With an increase in human traffic on trails and in wilderness areas, human waste has become a serious issue.
Areas surrounding Condunrum Hot Springs, the Maroon Bells, and the Maroon-Bells Wilderness area has dealt with visitors not practicing proper human waste disposal.
Besides the foul smell, human waste can contaminate local water systems and spread disease.
It is necessary to use facilities when available as human waste can contain harmful bacteria that can put populations at risk if exposed to it.
For those visitors who go further into the backcountry, taking necessary steps to reduce this contamination is critical.
In addition to this report, the book Colorado Recreation Guide, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests mentions the importance of if an individual must “go in the woods” to make sure to stay away from vegetation as the acidity in urine can impair plant growth.


In an attempt to mitigate some of the human waste concerns, the Forest Service recently implemented a human waste awareness campaign (launched around the same time as the paid permit plan).
The awareness campaign included educational information on responsible waste disposal (including how to dig cat holes to dispose human feces) as well as the allocation of free portable toilets, called “wag bags,” for all visitors.
The Forest Service announced a decline in improperly disposed human waste since the campaign began; however, it is important to continue these efforts.
With an increase in human traffic on trails and in wilderness areas, human waste has become a serious issue. Areas surrounding Condunrum Hot Springs, the Maroon Bells, and the Maroon-Bells Wilderness area has dealt with visitors not practicing proper human waste disposal. Besides the foul smell, human waste can contaminate local water systems and spread disease. It is necessary to use facilities when available as human waste can contain harmful bacteria that can put populations at risk if exposed to it. For those visitors who go further into the backcountry, taking necessary steps to reduce this contamination is critical. In addition to this report, the book Colorado Recreation Guide, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests mentions the importance of if an individual must “go in the woods” to make sure to stay away from vegetation as the acidity in urine can impair plant growth.

In an attempt to mitigate some of the human waste concerns, the Forest Service recently implemented a human waste awareness campaign (launched around the same time as the paid permit plan). The awareness campaign included educational information on responsible waste disposal (including how to dig cat holes to dispose human feces) as well as the allocation of free portable toilets, called “wag bags,” for all visitors. The Forest Service announced a decline in improperly disposed human waste since the campaign began; however, it is important to continue these efforts.
Maroon Bells