Let's talk dirty. We mean really gross, disgusting, filthy, scatological, not to mention careless, inconsiderate and downright rude.
On recent trips in Grand Canyon, we have noticed an alarming escalation in the amount of micro-litter, graffiti and bodily excretions. On four of the last five trips we have evacuated poop, crap, dung, dukey, shit from favorite trails and camps. Not bighorn, ringtail or coyote, but human. And probably not backpackers, a popular scapegoat, given the locations. And not untimely accidents, given the wads of accompanying t.p. And not placed high and dry, but deftly “dumped” on the heart of popular trails at the Little Colorado, Shinumo, Elves and Blacktail. So at least you can smell it and hear the flies before you step in it.
And while we're talking dirty, let's talk pee. It's really starting to stink out there in our premier favorite camps and play sites. And these high, constant flows aren't going to flush it away. We won't even get into the amusement of picking up biowaste (bandaids, tampons), gum wrappers and cigarette butts. Nor the fun of finding a rock big enough to cover up “Beavis 6-23-97” artfully scratched into sandstone.
The solution: education. Looks like we aren't doing our job well enough. Yah, it's a drag to talk about poop and pee and tidbits of trash with strangers, but this is our home away from home. Let's take care of it. Aren't we proud when a guest comments on how clean the Canyon is? Don't we take some pride and responsibility for that? Don't underestimate the importance of your orientation talk. Remember the effectiveness of repetition, repetition, repetition. And can't we all pee directly into the river? That “wet sand” thing gives too much license for abuse. (Offer creative solutions for safe night-time urination like an empty #10 can.) Let's drill it in to them—most of them will appreciate it. Set the example. And maybe you won't have to bring latex gloves and a paper bag on your next hike.

G.A.G. (Guides Against Grossness)