Poop—Ours and Theirs

When more people hit the trails, the issue of waste—both human and animal—becomes a bigger problem. Improper disposal of waste can harm the environment, spread illness, and leave an unsightly mess. This guide covers best practices for keeping the trail clean and staying safe, with a touch of humor to keep things light.

Illnesses such as Norovirus and Giardia are common concerns on trails due to contaminated water sources and improperly disposed waste. Norovirus, a highly contagious virus, spreads through contaminated surfaces and can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Giardia, a parasite found in feces, is contracted by drinking contaminated water and can lead to intense digestive issues. Both can spread when human or pet waste isn’t properly buried or packed out, and examples of outbreaks on popular trails highlight the importance of proper disposal.

By understanding these risks, hikers can take simple steps to prevent illness and protect the environment.

1. Human and Pet Waste Disposal

The Problem: Some hikers are not burying their waste or packing out toilet paper, leading to contamination and health hazards. Additionally, more people are bringing dogs on hikes, and pet waste is often left behind on trails.

Best Practices for Human Waste:

• Use Restrooms When Available: Always use a trailhead bathroom or designated outhouse before starting your hike.

• Cathole Method: If nature calls on the trail, follow these steps:

  • Distance: Find a spot at least 200 feet (about 70 adult paces) away from water sources, trails, and campsites.

  • Dig: Use a small trowel (like a Deuce of Spades) to dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter.

  • Do Your Business: Afterward, cover the waste completely with soil and natural materials.

• Toilet Paper:

  • The best practice is to pack out your used toilet paper in a sealed plastic bag.

  • If packing out isn’t feasible, use plain, unscented toilet paper sparingly and bury it deeply in the cathole.

• Hygiene: Clean your hands with hand sanitizer or biodegradable soap after handling waste.

Best Practices for Pet Waste:

• Leash Your Dog: This helps you monitor their bathroom habits and makes cleanup easier.

• Pick Up After Your Pet: Carry waste bags to collect your dog's feces.

• Dispose of Waste Properly:

  • Pack It Out: Seal the waste bag and carry it to a trash receptacle.

  • Bury It (for Longer Hikes): If packing out isn’t possible, you can bury dog waste using the same cathole method—200 feet from water sources, 6-8 inches deep.

2. Why Proper Disposal Matters

• Environmental Impact: Improper disposal can contaminate water sources and harm wildlife.

• Health Risks: Human and animal feces can carry harmful bacteria and viruses, increasing the risk of illnesses like norovirus and Giardia.

• Respect for Fellow Hikers: No one likes to see (or step in) waste left on the trail.

3. Leave No Trace Principles

• Plan Ahead: Learn the regulations and waste disposal rules for the area before you hike.

• Be Prepared: Carry a trowel, waste bags, and hand sanitizer to manage waste responsibly.

4. Identifying Animal Scat on the Trail

Understanding animal scat can help you identify who else shares the trail with you. Animals often use trails as pathways for food, water, or migration, and their scat tells a story of their movements and habits. Here’s a guide to some of Colorado’s common critters and their calling cards:

• Bear

  • Appearance: Large, dark, and often full of berries, seeds, or insect parts. Looks like a “cow pie” but bigger and sloppier.

  • Fun Fact: Black bears’ diets are mainly plant-based, so their scat reflects what they’ve been munching.

• Mountain Lion

  • Appearance: Dense, segmented, and about the size of a large dog’s waste. Often buried and can contain hair and bones.

  • Fun Fact: Mountain lions are private bathroom users—they bury their poop!

• Deer and Elk

  • Appearance: Small, oval-shaped pellets. Deer pellets are smaller, while elk pellets are larger and clumpier in the winter due to a bark-heavy diet.

  • Fun Fact: Deer and elk pellets are usually concentrated in one spot because they often “go” while standing still.

• Coyote and Wolf

  • Appearance: Long, rope-like scat with tapered ends. Coyote droppings often contain fur, bones, and plant material. Wolf scat is larger and can look more twisted.

  • Fun Fact: You can sometimes tell what they’ve been hunting by what’s in the scat—lots of hair means they’ve had a successful hunt.

• Moose

  • Appearance: Large, oval-shaped pellets, similar to elk but even larger. In the spring and summer, their droppings may be more like “cow patties” due to a diet rich in water plants.

  • Fun Fact: Moose can be surprisingly elusive despite their size—but their droppings give them away!

Final Thoughts

Everyone poops—but doing it responsibly is crucial to the health and safety of the environment, fellow hikers, and wildlife. By following these guidelines, you’re not just taking care of business—you’re taking care of nature and other hikers. So, dig that cathole like a pro, pack out what you pack in, and let’s keep our trails clean and enjoyable for everyone.

Observing animal scat can add curiosity, awareness, and safety to your hike. Think of it as nature's version of leaving a note—just without pen and paper. By reading these 'trail messages,' you can understand who’s sharing the trail and why. Plus, it’s a lot more fun than stepping in something unexpected!