Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,960 
|
Post by Westy on Sept 5, 2015 19:19:33 GMT -8
I don't mind other backcountry users so much. Venue selection, time of day, day of week, weather, seasonality must all be considered to design the hike, climb you seek and achieve your personal expectations.You can avoid peak parades with timing. Sometimes even popular National Parks aren't that crowded even in peak season since permits are regulated.
In reality, if it's crowded, it's my fault Tom Brady's fault. Tom is the fall guy for all poor planning, inadequate processes and overall bad management.
As far as campsite proximity, that's pretty easy. 90% of backcountry users will seek out the perfect idyllic spot, with the awesome view right next to the iconic lake, stream, etc. I don't really make or use "campsites", but tend to seek locations unseen to others to pitch a tent. I'm a Wee Willie Keeler devotee, "Hit 'em where they ain't". Or in this case. "Pitch it where they ain't"!
I will admit to being annoyed when meeting large groups, especially scofflaws mentioned earlier, that exceed group limits. I also have a sincere distaste for discourteous mountain bikers who startle you, without warning, at the last moment from behind, and inconsiderate dog owners who have not invested in proper training for their pet.
In the end it's not so much human encounters as the humans you encounter.
|
|
rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,689 
|
Post by rebeccad on Sept 5, 2015 20:32:14 GMT -8
I am usually fine with meeting people on the trail, though I revel in any day where we see no one. Like most here, I dislike over-large groups and noisy parties. I like to camp where others aren't (makes the whole skinny-dip thing more comfortable), but don't mind quiet and considerate fellow-travelers. I've had some good conversations with chance-met hikers, and gotten some route ideas. We have taken more to off-trail travel in recent years, in part because of the crowds on the popular trails.
|
|
swmtnbackpacker
Trail Wise!
Back but probably posting soon under my real name ... Rico Sauve
Posts: 4,886
|
Post by swmtnbackpacker on Sept 7, 2015 6:05:55 GMT -8
Well, the only loud camps I've encountered are those easily accessible. At higher elevations most are gasping for oxygen. Then there's time as I'm taking fewer but longer trips.
I'm pretty much a mid-week hiker anymore reserving the weekend to drink good beer in the big city partake in the cities cultural and artistic venues
|
|
|
|
Post by hikerjer on Sept 7, 2015 7:25:08 GMT -8
partake in the cities cultural and artistic venues I'd rather rather drink good beer in a big city. :( |
|
rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,689
|
Post by rebeccad on Sept 7, 2015 9:15:59 GMT -8
'm pretty much a mid-week hiker anymore That's the best way to deal with the problem. |
|
amaruq
Trail Wise!
Call me Little Spoon
Posts: 1,264
|
Post by amaruq on Sept 8, 2015 4:43:23 GMT -8
I find myself in agreement with the majority census here. If I want solitude, I know where to go to find it. If I want something easier/closer/friend-friendly, I expect to find others on the trails and around the marked camp sites. I tend to fly past most of the twice-a-year backpackers when traversing the latter as they don't step too far onto the longer trails, but I never cease to find some overly interesting, like-minded folk after pushing beyond the din further into the bush.
|
|
|
|
Post by mtngrl on Sept 9, 2015 9:05:07 GMT -8
I don't mind meeting others on the trail,as long as they are not loud or disrespectful of nature. Last weekend, the trail we were on had many more bikers than hikers, but they were nice, friendly, mindful of us hikers and funny. I don't mind sharing the trail with this sort of folk. I don't think I mind camping by others if they are not loud or rude. Hikerjer and Woodsie are right, you make it what you want it to be.
|
|
tigger
Trail Wise!
Posts: 2,547
|
Post by tigger on Sept 9, 2015 9:56:54 GMT -8
It really depends on the trip. After a week of being alone and seeing nobody, I often appreciate the company or at least a conversation with someone for a bit. Other trips where it's just me and a friend, I prefer not to run into anyone. It's part of the reason I am an off-trail hiker is to go where others rarely go.
|
|
Woodsie
Trail Wise!
Colorado
Posts: 272
|
Post by Woodsie on Sept 9, 2015 14:59:10 GMT -8
Last weekend, the trail we were on had many more bikers than hikers, but they were nice, friendly, mindful of us hikers and funny. Plus the guys all wore those tight spandex biking shorts and had great calf muscles. Did I just say that?  |
|
panatomicx
Trail Wise!
Less noise and more green
Posts: 496
|
Post by panatomicx on Sept 10, 2015 15:23:04 GMT -8
I usually enjoy meeting people on the trail. Especially when you haven't seen other folks for a day or two. I like to chat people up, and most of the time it's good. I also don't go to Mt Everest, so I never have to worry about getting stuck at that bottleneck with 200 others. eightsummits.com/bills-articles/crowds-on-mt-everest/ |
|
