Out There With Care

Out There With Care (OTWC) is Travel Nevada’s responsible tourism initiative, developed in partnership with Leave No Trace (LNT), the national leader in outdoor ethics education and research. It’s the next-generation replacement for the Recreate Responsibly program—more comprehensive, more Nevada-specific, and designed for real-world use by partners and visitors alike.

The program builds on LNT’s 7 Principles, adapting them to Nevada’s unique destinations and recreation experiences, in order to protect and preserve natural landscapes, wildlife, and historic sites across the state.

Nevada’s public lands and rural communities are central to the state’s tourism economy. As visitation grows, a consistent approach to stewardship helps protect these places while fostering the experiences that bring people here.

Out There With Care is how Nevada’s tourism community works toward that together.

Nevada has seen record visitation in recent years, with rural communities experiencing some of the fastest growth. More visitors means more pressure on the places that make this state worth visiting: fragile desert ecosystems, remote hot springs, historic ghost towns, and rural communities that are feeling the impact from increased visitation.

Research consistently shows that visitors who receive clear, practical guidance before they explore make better decisions on the ground. They choose appropriate destinations, come prepared, and leave less of an impact.

That’s where you come in.

Whether it’s a conversation at check-in, a recommendation at a visitor center, or a quick brief before a tour, the information you share shapes how people experience Nevada. Out There With Care gives every partner a consistent, credible way to deliver that guidance well.

Out There With Care is built around seven core principles, based on those of Leave No Trace and adapted for Nevada’s own unique landscapes and visitor experiences.

Each principle will be paired with a custom illustration designed to make the guidance clear, recognizable, and easy to share across signage, digital channels, and in-person interactions. Partners will be notified when illustrations and related assets are available.

Complete versions will include in-depth, actionable information on how to put each principle into practice, with links to articles, guides, and other resources. For now, here is a snapshot of each core principle.

Nevada is a land of extremes—sweeping deserts, snow-capped peaks, and everything in between. Here, preparation matters. In planning ahead, you can ensure your adventure remains low impact and safe.

Nevada’s landscapes are stunning—but they are fragile, too. Staying on designated paths and camping responsibly helps to preserve Nevada’s high-desert ecosystems. That doesn’t mean you can’t get a little out there and explore off trail, but sticking to durable surfaces such as rocks, gravel, sand, and pine duff will help lessen impact.

Anything you pack in, pack out. This simple guideline is what keeps our wild places wild. In Nevada’s high-desert ecosystem, even a banana peel can take years to biodegrade—aluminum takes hundreds of years and plastic just sticks around forever. In packing out and properly disposing of trash in designated receptacles, we help keep it from ending up in nature.

Nevada’s landscapes and historical sites share the heritage of this place—its land, its people, and its past. When we remove historical artifacts or disturb archaeological sites, that story is erased. So take only memories. Leave the rest untouched, so others can experience and enjoy all Nevada has to offer.

Campfires are a storied tradition of the American West, but they come with great responsibility. Humans are responsible for 85% of all wildfires—often without meaning to be. Don’t rely on a fire for cooking or warmth, and never leave one unattended. Even something as small as parking an OHV on dry grass can be enough to ignite a blaze. Practicing safe fire habits is one of the most important ways we can protect Nevada’s wild places.

From desert bighorns to mountain lions to pronghorn antelope, Nevada’s wildlife is a treasure to behold. But respecting wildlife means keeping it wild. Observing from a distance and keeping your snacks to yourself protects their natural behaviors and keeps you safe. For those willing to slow down, stay quiet, and look closely, Nevada’s wild side always rewards.

There’s more than enough Nevada to go around. With wide-open expanses and countless ways to get a little out there, Nevada’s outdoors are for everyone—no matter how you choose to explore. A little kindness and respect toward one another goes a long way. Being considerate ensures a better experience for all, and a wealth of ghost towns, hot springs, historic mining sites, and world-renowned trails make it easy for us to share the wild heart of Nevada.