The Trailhead Agreement
A one-page plan for a day walk together. Complete before you go. Use current official trail alerts and weather; this sheet is not a replacement for the Ten Essentials, local guidance or an emergency plan.
Official route name + managing agency
Full round-trip distance / grade / surface
Start time + planned turnaround
Return ETA + transport / parking
Three gates: check again at the trailhead
01Conditions
Current land-manager notices, trail access, forecast, daylight, thunder, heat and local hazards checked?
02People
Route comfortable for everyone today? Appropriate footwear, food/water, navigation and essentials?
03Return
Turnaround time, shared route, regroup rule and an off-trail check-in contact established?
Our rule
Any one of us can ask to turn back. We do not vote someone into pushing farther. We choose a safe alternative or another date if conditions change.
Off-trail contact + how/when they should act if overdue
Safer shorter route or postponed-day alternative
Source guidance: NPS Hike Smart · NWS Lightning Tips · Leave No Trace Plan Ahead. See realmanly.com/outdoors/the-trailhead-agreement/ for sources and context.Original Real Manly field card · October 2026