowly and stopping for horses.
Additional safety tips focus on interactions with horses, keeping dogs controlled and quiet, and preventing environmental damage by staying on trails and avoiding sensitive areas. During hunting season, wearing hunter orange is strongly advised for visibility. Overall, BTNF encourages respectful sharing of the trails to ensure everyone can safely enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
