Tread Lightly
The Utah desert is a sight to behold, especially for those who enjoy exploring the region's interesting plants and animals. But few visitors realize that they have a responsibility to protect the desert and its fragile cryptobiotic crust so that it can be enjoyed by others for years to come.
Take a look at the vast desert terrain of southern Utah. It certainly doesn't appear to be fragile. But scientists and researchers will tell you that this desert region can be altered by just a few errant footsteps that can have a serious negative effect on the Moab ecosystem.
Cryptobiotic Crust
There's a reason why Moab, Utah visitors are asked to "stay on the path" and avoid walking on the cryptobiotic crust or touching other fragile plant and animal life. The cryptobiotic crust is the hard soil found on the surface of the desert. The crusts are hard to see unless they are extensive and colorful, but they are nonetheless vital to the health of the Utah desert ecosystem. They hold the soil in place, create a favorable environment for plants, animals, and tiny organisms, and allow the land to recover more quickly in case of a fire.
Stay on the Trail
That's why it's necessary to abide by the "just look, don't touch" rule in order to protect the desert. Stepping off designated trails and onto the sand can have disastrous results for this fragile ecosystem. It's important to abide by the rules your guide (or guidebook) sets forth even when temptation calls you to take a closer look at this amazing terrain. Tread lightly. The generations that follow will thank you.