Mountain Manners Stewardship Program
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The Mountain Manners Stewardship Program educates trail and backcountry enthusiasts about low-impact outdoor travel etiquette using a friendly and respectful approach. Employing a relatable, easy to remember, fun and eye-catching code of ethics, recreationalists learn to become environmental stewards of our public lands. Within Mountain Manners, Peak Protectors are volunteers trained to politely engage side, front and backcountry travelers in outdoor ethic conversations on the trail and at the campsite in order to shift user behavior. Mountain Savvy courses are educational hikes covering low-impact travel techniques through wild, fragile places. Outreach also includes signage and information at trailheads; materials given out by local businesses and tourism-oriented organizations; and multi-media educational promotions through video and radio.
A long-time wilderness guide, Molly also has the joy of sharing the backcountry with others with Colorado Backcountry and the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival where she introduces clients to the wildflowers, ecosystems and wildlife of the Southern Rocky Mountains. Thereby understanding the impacts of recreation, she is the co-director, educator and curriculum developer of the Mountain Manners Stewardship Program, teaching back, side and frontcountry users how to ethically utilize our wild spaces. Here she executes Mountain Savvy courses, the Peak Protector volunteer program, and directly interacts with recreational users to spread the word on ethics such as Leave No Trace travel etiquette.
Course Offerings & Trainings
Below is a list of low-impact backcountry travel courses and Peak Protector trainings previously offered through Mountain Manners. For an up to date listing of current courses visit the Mountain Manners website
Peak Protectors
Peak Protectors are volunteers trained to politely engage side, front and backcountry travelers in outdoor ethic conversations on the trail and at the campsite in order to shift user behavior. By raising awareness and fostering respectful discourse, Peak Protectors create a friendly vibe around how we approach each other when we're using our Public Lands. By incorporating their environmental outreach and service into the hikes and bike rides they would normally take, volunteering can fit into everyone's schedule.
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For information on upcoming Peak Protector trainings and opportunities click here.
Mountain Savvy Courses
Do you love being in the backcountry but don’t know if you’re “doing it right?” Mountain Savvy courses give you the low-down on low-environmental impact travel through wild, fragile places. Hikers, bikers, backpackers and car campers - come get smart about bringing the right gear; trail etiquette; choosing the best lunch and camp sites; making a low impact fire; preserving flora and fauna; “toilet” practices; dealing with trash; preserving water quality and more.
Classes are conducted entirely in the field with a variety of time commitments, activities and price points and complemented with reference materials to take home.
Classes tailored for specific groups (such as hunters, fisherpeople, river runners, motorized users and more) are also available upon request.
Down & Dirty Locals’ Mountain Savvy
Offered early in the season for locals to learn how to treat our “crib” right!
Mountain Savvy Wildflower & Natural History Hike
These three-quarters day hikes allow plenty of time to learn local wildflowers and natural history, and see the gorgeous terrain of the area through a guided hike, while additionally acquiring Mountain Manners and Leave No TraceTM skills.
Mountain Savvy for Mountain Bikes
This class is for mountain bikers in a succinct format so you can squeeze in another ride later in the day! Bring own bike, ready to ride.
Mountain Savvy Half Day Hike
The shorter half day hike allows you to focus exclusively on the Mountain Manners skills you came to learn, allows for an affordable entry point, and still leaves you with the rest of the day to fill as you please!
Mountain Savvy Car Camping & Campfire
Learn methodologies to selecting durable car camping and campfire sites; building low impact fires; cooking; dealing with dishwater and trash; “toilet practices” and other strategies to making your car camping experience the best all around. Bring adult campfire beverages and snacks if you desire for chatting around the fire afterwards. Please note this is not an overnight event.
Mountain Savvy All-Inclusive Skills Course
Get mountain savvy by learning from a local and gather the necessary skills to hike independently with knowledge, confidence and respect! This full-day hike not only takes participants into a beautiful wilderness setting, but teaches backcountry skills and natural history along the way. Make friends with the wildflowers by learning their names and interesting natural history facts. Gain exposure to the perfect equipment to bring in a backpack; what a first aid kit should contain; and confidence in navigation and reading maps. Learn Mountain Manners by becoming proficient in Leave No Trace skills to reduce physical impacts on the landscape such as trail etiquette; choosing the best lunch and camp sites; making a low impact fire; preserving flora and fauna; “toilet” practices; dealing with trash; preserving water quality and more. Have an inspiring day hiking and learning in the backcountry, making future independent adventures even more enjoyable!
