The weather is finally getting nice in Colorado, which means more people are spending their days outside. We're so lucky to have such amazing parks and natural areas throughout the state, full of endless trails for hiking, biking, and other recreational activities – but it's also up to us to help protect these places so they'll be around for years to come.

'Leave No Trace' is an important initiative that aims to protect the natural world. The idea encourages individuals to recreate responsibly while outdoors in Colorado and elsewhere. Multiple components make up 'Leave No Trace,' but its core purpose can be adapted from remote wilderness areas, to local parks or even in your own backyard.

RELATED: The 10 Commandments of Colorado Trails

There are 7 main principles of Leave No Trace. These were set with the intention of exploring the outdoors sustainably every time a person goes outside and offer a framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. Although 7 principles have been established, they are not static and are always evolving.

The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace

When it comes to caring for Colorado, outdoor enthusiasts can easily use Leave No Trace as a guide.

Other simple ways to provide care for Colorado are by picking up trash on the ground at parks or on the trails, avoiding water pollution, preventing trail erosion, and promoting diversity in the wilderness.

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