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Tried a new loop in the Sawtooths and the trail markers were nonexistent
Went out for a four day trip in Idaho last month. The map showed clear paths, but half the junctions had no signs or blazes. We got lost twice and had to use GPS to backtrack. Really frustrating when you rely on marked routes for safety.
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the_evan8d ago
When you said the trail markers were nonexistent, it hit on a weird policy some wilderness areas have. They keep signs sparse to make the place feel more untouched and push better route finding. I ran into this in the Selway-Bitterroot where they let trails fade on purpose to cut down on crowds. It's frustrating for safety, but it does change how you plan trips. Your map might show a path, but on the ground it's just a general idea you have to piece together.
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finleybailey5d ago
Haha, after reading umaw69's comment about markers being a suggestion, I feel called out. Last time I was out there, I spent an hour convincing my group I knew the way, only to lead us to a creek that definitely wasn't on the map. We had to double back so many times that my shortcut added like two extra miles to the day. Now I just accept that my sense of direction is about as reliable as those missing trail signs.
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