AppreciateAZ Leave No Trace Principles
Plan Ahead & Prepare
There's so much more than just desert in Arizona. Planning ahead and preparing for the state's diverse terrain and temperatures means you'll be able to safely experience all that Arizona has to offer.
Stick to Trails
Wander with wonder, but please stick to the trails and camp only on existing or designated campsites. When you minimize your impact, you help protect plants, animals and yourself.
Trash Your Trash
Ecosystems are delicate and even organic trash can have a negative impact. So, when it comes to trash and waste, pack it in and pack it out.
Leave What You Find
In Arizona, there is so much to discover and history to explore. Take pictures and make memories, but please don't take mementos or leave a mark.
Be Careful With Fire
Minimize fire impacts by using only designated fire pits and keeping your campfire small, safe and attended. Arizona's hot, dry climate is perfect to catch a blaze, making this principle ever so important.
Respect Wildlife
Arizona's great outdoors is home to more than 800 species of wildlife. It's best to observe them from a distance, so be prepared to stop and let the wildlife stay wild.
Share the Outdoors
Arizona's landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for reflection. Respect others and their unique connection to the land. Let's all enjoy the natural world together.
AppreciateAZ T.R.E.A.D. Principles
T - Travel Responsibly
Help protect Arizona’s iconic trails by staying on designated roads, trails and areas. Go over, not around, obstacles to avoid widening the trails. Cross streams only at designated fords. When possible, avoid wet, muddy trails.
R - Respect the Rights of Others
Arizona’s trails are for everyone. Help Respect the Rights of Others by being considerate of other trail users. Be a good neighbor by keeping noise and dust down in residential areas and around campsites and crowds.
E - Educate Yourself
Know before you go! Plan and prepare for weather, potential emergencies, and mechanical issues. Get to know the trails prior to your trip by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies. Plan for your trip, take recreation skills classes and know how to operate your equipment safely.
A - Avoid Sensitive Areas
Arizona is home to unique landscapes and habitats. Help protect them by avoiding sensitive areas such as lakes, meadows, wetlands and streams. Stay on designated routes. This protects wildlife habitats and sensitive soils from damage. Don’t disturb historical, archeological or paleontological sites.
D - Do Your Part
Do your part to take care of your favorite outdoor spaces. Always leave it better than you found it, pack out your trash, and help prevent the spread of invasive species by cleaning your vehicle and equipment before and after a ride.
AOT Stewardship Strategy
AOT Stewardship Roadmap
The impact of destination marketing extends far beyond the confines of hotels and attractions. Our collective work and the decisions we make as an industry impacts resident quality of life and our natural and cultural resources. The recognition of this new level of responsibility is defined as destination stewardship.
AZ Sustainability Proposal
In 2020, the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) partnered with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics to create statewide messaging for responsible non-motorized outdoor recreation. This collaboration led to the creation of AppreciateAZ’s 7 Leave No Trace Principles.