Trail Riding Etiquette Every Mountain Biker Should Follow

Mountain biking access depends entirely on how we behave on trails. Every time a rider tears past a hiker without warning, skids through a switchback, or rides around a muddy section and widens the trail, it gives land managers a reason to restrict our access. Trail etiquette is not about being overly polite — it is about protecting the riding we love for ourselves and everyone who comes after us.

The Basic Right-of-Way Rules

On multi-use trails, the standard hierarchy is simple: yield to horses, yield to hikers, and pass other mountain bikers with communication. Horses are at the top because they are large, unpredictable animals that can be spooked by fast-moving bikes. When you encounter a horse, stop completely, step off the trail to the downhill side, and let the horse pass. Speak calmly so the horse knows you are a human and not a predator.

Hikers have right of way over mountain bikers. Slow down well before you reach them, announce your presence with a friendly greeting or bell, and pass at walking speed. Many hikers wear headphones and cannot hear you approaching from behind, so do not assume they know you are there. A polite "on your left" or "behind you" gives them time to react.

When two mountain bikers meet on a climb and a descent, the uphill rider has the right of way. Climbing riders have less momentum and are harder to restart on a steep grade. The descending rider should slow down or stop to let the climber pass. That said, many climbing riders will wave you through if they are happy to stop — communication and common sense override rigid rules.

Speed Control

Ride at a speed that allows you to stop within your line of sight. Blind corners are where most close calls happen — flying around a blind turn and nearly hitting a hiker or another rider is both dangerous and exactly the kind of behavior that gets trails closed. If you cannot see around the next turn, slow down enough to stop if someone is there.

Trails near parking areas and trailheads always have more foot traffic. Drop your speed in these zones. The first and last quarter-mile of any trail sees the highest density of hikers, families, and dog walkers. Treat these sections like school zones — slow, cautious, and friendly.

Stay on the Trail

Riding off-trail causes erosion and damages vegetation. It also widens trails over time, which degrades the riding experience for everyone. When you encounter a muddy section, ride through it rather than around it. Going around creates braided trails that are wider, uglier, and harder to maintain. If a section is too muddy to ride, walk through it on the existing trail.

Do not create new lines or shortcuts. If a switchback feels too tight, work on your technique rather than cutting the corner. Trail builders spend hundreds of volunteer hours designing sustainable routes, and cutting switchbacks undermines their work while accelerating erosion.

Leave No Trace

Pack out everything you bring in. Energy bar wrappers, CO2 cartridges, broken parts — nothing gets left on the trail. If you see trash that someone else dropped, pick it up. It takes two seconds and makes a visible difference in trail quality.

Do not disturb wildlife. If you encounter animals on the trail, give them space and time to move. Chasing or crowding wildlife is harmful and illegal in many areas. The trails around Los Angeles — Griffith Park, Santa Monica Mountains, Angeles National Forest — are home to deer, coyotes, rattlesnakes, and occasionally mountain lions. Respect their space.

Closing Thoughts on Shared Access

Mountain bikers are guests on most trails. Our access was earned by advocates who worked with land managers to prove that bikes and trails can coexist responsibly. Every positive interaction between a mountain biker and a hiker reinforces that trust. Every negative interaction chips away at it.

Be the rider who makes hikers and equestrians smile. Stop for a chat, compliment someone's dog, thank the trail volunteers. Build the reputation that keeps trails open. It costs nothing and protects everything we ride for.

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