The presence of human activity near freshwater turtle habitat can have a negative impact on a range of turtle behaviors. We assessed whether human use of a recreational trail had an effect on basking behavior of western pond turtles (Actinemys marmorata) by observing individuals basking while we monitored recreational disturbances. Based on our results, we suggest limiting the number or times of operation of motor vehicle traffic adjacent to western pond turtle habitat to restrict impacts on basking behavior.