Talked to a ranger in the Tetons about trail impact and it changed my route plan

Met a park ranger at the Jenny Lake station last Tuesday. She said the classic Cascade Canyon loop gets over 500 hikers a day in peak season. That's a lot of foot traffic on one path. She suggested the Paintbrush Canyon to Lake Solitude route instead. It's a bit longer, about 20 miles, but way less crowded. Has anyone else switched up a popular trip to spread out the wear on the trails?

3 comments

3 Comments

christopher9432mo ago

Totally get that. Had a similar chat in Yosemite last fall about the Mist Trail. A ranger basically said the stone steps are getting worn smooth from all the traffic. He pointed me toward the John Muir Trail up to Nevada Fall instead. Added maybe an hour to the day, but it was so much quieter and the views were just as good, maybe better. Makes you wonder why more people don't spread out, right?

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ellis.leo2mo ago

Ever tried the Four Mile Trail instead?

harpery472mo ago

Makes you wonder why more people don't spread out" is the real question. I'm probably part of the problem, always following the crowd to the same spots. Guess I'm not the adventurous type they write about in the brochures.