Outdoor Ethics for Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles are reprinted with the permission of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. For more information, visit www.LNT.org.
-
Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Learn about river-specific issues, regulations, and permits.
- Use a river guidebook and map to plan your trip.
- Schedule your trip so that you encounter appropriate river flows for your group’s ability.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use; visit in small groups.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Know river skills and carry the necessary equipment to minimize your impact.
-
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Durable surfaces include rock, gravel and sand.
- Focus activity where vegetation is absent.
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Select a campsite large enough for your group.
- When on day hikes in the river corridor, walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when muddy.
- In pristine areas, disperse use to prevent creation of new campsites and trails.
- Leave campsites clean and natural looking.
-
Dispose of Waste Properly
- Pack it in, pack it out.
- Use a washable, reusable toilet or other approved method to pack out human waste, toilet paper and tampons. Check local regulations.
- Liquid wastes can be dumped into main current in many high volume (over 500 cfs) rivers. In low volume rivers, scatter liquid waste 200ft from water, away from camp and trails. Check local regulations.
- Urinating directly into the river is often the best option. Check local regulations.
- Use a tarp in the kitchen to catch food and trash, which attract unwanted animals.
- Pack out all small food particles and small pieces of trash.
-
Leave What You Find
- Appreciate ancient structures, artifacts, rock art and other natural objects, but leave them undisturbed.
- Do not build structures or dig trenches in campsites.
- Avoid introducing non-native species, including live bait, by cleaning equipment between trips.
-
Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Minimize campfire impacts by using stoves.
- Use a fire pan or designated fire ring for open fires and charcoal.
- Elevate fire pan and use a fire blanket to catch embers.
- Use dead and downed wood no larger than an adult’s wrist to keep the fire small.
- Consider bringing your own firewood or charcoal.
- Burn all wood and charcoal to ash. Carry out ash with other garbage.
-
Respect Wildlife
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed wildlife; it damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife by storing food and trash securely.
- Control pets or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, or when food is scarce.
-
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Communicate with other river visitors about your floating and camping plans.
- Leave larger camps for larger groups.
- Avoid camping or eating near major rapids where scouting and portaging take place.
- Non-motorized crafts usually have right-of-way over powerboats; slower boats should keep to the right.
- Let nature’s sounds prevail.
Gear & Services
Sportsman’s Warehouse
- Archery, ATV/UTV, Camping, Conventional/Spin Fishing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Hunting, Off-roading, Shooting, Stillwater Canoeing, Stillwater Kayaking, Water, Whitewater Kayaking
- Biking, Climbing, Conventional/Spin Fishing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing, Water, Whitewater Kayaking
- Stillwater SUPing, Water, Whitewater Kayaking
- Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Stillwater Canoeing, Stillwater Kayaking, Stillwater SUPing, Street Cycling, Water, Whitewater Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting
Rentals
- Biking, Climbing, Conventional/Spin Fishing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing, Water, Whitewater Kayaking
- Stillwater SUPing, Water, Whitewater Kayaking
Classes
- Stillwater SUPing, Water, Whitewater Kayaking
- Biking, Climbing, Conventional/Spin Fishing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing, Water, Whitewater Kayaking
Guided Adventures
American Adventure Expeditions
- Adventuring, ATV/UTV, Biking, Jeep Tours, Mountain Biking, Off-roading, Pikes Peak APEX, Water, Whitewater Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting, Ziplining
Rock N Row
- Adventuring, Climbing, Horseback Riding, Water, Whitewater Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting
Lost Paddle Rafting
- Biking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Water, Whitewater Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting
Journey Quest
- Water, Whitewater Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting
Arkansas River Tours
- Adventuring, ATV/UTV, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Off-roading, Water, Whitewater Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting, Ziplining
- Biking, Climbing, Conventional/Spin Fishing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing, Water, Whitewater Kayaking
Echo Canyon River Expeditions
- Water, Whitewater Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting
Clear Creek Rafting Co.
- Water, Whitewater Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting
Wilderness Aware
- Adventuring, Water, Whitewater Rafting
Raft Masters
- Adventuring, Water, Whitewater Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting, Ziplining
Whitewater Adventure Outfitters
- Water, Whitewater Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting
- Conventional/Spin Fishing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Water, Whitewater Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting
- Adventuring, Water, Whitewater Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting, Ziplining
Colorado Xplorer
- Adventuring, ATV/UTV, Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Off-roading, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Water, Whitewater Rafting
Performance Tours Rafting
- Adventuring, Horseback Riding, Water, Whitewater Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting, Ziplining
