8/20/26: West Ridge Trail, Rock Steps in Gully

Back on the heavily impacted West Ridge Trail, 0.3 miles up the trail, there was a longish herd path beside four rock steps in a gully, and several stones the glacier did inconsiderately leave at angles awkward to walk.  Four volunteer Cardigan Highlanders were enough people to make this site more attractive to walk by building better and more rock steps, two re-set plus two new. Then we planted 6 jagged rocks and barricade in the herd path, to see if the tourists take the path of least resistance,  i.e. the steps.

Several crews we know are having to do similar fixes to the same problem: herds of hikers who don't walk single file to keep impact on the present trails. The fixes are costly in volunteer hours.  How to manage this impact is still uncertain.

Meantime, we had a good crew who did quite well, as the photos show.  Here's to them!

All the Best,

Craig Sanborn,  CHVTC
Trailmaster