Comments on: Destructive Hiking

By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:07:34 +0000

A good point, Casey. Whatever local, state or federal authority is managing a trail system, they most often have some rules, and have them for a reason. I support that. And in any case, it really is about using sound judgment and remembering a sense of stewardship when treading anywhere. I guess I just bristle a little bit at the issue being treated as black-and-white, in all cases.

By: Casey

Casey — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:55:01 +0000

Andy, I agree with you, and don’t want to sound like a Trail Puritan (excuse my New England heritage for a moment), but here’s the thing –

Leaving the trail to peak around a corner is not necessarily the end of the world. I don’t do it often, but I *have* done my share of off-trail hiking, and don’t necessarily want fences to be built to keep people on the official trail. But when you’re hiking on a recently opened trail in a sensitive recovering burn zone, your sense of adventure should *always* take a backseat to your sense of environmental responsibility.

By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:02:45 +0000

Although I’ve more than my share of respect for the environment, I’m a little at odds with the seemingly cardinal sin of leaving a trail. What’s over that ridge? If the trail doesn’t take you there, you don’t get to see. I’d love to get a closer look at those rocks, but I guess I never will, it’s off the path. Don’t get me wrong; I understand well that cumulatively, if *everyone* strays from the designated trails, we risk misshaping animal habitats and we leave clear traces on otherwise unspoiled lands. Got that. Guidelines are needed in order to minimize our impact. But is leaving the trail at any time “irresponsible”, “inexcusable”? Your reaction sounds a bit extreme…

By: DSD

DSD — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:56:35 +0000

Those that are in question know who they are at some level…
Hopefully they will then act in accordance with what they sense is the right thing to do…….
Good article.
DSD

By: Modern Hiker

Modern Hiker — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:06:40 +0000

Nah, I didn’t think you were. But with stories like this, it’s really easy to take an event and apply it to most of the Club’s members. Just check out the comments on Curbed LA.

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:31:45 +0000

I also want to clarify that my comment was not directed at all Sierra Clubbers…only the ones described in the article. Thus my usage of the phrase “more cavalier Sierra Clubbers.”

Hope you didn’t think I was referring to all members.

By: Modern Hiker

Modern Hiker — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 05:13:37 +0000

In the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that I am a member of the Sierra Club, and that most of the Sierra Club hikers I’ve met have been VERY conscious of their impact on the surrounding landscape. I generally support what the Club does, and think that the vast majority of members are responsible and informed outdoorspeople.

But when someone is hiking irresponsibly not only as a member of the Club, but on a Club-organized event, it is inexcusable. If you’re part of an environmental organization and you’re not following the basic rules of responsible hiking, you make us ALL look like hypocrites. It makes the group more difficult to take seriously, and it hurts the cause in the long run.

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 04:44:23 +0000

I have fairly recently gotten more serious about the sport of hiking…part of a new year’s resolution that has had me hiking on average of twice a week since early February. Anyway, I am always astounded and annoyed at the lack of respect some hikers have for trails. Many people have no familiarity with leave-no-trace ethics, leaving their trash, toilet paper, etc. along the trail, damaging foliage by cutting switchbacks. I haven’t been hiking in Griffith Park yet since the fires, but I can imagine the damage being done by the more cavalier Sierra Clubbers. Perhaps they just think they are so in tune with nature…that, while it would not be ok for you or me to leave the trail they can because “they understand nature.”