LightBackpacking.com

In many wilderness areas, as you plunge into rocky areas or scramble above tree line, the trail can seem to just disappear. On a recent backpack to the Emigrant Wilderness, I was reminded how important it is to pay attention to trail signs. Several times, we found ourselves off the trail, back tracking. In one case, we walked about a half mile down what appeared to be a natural trail, only to end up heading down toward a river to a spot that came to a deadine end in an old campsite.

Trail signposts might include square cuts in the bark of trees, actual sign posts with words and distance, or they can be a log blocking what appears to be a the trail (some is saying don’t go that direction) or trail ducks, which are piles of rocks set up by previous hikers to show you the way.

They call them “ducks” because you usually see a pile of stones that look, loosely speaking, like a body, neck and head. Sometimes, however, as in the photo at left, it is a single stone on a rock.

If you suddenly find yourself off the trail, stop, relax, look around, then retrace your steps to the last obvious piece of trail. Then search for signposts to get you back on track. Sometimes, it means climbing around in several directions to figure out which way to go. Don’t go too far as you look so you don’t get completely confused and lost. If you have companions with you, you can each look, staying within hollering distance. Take your time. Sometimes a map or compass can help figure out the direction you should be going.

My advice: when hiking in rocky areas, slow down, walk carefully and look for trail guideposts, such as trail ducks, that help you find your way.

Be light. Be safe. Be one with the pack.