Human Waste Disposal - Guadalupe Mountains Wilderness Rules

Q: Can I dig a cathole if I bury it properly?

No. Catholes are prohibited in all Wilderness areas due to rocky soil and the dry environment. The Superintendent can require commercial bags at any location or time. Non-compliance results in permit denial.

Q: What if I cannot carry a commercial waste bag?

You cannot camp overnight in the Wilderness without proof of required bags. If you have a legitimate mobility concern, contact the park's accessibility office. Day hiking with packed-out waste is your alternative.

Q: Where can I buy commercial waste bags?

Pine Springs Visitor Center (park store) stocks Wag Bag and Restop II systems. Buy before your trip—this is your proof for the permit. Price varies by brand and package size.

Q: What happens if I don't follow these rules?

Permit denial, search and rescue complications if you need help in Wilderness, and environmental degradation affecting water sources and campsites for all future visitors.

Est. Time

5-15 minutes to review regulations

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Year-round

Overview

About This Trail

This is not a trail route but mandatory Wilderness practice. You must pack out all human waste and toilet paper. Overnight Wilderness permit holders are REQUIRED to carry landfill-safe commercial bags (Wag Bag, Restop II) at one per person per night. Digging catholes is prohibited due to rocky soil. Failure to comply results in permit denial.

Highlights

Trail Highlights

Learning proper waste disposal maintains pristine campsites and water sources for all Wilderness users

Insider Tips

• Buy commercial waste bags at Pine Springs Visitor Center before your trip—don't assume you can find them elsewhere • Permit holders are spot-checked for bag possession; the Superintendent may require bags at specific locations • Female backpackers must pack out menstrual products; commercial bags accommodate this • The park store inside Pine Springs Visitor Center stocks Wag Bag and Restop II systems

Best Season to Hike

Year-round

Hiking Tips

Carry landfill-safe commercial toilet bags (Wag Bag, Restop II)—required for overnight permits
Buy bags at Pine Springs Visitor Center BEFORE submitting your permit application
Minimum one bag per person per night for overnight camping
Pack out ALL toilet paper and feminine hygiene products without exception
Bury solid waste six inches deep, 100 feet from water, trails, or campsites (day hiking only, non-Wilderness areas)
Never use catholes—prohibited due to rocky soil
Use the restroom before leaving the trailhead to reduce on-trail needs

Family Info

Teach children proper waste disposal before entering Wilderness. Emphasize that digging is prohibited. Explain why commercial bags are required. Hand sanitizer is essential when water sources are distant.

What Hikers Say

This mandatory practice protects the Wilderness for everyone. Overnight permits now require proof of commercial toilet bags. Day hikers must pack out all waste and toilet paper. Proper disposal prevents water contamination and maintains pristine campsites.

Details

Trail Specifications

Duration: 5-15 minutes to review regulations

Surface: Not applicable

Getting There

Trailhead: Pine Springs Visitor Center

Parking: Multiple trailheads; Pine Springs is the main access

Fills Up: Trailhead parking available during normal operations

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

Overnight Wilderness camping requires a permit. Proof of commercial toilet bag possession (minimum one per person per night) must be presented before permit issuance.

Fees: $10 per person (16 years and older) for park entry

Shuttle Available

Not applicable

Trail Rules

Dogs: No; pets are not allowed on trails

Biking: No; Wilderness areas are foot traffic only

Trail Markers: Not applicable

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Backcountry sources exist on most trails; water must be filtered or treated. Do not rely on treating water at camp if buried waste is nearby.

Shade: Varies by trail and elevation

Hazards:

Overnight permits are denied if you cannot present proof of required commercial waste bags. Improperly disposed waste contaminates water sources and ruins campsites. Digging catholes is prohibited due to rocky soil.

Emergency: Pine Springs Visitor Center: Contact for permit information and emergencies

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Varies by trail and season

Peak Times: Spring and Fall weekends see highest backpacking traffic

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Trail surfaces vary from paved to loose rock. Hiking or trekking poles are recommended. Accessible parking available at all trailheads. Service animals only; pets prohibited.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Pine Springs Visitor Center (permit processing, bag sales, restrooms)

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Do I really need to carry commercial waste bags for day hiking?

Yes. Day hikers must pack out all human waste, toilet paper, diapers, and hygiene products. There is no burial option in Wilderness areas. Carry a commercial bag or pack it out in a sealed container.

Can I dig a cathole if I bury it properly?

What if I cannot carry a commercial waste bag?

Where can I buy commercial waste bags?

What happens if I don't follow these rules?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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