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My crew can't agree: sticking to the marked trail or cutting cross-country for that wild feel...
Some argue marked routes keep you safe and on schedule, but others say going off-map gives the real backpacking thrill. Where do you stand on this?
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zara4651mo ago
That meadow near Maroon Bells you only find by leaving the path, totally quiet with nobody else around. Marked trails just herd you along with everyone else, like a line at a theme park. Sorry @pat_roberts55, but even in Zion, sticking to the worn dirt feels like you're just checking boxes. Getting a little lost is part of the fun, it makes you pay real attention to the land. That scheduled, safe hike just turns the whole thing into a mild chore.
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wood.uma24d agoProlific Poster
What exactly changed your mind at Zion, @pat_roberts55? I've had those off-trail moments that feel amazing (like finding a hidden creek once), but I've also stepped in a hole and twisted my ankle pretty bad. Do you think it's about the specific place, or just getting older and wanting less risk?
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alice_allen51mo ago
Honestly, the marked path feels like following instructions more than having an adventure... Heard a story from a buddy about getting totally turned around off-trail, and it just sounds stressful. A little wild is good, but maybe save the cross-country stuff for when you really know the area.
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