What is minimum impact?

Each year, millions of visitors enjoy Canyon Country. The impact of so much use is threatening the area's biological resources. You can help protect this fragile and beautiful land by following minimum-impact practices.

  • Tread lightly when traveling and leave no trace of your camping.
  • Drive and ride only on roads and trails where such travel is allowed; hike only on established trails, on rock or in washes.
  • Avoid taking shortcuts and traveling through biological soil crusts.
  • When camping do not place your tent on top of vegetation.
  • Select an area of bare soil for your tent. .
  • Use existing fire rings and bring in your own firewood.
  • Do not strip bark, cut or break off tree limbs.
  • Wood collecting of any kind is illegal at the Sand Flats Recreation Area.
  • Please remember these trees provide shade and shelter for you, other campers and the animals that make the desert their home.
  • Help keep Canyon Country clean.
  • Pack out your trash and recycle it, clean up after less thoughtful visitors, and use toilets.
  • Protect and conserve scarce desert water sources.
  • Leave potholes undisturbed.
  • Allow space for wildlife.
  • When encountering wildlife, maintain your distance and remain quiet.
  • Teach children not to chase or pick up animals.
  • Keep pets under control.

Show All Answers

1. How do I get to the Sand Flats Recreation Area?
2. Who manages the Sand Flats Recreation Area?
3. What is the user fee at the Sand Flats Recreation Area?
4. Does my federal or state pass work at Sand Flats?
5. Where do my fees go?
6. Does Sand Flats have an annual pass? How do I purchase a pass?
7. Can I camp at the Sand Flats Recreation Area and what does it cost?
8. What are the Sand Flats Recreation Area camping regulations?
9. Does Sand Flats take group site reservations?
10. What is minimum impact?
11. What is biological soil crust?
12. What are the Sand Flats Recreation Area day use regulations?
13. What do I need to know for playing it safe when riding my bike at Sand Flats?
14. Where can I ride my e-bike at Sand Flats?
15. How difficult is mountain biking on the Slickrock Bike trail?
16. What is the Porcupine Rim Trail like?
17. What is the LPS trail?
18. Where can I hike at Sand Flats?
19. Does Sand Flats have 4x4 trails?
20. What are some safety tips for traveling in the Sand Flats backcountry by motorized vehicle?
21. Where can I ride my ATV at Sand Flats?
22. Where can I ride my UTV at Sand Flats?
23. Where can I ride my motorcycle at Sand Flats?
24. Can I bring my dog?
25. Do you waive fees for volunteer groups?