Mt Whitney Zone Forums Thread Like Summary - Pet Peeves on Trails

I've recently noticed an upsurge of political references on California's trails and peaks. To be fair, I'll mention examples of offenders from both sides of the political spectrum:
- "BLM" on summit registers (and not in reference to the Bureau of Land Management)
- People wearing Trump shirts and MAGA + KAG hats on the trail

Geez, I hike to get away from politics, not to remind myself of it. Leave that stuff at home!

And if you suggest that they should, YOU’RE the bad guy.

From what I have noticed, the nicest people on the trail are solo hikers. Groups always behave worse. And LARGE GROUPS are the worst. But this is nothing new. It is a well-known fact that people are at their worst when in groups.

In addition to the loud music on the trail and others who won't let you by, those who won't say jack when you greet them on the trail. Not expecting your life story, not trying to pick anyone up, just a simple nod, hi, etc.... most are pretty good about it, some need to get over themselves. Other pet peeves, litter, used wag bags sitting around, graffiti .... end of rant....

My original climbing mentor had a solution for that. He carried his sleeping pad crosswise on top of his pack, and he carried his ice axe, strapped to the pad, crosswise, right at eye level. He said it worked pretty well.

Can't say I've seen any particular increase in BLM or MAGA clothing on the trails, but living in the Bay Area means the MAGA crowd are few and far between (plus I don't generally care what people are wearing). Only some chalk BLM messages on the trails I use for my morning bike rides.


In general, my biggest pet peeve is people who blare their music when hiking. Earphones, people! Not everyone enjoys the same music.

Then there's the people who take up the entire width of the trail with their group. Especially now with COVID-19, keeping to one side or the other (generally to your right) is best for all involved to pass as far apart as possible.

I'm like you. I hike to get away from the daily grind.

Other pet peeves:

Bluetooth speakers
Off-leash dogs in leash-required areas.
Trash