Guidelines for SO! Outing Participants

Before Outing:

Choose outings that are within your ability. Read the Hike Difficulty Ratings, the distance, and elevation gain. If you are not sure, contact the trip leader and discuss the specifics of the outing so you can make a safe judgment.

Note the meeting place for the outing. The meeting place for outings varies, so you need to pay close attention to the meeting place for each outing. Each outing’s meeting place is listed on the Outings Schedule.

Inform the trip leader if you have special needs or requests. If you want to meet the group at a different location, or desire to do a modified version of the outing, contact the trip leader before the outing.

RSVP on time and show up on time. If you indicated that you will attend, but need to cancel, call the trip leader. ALL outings require an RSVP except Downhill Skiing and Wednesday Wanderers or unless noted otherwise.

Read guidebooks and maps regarding the outing. Be informed of where you are going.

Have a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue Card. Strongly advised!

Have any necessary permits

Pack your daypack with all the items you may need. Don’t get caught unprepared! Bring adequate food and water, and be prepared for wet or cold weather. Take plastic grocery bags for trail trash and to put your wet/muddy boots into after the trip, so you don’t get someone else’s vehicle dirty. (See “Packing List for Day Outings.”)

Wear orange clothing during hunting season, or use one of the Club’s orange vests.

Check to see if dogs are permitted. (See “Guidelines for Taking Dogs on Outings.”)

If you need to get back early, make plans for transportation.

Be ready for carpooling. If you will be a passenger, take along the correct amount of money for the carpool fee (specified in the Outing Schedule). As you may be a driver, make sure you have enough gas and room for passengers, and take along an extra vehicle key.

At Meeting Place:

Sign the Outing Attendance List.

Welcome guests and new members, and help inform them of procedures.

Alert the trip leader of any medical conditions that could create complications on the outing.

Pay attention when the trip leader is reviewing the travel route. Participate in the process of setting up carpool arrangements.

Carpooling:

Understand the route if driving and keep track of the vehicle behind you.

Pay the driver if a passenger.

At Trailhead:

Pay attention when the trip leader is making announcements. Make sure you understand the route and ask questions as necessary. Know who is carrying the radios, first-aid kit(s), and satellite or cell phone.

Choose the appropriate group to go with (hard, moderate or easy option; faster or slower pace).

During Outing:

Assist with two-way radios. The trip leader will distribute the Club’s two-way radios to be taken on the trip. If you carry a radio, turn the power on. It should already be set on channel 4.1.  Do a radio check. Use radios for necessary communications only. Carry it where you can access it quickly.

Help with trip coordination.

Stay with your group and keep track of others in your group. This is especially important on trails that are not clearly marked.

Never walk off on your own or head back to the trailhead without letting someone know where you are going.

If you leave the trail for a potty break, leave your pack next to the trail, so the trail sweep doesn’t pass you and leave you behind.

If the group comes to a fork in the trail, wait for the person behind you and make sure that person takes the correct trail.

If you are the designated sweep, stay in the sweep position. If you need to move up, assign another sweep and give him/her your radio and first-aid kit and inform the trip leader of the change.

Educate yourself on hypothermia, lightning, altitude, and avalanche and know what to do.

Take breaks as necessary to drink plenty of water and eat snacks to maintain your energy.

Control your dog. (See “Guidelines for Taking Dogs on Outings.”)

Practice “Leave No Trace” outdoor ethics. Don’t tarnish our reputation. Pickup trash along the trail.

After Outing:

Return equipment to the trip leader.

Help the trip leader with a head count to make sure everyone has returned safely.

Take the trip duffel(s) at the end of the trip if you will be the next trip leader.

Respect the vehicle you are carpooling in. Do all you can to prevent getting the vehicle dirty by putting your wet/dirty items in plastic bags.

PACKING LIST FOR DAY OUTINGS

Following is a general list of items needed or desired for day outings. The actual items to be taken on each outing will depend on the type of outing, season of the year, and elevation. Don’t get caught unprepared for wet or cold weather, or other unexpected conditions!

Day pack with pack cover Personal identification Emergency contact information Water, 2 quarts Lunch and snacks Emergency food Hiking boots and socks Hiking stick or trekking poles Hat with visor Rain gear Vest, sweater, or jacket Windbreaker Warm hat or head band Gloves Extra socks Sunglasses Sunscreen Lip balm with sunscreen Insect repellent Handkerchief or tissue Toilet paper Money for car pooling Extra vehicle key Health Insurance card Compass Signal mirror Whistle Change of shoes and socks for after trip

Watch Personal first-aid kit, moleskin Repair tape Matches or butane lighter Candle or fire starter (Steel wool works great.) Pocket knife Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries and bulb Space blanket Wading shoes, if crossing streams Maps Guide or reference books Camera Plastic bags · For trash pick up · For wet and dirty clothing and boots · For used toilet paper · To “scoop” your dog’s poop Small trowel for digging cat holes for human waste Pad to sit on Medications Cell phone 2-way radio Water treatment tablets or filter Avalanche equipment If biking - tool kit, spare tubes and pump

GUIDELINES FOR TAKING DOGS ON OUTINGS

Dogs are permitted on many of our outings; however, before bringing your dog on an outing, you need to first look at the outing description to see if it states “no dogs.” If it doesn’t, then you still must call the trip leader and give an RSVP for your dog. Dogs always need an RSVP. Reasons for dogs not being allowed on an outing include:

· Conflicts with other trail users

· Protecting desert country cryptobiotic soil crust

· Damage to groomed cross-country ski trails

· Difficult trail conditions, i.e. drop-offs, unstable surfaces, etc.

· Hiking in National Parks, such as Canyonlands, where dogs aren’t allowed on trails

· Doing one-way hikes with shuttles, where your dog would need to be transported in someone else’s vehicle

· The emphasis of the outing is educational

· The outing leader simply prefers not to have dogs along.

Hiking with a dog can be a positive and rewarding experience, but it can also result in a less than satisfactory experience for other people. The difference is primarily due to the behavior of the specific dog.

Desirable Behavior:          Friendly Quiet Stays with owner Obedient–obeys voice commands Not protective or aggressive

Unacceptable Behavior: Intimidating hikers Barking excessively Jumping up on other people Begging food from people Chasing wildlife or livestock Bumping people Shaking water or mud on people

Dog Owner Responsibilities:

· Bring a leash and water for your dog (if adequate water is not available on trail).

· Put your dog on a leash if it starts to chase wildlife, creates unsafe conditions on the trail or disturbs others while hiking or taking a break.

· Keep your dog under control at all times.

· During lunch, tie your dog up so it doesn’t disturb others.

· Drive your own vehicle.

· “Scoop the poop” when it’s on the trail. Remember to take along a plastic bag for this purpose.

If you see any behavior of someone’s dog on any outing that is contributing negatively to your enjoyment of the outing, bring it to the attention of the dog owner (or the trip leader if you prefer to have it mentioned anonymously). The dog owner needs to know, and will hopefully welcome the information. If these guidelines are conscientiously observed, no further action or more rigid policy should be required.