How to Poop Outdoors Without Harming Colorado’s Trails and Parks
If you’ve ever hiked in Colorado—or anywhere in the backcountry—you know nature doesn’t always wait for the nearest bathroom. But what you leave behind can create serious problems for the environment, wildlife, and even other hikers. Human waste carries pathogens that can linger for months, seep into waterways, and ruin the natural experience for those who come after you.
Across the world, from the Appalachian Trail to Mount Everest, poorly managed waste has become a growing issue. Here in Colorado, land managers are cracking down. In places like the Eagle-Holy Cross District of the White River National Forest, hikers are now required to pack out their waste entirely.
So what should you do when nature calls in the wild? The best option is always to use trailhead toilets when they’re available. But since many remote areas don’t have facilities—or you may find yourself miles away when the urge strikes—you’ll need a plan. Leave No Trace principles recommend two main strategies:
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Dig a cat hole. Find a spot at least 70 steps from water, trails, or campsites. Dig a hole about six inches deep, do your business, and cover it back up. Toilet paper can usually be buried too, though rules vary, and wet wipes should always be packed out.
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Pack it out. In sensitive alpine zones, deserts, or places with shallow soil, burying isn’t an option. Instead, use wag bags—special waste kits designed to seal, dry, and safely transport human waste. They’re odor-resistant, easy to carry, and increasingly encouraged (or required) in Colorado’s busiest backcountry spots.
Studies show most hikers are willing to use wag bags when given the right tools and education. It might feel awkward at first, but it’s no different than what dog owners do every day.
Colorado’s wild places are some of the most beautiful in the world—and keeping them that way requires everyone to do their part. With preparation and a little responsibility, you can answer nature’s call while leaving the landscape just as pristine as you found it.
