Rock Cairns

Nighthiker · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1714

I have noted a lot more rock cairns along the Garden Valley Route (From First Water Trailhead) and Geronimo Cave trail route (Peralta CanyonTrailhead) lately. Anyone else notice?

Shawn · Posted: 2/10/2003, 9:26 pm Post subject:

They come and go. Some people feel they are an intrusion in the wilderness and knock them down. The FS hires them put back up sometimes, or well intentioned hikers rebuild them. Sometimes the net effect is that you get as lost as they were.
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cactuscat · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 459 Location: Phoenix

I was disapointed with all the cairns on the Cave trail the first time I did it a few months ago - makes it too easy!

ck1 · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 1331 Location: Mesa

When we have visitors from back east, one of the things they think is "cool" is to build a cairn on a hike...most often, it's on the Pass Mtn Trail, where they aren't necessary, but the visitors always think it's cool...we take their picture next to "their cairn"...I know they don't last long...
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maryphyl · Posted: 2/13/2003, 8:54 pm Post subject:

Shawn · Posted: 2/14/2003, 9:15 am Post subject:

I know what you mean about the dot-to-dot. But I have to admit, there have been times I was very happy to see a "dot."
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The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

evenstar · Joined: 03 Jan 2003 Posts: 5548 Location: SCW by way of CA

It's the paint dots that piss me off. Last time I did Ford Canyon there were huge orange paint dots all along the dry wash going to and past the old dam.
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Daddee · Posted: 2/14/2003, 11:07 am Post subject:

Canyon Dweller · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 712 Location: Denver, CO

Daddee · Posted: 2/14/2003, 2:17 pm Post subject:

Yes - I recall from early hiking on the trail that I missed that turn the first time and the resulting scree/trail was an absolute nightmare. On every subsequent trip I would warn people - "Don't go past me once we reach Siphon Draw - you will miss the turn and you WILL regret it" - now it almost takes the challenge out of the trail. It was always fun to see novices take the wrong tail and complain about it later (just like I did - misery loves company).
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cactuscat · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 459 Location: Phoenix

Daddee · Posted: 2/14/2003, 2:53 pm Post subject:

cactuscat · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 459 Location: Phoenix

Yeah, that's why I've been enjoying off-trail hiking much more lately! I just can't see hiking on trails that are as crowded as walking through the mall - a place I avoid like the plague!