Pack It Out: How to Keep Southwest Trails Trash-Free and Beautiful

When hiking in the Southwest, leaving no trace behind isn’t just good manners; it’s a form of stewardship that keeps trails and ecosystems healthy. The dry deserts, red rock canyons, high deserts and epic mountains need your help to stay pristine, and it starts with one simple rule: pack it all out. Here’s how to be an excellent Leave No Trace hiker, keeping the Southwest’s wild beauty intact.

Why Packing Out Trash Matters

The unique and incredibly varied ecology of the Southwest means litter can have long-lasting effects. Here’s why packing out every single item matters:

• Litter Attracts Wildlife: Food waste, wrappers, and other trash can attract animals, teaching them to rely on human food. This disrupts their natural diet and can even lead to aggressive behavior. Generally speaking, fed wildlife is dead wildlife. And it doesn't matter how they're acquiring that food!
• Slow Decomposition: Materials like fruit peels, paper, and plastic break down incredibly slowly, sticking around for years. Heck, how many old cans do you find out in the wild? If you hike a lot, chances are the answer is too many to count. Metals never seem to break down.
• Spoiling the View: Part of what makes hiking here so incredible is the sense of isolation and untouched beauty. Trash diminishes that experience for everyone. We've all had that experience of taking in an epic sight only to immediately spot used toilet paper bunched up. What a gross display.

Pack It Out Like a Pro: Tips and Tricks

Ready to keep the Southwest clean? Here’s how to make sure you’re packing out everything without hassle:

1. Bring Extra Bags and Containers
   • Carry a reusable, sealable bag for all trash and any accidental waste (like wrappers or bottle caps that might fall from your pack).
   • Have a second bag for any litter you find along the trail. Making a habit of picking up others' trash can make a big difference.
2. Go Reusable Where Possible
   • Avoid single-use items like disposable bottles, snack bags, and plastic wrap. Instead, use reusable containers that don’t create waste in the first place.
   • Pack snacks and meals in lightweight, resealable containers that can double as trash storage once you’re done.
3. Prepare for Wet or Messy Trash
   • Used tissues, wet wipes, or food scraps? Store them in a separate, sealable plastic bag to keep everything clean and odor-free.
   • If you want to go an extra step, look for odor-resistant bags or bear-proof bags if you’re hiking in areas where bears or other wildlife may be present.
4. Pack Out Bio-Waste
   • Even biodegradable items like fruit peels, nutshells, and coffee grounds should be packed out. These items can disrupt local ecosystems and won’t break down easily in arid conditions.
   • For toilet waste, consider a wag bag or something similar. Digging cat-holes is posing problems in many Southwest ecosystems and they are going out of style fast. Wag bags are where it's at!

Handling Microtrash

Sometimes, the biggest impact comes from the smallest items. Microtrash includes things like crumbs, small bits of plastic, bottle caps, and wrappers. Here’s how to keep them from slipping through:

• Check your snack area before moving on, looking for crumbs, twist ties, or wrappers that might have dropped.
• Bring a small cloth to spread out under your food area so you can easily pick up any tiny pieces.
• Before you leave, do a “sweep” of your stopping point. Look down to ensure every small bit is collected.

Extra Steps to Leave the Trail Better Than You Found It

Consider bringing a small bag to collect litter you find along the way. You can be a hero for the environment without much extra effort:

• Pack a lightweight bag in an easy-to-reach pocket so it’s handy for small pickups.
• Make it a fun part of the hike: challenge yourself or hiking friends to see who can pick up the most microtrash.
• Share your efforts on social media to inspire others to adopt the “pack it out” mindset.

The Impact of Packing It Out

By packing out everything you bring, you’re part of a movement that helps preserve the Southwest for years to come. Each small act of packing out contributes to:

• Healthier Wildlife: Animals won’t learn to rely on human food, reducing dangerous interactions and maintaining their natural diet.
• Preserved Beauty: Hikers, locals, and future generations get to experience the Southwest’s landscapes in their unspoiled form.
• Sustainable Trails: Popular trails suffer less wear and tear, and volunteer and ranger resources are freed up to focus on conservation, not litter control.

Takeaway: Make Packing Out a Habit

Every hike, every stop, every snack break is a chance to be a steward. By practicing pack it out principles, you’re playing an active role in keeping the Southwest’s trails wild and wonderful. So next time you head out, take a little extra care, bring a few extra bags, and hike with pride knowing you’re making a difference!