Safety and Ecological Rules 

1. The designated leader must be followed. No one should pass the leader, because they may lead the group in the wrong direction.
    
2. No one should fall behind the designated "sweep", who will carry the first aid kit. This avoids one person getting left behind and losing their way.
    
3. During the hike, if a person loses sight of the person ahead, they should yell "stop." Everyone ahead will stop and wait until those behind catch up. This eliminates the possibility of half of the group straying from the trail.
    
4. We are responsible for ourselves and each other. Each person must not take unnecessary risks that might cause them injury, and consequently endangering everyone in the group. In addition, if a person is injured or lost, all members of the group are responsible for the safety and welfare of that member.
    
5. Hikers should warn those behind of dangers along the trail. These warnings should be passed on to those that follow.
    
6. Don't eat strange plants, or drink untreated stream water.
    
7. Avoid swimming in streams if you have open sores or cuts. Diving into pools should be avoided. Even familiar pools may have newly fallen boulders.
    
8. Be alert for roots, rocks, ledges, holes and other hazards. Be cautious when crossing streams, wet trails, loose or crumbly soil, rocks or areas with strong gusty winds.
    
9. Don't go off on your own, and avoid side trails.
    
10. Use sun blocks when necessary. Drink water to avoid heat exhaustion.
     
11. Keep your hands free. Carry lunch, water, etc., in a pack on your back. If you must use a walking stick, use fresh, green wood -- not dead weak branches, that break when you rely on them most.
     
12. Wear protective clothing if you are allergic to insects' stings and bites.
     
13. Be especially cautious near steep valley walls, cliffs and waterfalls, where falling rocks and slides present a hazard.
     
14. Stay away from stream beds and other flood prone areas during a flash flood watch. Be wary of narrow gulches during rainy periods.
     
15. Carry plenty of water, lunch, mosquito repellent and any necessary medication.
     
16. Leave your itinerary with others not going on the trail. Be sure to contact them when you return.
     
17. To avoid spreading weedy pests, clean all seeds and dirt from shoes, boots and all hiking and camping gear.
     
18. Don't pollute. Carry out all rubbish, litter, and trash.
     
19. Take pictures, but leave the plants.

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