top of page
  • Writer's pictureNicholas Lanham

Outdoor Etiquette for Social Media

Updated: Jan 5, 2019


 

A raised platform stretching over valley grasses towards Yosemite Falls, Yosemite NP

The world really is a big and beautiful place, but I’m sure you already know this from those Instagram photos and viral Facebook videos showing great adventures that make even the most veteran traveler awestruck and jealous. Here in America we’re especially blessed to have gems of land so precious, so delicate, they’re protected and have encouraged other places around the planet to follow suit. These slices of heaven are known as the National Parks, sometimes described as America’s best idea, and their creation was simply, “For the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” There are over 14,000 federally protected lands and preserves found in over 100 nations today. But the catalyst of this, an act sign on March 1, 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant establishing Yellowstone National Park as the world’s first, has since grown well beyond its original purpose and has arguably even become harmful to the land it protects. The number of visitors to our natural and protected lands has grown significantly over the years, and is undoubtedly due in part to social media and the many “influencers” on them. Yosemite and Yellowstone visitors totaled over 4 million each in 2017, and the Grand Canyon set a record 6 million plus; over 2 million more than just 7 years prior in 2010! While this recent growth in interest in the outdoors is encouraging for all outdoor enthusiasts alike and the potential future and betterment of our protected lands, there have been some downfalls.

Sand to Snow National Monument

With these visitors comes trash, human waste, and LOTS of bad etiquette. With the current government shutdown limiting federal resources, these bad habits have increased to such a disgusting degree that gates are beginning to close indefinitely to protect the parks and visitors alike from numerous hazards. More than ever the importance of being mindful of your role during your visit and the effect it has on the environment around you is at play. With enjoying the outdoors comes the responsibility of respecting and protecting it, including the wildlife that inhabits these areas as well as the other guests and workers present. This all might seem pretty straight forward, but for some it’s not. Even the most experienced of us end up making a thoughtless mistake now and then… like making a campfire outside of the permitted time frames while camping in Yosemite Valley (just saying for a friend). We should all be able to enjoy these mesmerizing places and knowing how to do so dutifully makes it better for everyone. After all, it is a land for the people; places to be cherished and taken care of for future generations to enjoy themselves.

Muir Woods National Monument

Please consider these 6 simple areas of focus during your next trip. While I speak mostly about the National Parks, Forests, and Monuments a majority of you excited travelers will soon go, I recommend you apply these same principles to every place you visit, whether it be in a National Park, on a hike to a distant mountain peak, or a simple stroll down your neighborhood side walk. As I said, it’s a big beautiful world, and we can keep it this way together.


1: Addressing Trash

One of the most important advocacies that I’m almost certain you’ve already heard revolves around litter. Pack it in – pack it out. Don’t Litter. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD just throw your trash away. Everyday I go out on my treks and find trash, more so than ever before, and it just plain sucks. We’ve

all accidentally lost a water bottle or had the wind swipe a wrapper out of range of our grasp to claim for its own, which is still not good, but to litter purposefully is just immature and self-centered. Wrappers, coffee cups, beer bottles and cans, and the worst of these, used diapers, all common sites! How serene a sight to see, Yosemite Falls cascading down it’s sheer granite cliffs, the pine trees, the birds, and a repulsive diaper on the floor. Seriously people?

It’s estimated that each year National Park visitors and staff alike to Yosemite create over 2,200 tons of trash. Imagine if all that trash was simply thrown to the ground? Beyond the unpleasant sight of this are the other issues it creates. Wildlife such as raccoons and bears can (and likely will) find and eat this trash, possibly injuring and killing them. Broken glass and metal cans not only injure those who are unfortunate enough to find them but can later lead to infection and serious health problems. Not to mention the health concerns associated with trash and the bacteria that accumulates on it. You should also consider, and while it may sound crazy to some, your apple cores and fruit peels are included in this. Organic as they might be, they do not simply become one with the earth again. It can take upwards of 2 months for an apple core to fully decompose, and over 2 years for banana and orange peels! This is ample time for an innocent animal to find this nutrition-lacking snack causing potential harm to the creature.

My wife taking a photo of a large sequoia along the road to Moro Rock, Sequoia NP

Fortunately, private companies such as Subaru have stepped up with the goal to create a Zero Landfill initiative for the National Parks. But they can’t do it alone. Do your part and take home what you bring in. This is especially true with the current shutdown as trashcans are unable to be emptied on federal lands unless by volunteers (Good souls do exist). Don’t add to the problem, and if you can, go the extra mile and pick up trash that you see. Yes, even if it’s not yours. This small “sacrifice” will make a larger impact later.


2: Mind Your Selfie

As the number of photos of a destination grow, so does the desire to get a photo of that same shot yourself. Right? Seems to be the case for anyone who has been to areas such as McWay Falls in Big Sur, Ca., or any of the masterfully created architecture of Arches NP, Utah. Sure, it’s great to take a photo to memorize such an inspiring place, and let us not forget to show and brag to your friends about, but at what point is your photo interfering with those others around you? More than you might realize. Remember how you approach an area. I’ve personally seen lines of people waiting to go to a certain photo spot, and you don’t want to piss those people off. Are you jumping in front of or walking into someone else’s photo? Are you being fair with how much time you’re spending in that ideal location? Bottom line, are you sharing this place as it should be? Sure, there might be some rude people there also, but do you want to be that same kind of person? Be kind. Word of advice, try to show up earlier than the crowds and tour busses. Also, it pays to get a video and take a screen shot of a single-frame later instead of taking hundreds of the same photo in an attempt to hide that hideous body part you loath so deeply.

Arch Rock, Joshua Tree NP at sunrise

How are you taking your photo? Selfie sticks? Why not right? Great vantage point. Capture the whole family. Gold. But how do you wield your new accessory? (Not a joke!) Is it in the way of other visitors’ views? Are you waving it around like a madman? Believe it or not injury by selfie stick happens, and while mildly comical to an outsider, is not the case to the receiver. Also, are you getting it too close to an animal or protected environment? Some animals, big or small, such as bison or various reptiles have been known to attack when they feel threatened, or even completely at random. They are wild animals after all, so best bet is to keep a safe distance and leave them alone. The image doesn’t have to be a macro shot. There’s no harm if used carefully and with others in mind, so please just be considerate. Also, remember, there are lots of people there looking for the same thing, so offer to take someone’s family photo and maybe they’ll return the favor.


Flying a drone? Oh boy, you better be sure to follow the guidelines here, or else. (Cue dramatic music). Drones have grown drastically in popularity thanks to the ability to capture different sights and angles not possible before. But this new technology is actually illegal in certain places. Why you ask? The National Parks have found that the potential negative impacts of drones far outweigh the benefits in natural environments. NP’s are supposed to, “enhance visitor experiences with the iconic natural, historic and cultural landscapes,” available. Along with annoying other visitors with a distracting buzzing that takes away from this enhancement, lots of wildlife has perceive these devices as a threat. Birds in particular have been recorded dive-bombing drones, seeing them as a predator or other potential threat to their nests and young. Imagine the serious injury one of those propellers could inflict on them. Elk and deer herds have run from the drones, creating stampedes and scaring the animals into using precious energy vital to their survival. Drones also run on limited battery life and many have crash landed due to dying and/or mechanical and user error. This opens a whole other world of crap I’m sure I don’t need to explain further. Using a drone, or “unmanned aircraft”, is illegal in places such as National Parks, and perpetrators could face misdemeanor charges that come with a fine of $5,000 AND 6 months in jail. There are very few exceptions to this ruling, but you can find out more by contacting the visitor center of your destination. So worth it? You decide. My best advice; follow the rules and leave your drone at home.

Photo of my friend Collin from Glacier Point, Yosemite NP

Lastly, be mindful of where you place yourself. Death by selfie is on the rise, totaling over 250 deaths globally for 2018. How much is a photo worth if you’re putting your life on the line to get it? Stay in designated viewing areas and stay behind the guard-rails. This is definitely more for your safety than the land’s. Now I know someone out there is reading thing and thinking, “F*** this guy, I do what I want!”. More to you, I guess. Those "likes" sure are important after all. But I will remind you these places are already fairly dangerous. Zion NP has reported 32 deaths from falling alone, nothing compared to Yosemite’s 60 total deaths, and the Grand Canyon’s staggering 130! So, do you really want to add in the potential of dying by taking a bad slip looking for that perfect photo? It’s a free country, but I’d advise you don’t.


3: Leave it Be

One of the worst things you can do as a visitor is disturb the natural environment you’re visiting. Take only photos, leave only footprints; the golden rule of outdoor enthusiasts alike. This includes taking “souvenirs” such as plants, rocks, and heaven forbid, animals. The evil of all evils, however, is vandalism. If your plan is to partake in this, trust me when I say we all hope you get caught (and I’ll see you in hell). This includes carving your initials into trees and rocks, and can even consist of taking or breaking plants, natural “keepsakes” of any sort, and so much more. Remember, these are delicate ecosystems that may include a variety of geography and endangered species that are possibly only found there. In Hawaii’s Haleakala NP for example, the range covered by the park stretches from the lush rain-forests at sea level to the moonscape summit of the island, harboring plants and animals that exist nowhere else on earth. Extra care is to be taken there and it should be left as found.


Another way to harm these areas is by introducing something foreign or unnatural. Sure, we already talked about trash, but it goes far beyond that to include introduction of other plants and organisms that can wreak havoc on the susceptible space. You’d be surprised how bad this can actually be. In Florida’s Everglades, the amount of invasive plants and animals is completely degrading the natural ecosystem, which lacks the competitive advantage of the nonnatives. Lizard and snakes are devouring bird and alligator eggs whose nests lie along the river banks. Plant species are blocking out precious sunlight to lower lying native plants. The last thing you want to do is bring something in to “free” it in the wild.

My dog Dexter sunbathing on a permitted Sierra Lake

Be aware that this also includes bringing your furry friends along for the ride. Dogs, as wonderful of companions as they are, can harm environments and are largely banned from NP’s unless specified.

Their waste, protective behavior, curiosity, and other habits can disturb the natural way of things where you are and may even lead to harm on themselves, so please follow these rules. We love your dog as much as you do, trust me.


A popular trend that has also taken place lately is rock stacking, or cairn building. While this is “totally cool”, and at times impressive with the amount of balancing skill and patience needed, please don’t do it. First off, by moving the rocks from their location you are disturbing the habitat for small organisms that live there and rely on those rocks for shelter, as well as allowing erosion to take place faster. You may also be potentially disturbing a hiking trail. Cairn’s have historically been used as trail markers to help guide travelers on the correct path. When you build your next masterpiece, you might just be leading someone astray. Lastly, and the most overlooked reason, is that you are being selfish. Remember that where you are is supposed to be a place of natural beauty and an escape for those visiting. Nobody wants to go and see a magnificent piece of undisturbed nature only to find you were there first. Cairn’s may also be viewed as a form of vandalism in some areas, leading to fines for those who build them, so don’t. PLEASE, be mindful of others and the environment. (It’s almost like there’s a trend here).


If they could talk, the wildlife you go to see would also ask that you please keep your distance. As noted earlier, some animals may attack if they feel threatened. They may also flee, putting themselves in harms way by crossing roads or a predator's line of sight, all by using their energy reserves unnecessarily. There are so many gorgeous little critters out there that will be exciting to see, but they may not feel the same about you. Follow area guidelines, keep your distance, DO NOT FEED THEM as it will encourage behavior unnatural to their way of life, and remember, photos only. I recommend taking a nature walk with a Ranger if available. Also bring binoculars or a long lens for your camera; you may just find what you want to see.

4: The Sounds of Nature

I’ve seen a growing trend in travel/adventure videos where a song with heavy-bass and electronic tones plays while people in jean jackets and beanies reach out to the viewer, or a girl slips into the water that leads towards a grand scene, followed by hand holding and laughing; experiencing a time of true ecstasy as scenes transition to the beat of the song. But is this nature? Is the sound of the birds not enough? Or the roar of millions of gallons of water over the edge of the falls? Seems not. For those looking to get out into these natural places, remember that mother nature’s song is one that is easily overlooked. When you get out there, take a moment and just listen. It’s a notorious joke among the hiking community that the first one to quit the trail is the one blasting their “adventure playlist” on a Bluetooth speaker. Let it be known that nobody and, I mean NOBODY cares about your genius creation you call a playlist, especially on the trail or in locations where your added noise may drown out what is already there. In camp, your car, or in your own private space, feel free! That is so long as you don’t add to someone else’s space. This is especially true when camping near others, respect quiet time and be conscious of how far the sound you make travels there.

A small river creek in Sand to Snow National Monument

Those who are offended by this, hear me out. Along with taking away from the natural serenity, you can inadvertently create a very dangerous situation for yourself. Wilderness is wild, believe it or not, and an array of unknowns can take place at any moment. In places like this, we rely on our senses to keep both ourselves and others safe, and your earsplitting composition jeopardizes this. Take for example the sound of a rock slide beginning. I’ve witnessed this personally, and they don’t start out as loud as you might believe. It begins with a small scatter of rocks rolling down the hillside, easy to miss even in casual conversation. But conversations have breaks, and the likelihood is you will catch this and be able to adjust as necessary. This situation can be broad, extending to trees falling (yes I’ve witnessed this as well), storms approaching in the distance (yup), and even wildlife calls (mountain lion to be exact). The point is without all your senses, you’re putting yourself in unnecessary risk along with hampering everyone else’s experience. And what of the others? It is completely possible that some unfortunate soul could have a mishap while on their outing and needs help. Broken legs, snake bite, you name it. Now imagine you’re that person calling for help, and it goes unanswered. Anything is possible, so keep that in mind. (Guess what I’m going to say next?) Be considerate, be safe.


5: Your “Business” is Our Business

As of today, National Parks across the nation are redirecting what little resources they have during the shutdown towards limiting entry to the parks. Why? Because of the sh*t guests are bringing with them, literally. Joshua Tree, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone and many others have had a borage of human feces laid on the the side of entry and interior roads. With less staffing and no way to manage the bathrooms, most of which had to be closed, selfish guests have taken to answering natures call in the open and simply leaving it. This has prompted the limitation of access due to health hazards and concerns, which is disgusting and sad. While this is an extreme and disappointing case of such behavior, there are definitely some rules to follow when relieving yourself in the woods.

Landscape of Joshua Tree NP

First, be sure to follow the guidelines set by the governing agency having authority over the area you are in. Some places such as Mt. Whitney, require you bring a cat-bag with you. This is for you to tote your waste back in. Yes, you carry it with you. Other areas set minimum distances you can be from road ways and water sources, and may require you to dig a cat-hole to a certain depth and then bury it. I will also add that in the case of needing some TP, please consider buying a biodegradable friendly option. This will be specifically designed to return to the earth much faster than standard toilet paper which has been designed for the complete opposite. Lastly, and as always, be considerate. We all have to go, but nobody wants to see you. Be sure to move a safe distance away from where someone else may find you, or your trace, and stay within ear shot of your friends for safety (and so they can laugh at you of course).


6: Know Before you Go

Lastly, the single best, simplest thing you can do is some research before you make your trip to avoid those embarrassing moments where a Ranger gives you a slap on the wrist, or worse. Different areas have different rules. Some places require reservations and permits just to enter. Others set area closures at different times of the year. Either way, you will save yourself a lot of trouble by doing your part to learn about what lies ahead of you, what is required and necessary, and planning accordingly.

I will end this by saying a few encouraging words as some or all of this may have felt more like a scolding rather than a list of suggestions. Make sure to enjoy your time! Nature is indescribable. Its beauty is more than any human hand has made. Its wild side is untamable; a sight no photo or video could truly reconvey. Time and again it has called the worried, the depressed and the lost to it, and brought them out inspired and more resilient; truly appreciative of the planet they call home. Only when you are there will you discover why these places are so popular. I’m happy your interest has grown to the degree it has and I hope that you take these steps as the first towards finding the John Muir inside of you (if you’re unsure who that is, you got a ways to go kid but read up and you’ll be happy you did). Remember, stay safe, be respectful, and keep in mind that everyone is there for the same enjoyment. Roll with what goes wrong and carry a positive attitude where ever it is you go. Make some friends, share some stories, and enjoy all nature has to show you! Happy Trails.


Nicholas Lanham


Aka Lumberjack Nick

94 views4 comments

Recent Posts

See All

bottom of page