With a serious public health crisis unfolding around the world, we want to offer some guidelines about how to think about getting outside in the most responsible way possible. For a great many of us, outdoor recreation is an important aspect of daily life that, along with many other things, is going to require some serious adjustment. Right now, protecting the health of the people around you is the number one most important thing to be doing. It’s also totally understandable that, to maintain some semblance of morale, you’d like to get out a bit.

Things are changing by the day. As of this writing, state parks in many states are closed, and guidance on social distancing is growing more stringent by the day. In some states, public health officials have raised alarm about people congregating in outdoor spaces like beaches, climbing areas, and trailheads, and in some cases these areas have been shut down by authorities. We hope this guidance has some longevity, but regardless, please use your head and take the most precautionary approach you can.

Also, it’s worth considering that there are doubtless many people in your life who look to you for leadership and guidance in all things outdoors. As a community, we try our best to be civic minded and public spirited. Often that’s in the context of protecting our public lands, but right now, it’s also in the context of protecting the well-being of everyone around you. Please help your friends and family to act with caution and care, too. Be safe out there.

*You can view this graphic in Spanish here or by scrolling to the bottom of the post.

Make the health of others your number one priority.

The COVID-19 pandemic is life and death for many people. Please conduct yourself in every respect with that in mind.

You can go outside. Cautiously.

Don’t go out if you’re sick or have been in contact with those who have. Keep a safe distance from others. That includes in the car, so if your session typically involves a shuttle, plan accordingly. Groups are out. Consider avoiding busy areas and times of day. Wash your hands. Follow CDC guidelines carefully.

Stay close to home.

Like, as close as possible. Far away places or that recreation town an hour down the road are wonderful, but the further you travel, the more potential you have to spread illness. Shop and recreate in your own neighborhood.

Keep it chill.

It’s not a good time to get hurt. Healthcare systems are overwhelmed, or soon will be. Please do not add to the burden. Beyond that, you probably want to set foot in a hospital right now about as much as you want to lick the grocery cart handle. And elective surgeries are likely to be on hold for the foreseeable future, so if you blow out your ACL, you might be in for a long wait.

Respect closures and be a good steward.

If parks are closed, don’t go. If parks are open, be especially mindful of not overburdening areas that might have limited maintenance and oversight. Pack out your trash, use the restroom before you leave the house.

You can check frequently-updated CDC guidelines here. Given the uneven federal response to the crisis, consider health recommendations and state requirements a bare minimum. Alway follow social distancing guidelines. That includes in the car, so if your session typically involves a shuttle, plan accordingly. Remember that, if you’re on a trail, and someone wants to pass you, that person is probably not over the moon to be navigating a pack of people. And always, always wash your hands.