9 ways to practice social distancing in the outdoor space
While staying home is currently encouraged in most states, many allow leaving the house for exercise. Here are some recommendations that will help you practice social distancing while in the outdoor space.
Remember, in all activities you should be at least six feet away from other people. That being said, try to avoid people entirely, if possible.
1. Take the trail less traveled
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Some trails can seem more like a crowded sidewalk at times. These are the trails you should avoid. Instead, turn your eyes to the trails you aren’t normally using. They might be less spectacular in some cases, but this will allow you to practice social distancing as you’ll be dodging fewer people on your hike. Consider a “boring” footpath and urban routes (provided you’re easily able to remain less than six feet others). Do not enter the backcountry seeking ‘social distance’ and put yourself in a situation that may require search and rescue assistance.
2. Go outside at odd hours
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Avoid the outdoor space when it’s likely to be most crowded — on the weekends and during the middle of the day. By visiting a natural space when there are fewer people there, social distancing will be easier.
3. Avoid using on-site facilities
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While you might be social distancing yourself from other people, you should also social distance yourself from their germs. Avoid spots that people would be touching things, including bathrooms, gates, trailheads, and parking lots.
4. Park farther away from the trailhead
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Social distancing can be difficult in crowded parking lots with only a couple feet between vehicles. Consider finding a spot that might be a little further away to avoid this closeness.
5. Don’t travel for trailheads
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When you travel for a trailhead, you take your germs with you and drop them off along the way at places like small-town gas stations. This can allow the virus to further spread across regions. Try to hit the local trails first and keep in mind that many of the small towns you’re thinking about visiting might have limited or strained rescue and medical services.
6. Sanitize
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Don’t forget to thoroughly wash your hands following any sort of outdoor recreation. Bring hand sanitizer while on your adventure for the times that a sink isn’t nearby.
7. Go outside less
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This recommendation might be a hard one to swallow, but every time you leave your house, you’re risking catching COVID-19 or passing it along unknowingly. Limit the risk to yourself and others by going outside a fewer number of times throughout the week.
8. Limit the number of people you’re with
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In times like these, enjoying nature by yourself is the most ideal situation. If you must recreate in a group, keep it small and keep your distance. One alternative to group workouts is to use an application like Strava to track your times and still compete.
9. Don’t do anything dangerous or risky
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If you’re still exploring the outdoor space with proper ‘social distance,’ do so in a responsible manner. Keep in mind that search and rescue crews and resources are strained in this time of pandemic. Avoid situations where you may become lost or hurt and avoid traveling to small towns for recreation where resources may be even more limited.
As featured on
I am on the icy floor of Alaska’s Kenai Fjords National Park, surrounded by imposing, rugged mountainsides.
The bicycle business is booming across the country as Americans look for new ways to exercise and get out of the house while adhering to stay-at-home orders.
The trails themselves never closed during the shutdown of public spaces amid the coronavirus pandemic in some areas, so in reality, little ever changed for mountain bikers.
