Just realized how crowded some of the classic route guides have gotten

I keep seeing trip reports for the same handful of famous loops, but barely anything on the smaller trails that connect to them. Aren't we all looking for a bit of quiet out there anyway?

3 comments

3 Comments

linda_nelson491d ago

Honestly, those busy trails are where most folks learn the ropes. The quiet spots come later when you're ready to wander off.

jake_wright491d ago

Well, I've got to push back on that just a little. Busy trails can actually be pretty stressful when you're brand new, surrounded by folks moving faster. Finding a less crowded path early on lets you get your footing without feeling rushed. It's not really about being "ready to wander off," but more about where you feel comfortable learning. Some people need that calm space from the very start.

the_shane20h ago

Can I share my most embarrassing trail story? During my first hike on a popular path, I was so worried about speeding hikers that I backed into a shrub to let them pass. Ended up sitting in a thorny bush for a good five minutes while everyone walked by. That pretty much sold me on quiet trails for learning the basics.