Trail running follows slightly different etiquette from road running. The Yellowstone Rim Runners follow these guidelines to protect our local trails, share the trails with other users and make sure that everyone has a good time on our group trail runs!  Guidelines adapted from American Trail Running Association's "Rules on the Run". 

1. Be Safe & Keep Your Friends Safe: On group trail runs, stop at intersections or circle back to re-group with folks in your pace group to make sure no one gets lost or left behind if they are injured. If you decide to cut your run short or go on a different route, please let the group run organizers know so that no one goes looking for you. Headphones are strongly discouraged, so you can hear approaching cyclists or even a Rattlesnake. Hazards on our group runs include: uneven footing, loose rocks, steep grades, trails near cliff edges, ticks and Rattlesnakes. 
2. Stay on the Trail: Run single file down the middle of the trail and stay on official trails. Run over obstacles like rocks and puddles, not around them. Bushwhacking, cutting switch backs, and running side by side causes significant erosion and vegetation damage.  
3. Don't Run on Muddy Trails: Running on muddy trails causes significant damage. For group trail runs, our muddy day backup location is the paved trail at Zimmerman.  If you encounter a mud puddle on an otherwise dry trail: run through it or hop over it, not around it which widens the trail. If you find the trail is really wet, turn back and save the trail run for another day.
4. Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash. Leave what you find; take a picture, but leave the nature in nature. If you find trash on the trail and are able to pack it out, that's great.
5. Share the Trail: If you need to pass, call out "on your left" or "trail" to warn other users. Slow down as you approach to avoid startling others. Wheels Yield to Heels (Bikes yield to runners and hikers); all users yield to horse riders. Downhill yields to uphill. Uphill users may choose to take a breather and let downhill users pass, but that's the call of the uphill user. Our urban trails can be busy - being friendly helps everyone have a good trail day. 
6. Know and Follow Regulations for the Area: The rules depend on who manages the land. It is your responsibility to know the land use rules and follow them. For our group runs, be aware of the following special rules: 

• • Back Nine is a Montana State Trust Land and a Conservation License is required. Conservation licenses are $8, start March 1 of every year and are required to access most state lands. You can buy it online and keep a copy on your phone.
  • Zimmerman and Back Nine both have sections of private land. Stay on the trail and observe all posted signs to preserve public access.
  • Four Dances is a peregrine falcon nesting area. Observe trail closures and avoid the cliffs when posted.