Learn about the Leave No Trace Gold Stardard certification for outfitters and guides.

If you have any questions about the program, please contact [email protected]

At TripOutside, we’re all about getting folks stoked to head outdoors while making sure the wild places we love stay epic for generations to come. That’s why we’re pumped to share this inside scoop on the Leave No Trace (LNT) Gold Standard Program, straight from a chat with Erin Collier, Education & Program Manager at LNT.

What’s the LNT Gold Standard?

The LNT Gold Standard Program recognizes parks, destinations, and—drumroll, please—outfitters and guides who go above and beyond in teaching and practicing Leave No Trace. It’s like getting a shiny badge that says, “We’re doing it right and taking care of our backyard!”

Erin shared that the program is all about helping people minimize their impacts on nature while still having rad adventures. It’s built on three pillars:
✅ Expanding access to LNT education
✅ Creating stewardship opportunities
✅ Advancing research and science to keep it all dialed in

The Seven Principles

At the core of LNT are these seven principles—think of them as the playbook for keeping your favorite trails, rivers, and peaks in killer shape:

1. Plan ahead and prepare
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces
3. Dispose of waste properly (yes, even your apple core)
4. Leave what you find
5. Minimize campfire impacts
6. Respect wildlife
7. Be considerate of other visitors

Why Outfitters Should Care

Guides and outfitters have a sweet spot to spread the LNT message. Most guests are looking for the beta on how to responsibly explore, and you’re the perfect folks to show them how. Plus, rocking the Gold Standard badge can set you apart from the competition and show customers you’re committed to keeping it wild.

What’s Involved in Getting Gold Standard Certified?

LNT created an assessment just for outfitters and guides. Here’s the gist:

• Staff & Training: Make sure your crew knows LNT inside and out—online courses, in-person training, and certifications count.
• Practices: Have clear guidelines that everyone (guides, staff, guests) can follow—tailored to your trips and destinations.
• Education: Teach guests LNT basics before and during the trip.
• Partnerships: Collaborate with land managers and local groups to keep the stoke high and the land healthy.
• Sustainability: Think beyond your trips—reduce single-use items, compost food scraps, and more.

To earn Gold Standard status, you’ll need to score at least 20 points on the assessment, with key criteria at a level three or higher. Once you’re in, you get a badge to flaunt on your website, marketing materials, and wherever else you’re telling your story.

How to Get Started

1️⃣ Take the free online courses to get your staff dialed in (like the LNT 101 or backcountry courses).
2️⃣ Use LNT’s ready-made resources (like videos, ethics cards, and posters) to boost your pre-trip and during-trip education game.
3️⃣ Partner up! Work with your local land managers and LNT to fine-tune your approach.
4️⃣ Once you’re feeling solid, submit your application and let LNT do the rest.

Costs & Resources

• Level 1 and Level 2 certifications range from $100 (virtual) to $900+ (multi-day, in-person).
• Online resources and many educational tools are free!
• Community Partnership memberships are $150/year and give you more access to LNT support.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re running kayak tours on crystal-clear lakes or guiding clients up snowy peaks, bringing LNT into your biz shows your clients (and Mother Nature) that you’re in it for the long haul. Plus, having that Gold Standard badge can help you stand out in a sea of outfitters.

Want to learn more or start your journey to Gold Standard status? Reach out to LNT or drop us a line at TripOutside—we’re all about helping you send it responsibly.