Rant: Tried skipping a switchback on the Highline Trail and it backfired hard

Thought I found a shortcut through some brush near the 3 mile marker to cut 20 minutes off my hike. Ended up losing the trail completely for an hour and had to bushwhack back down a steep ridge. Has anyone else tried a "shortcut" that turned into a nightmare on a popular route?

3 comments

3 Comments

zarab2416d ago

Has anyone else noticed that skipping switchbacks actually makes the hike harder on your knees? Those long, gentle turns are designed to spread out the steepness so you don't end up pounding your joints on a straight descent. I get the urge to save time but the tradeoff is way more impact on your body.

leo61216d ago

That "shortcut through some brush" is how I learned trails exist where they are for a reason.

murphy.barbara16d ago

And you know what, I've had that exact same lesson the hard way too. What was the actual consequence that made you realize it? For me it was getting snagged on a thorn bush that ripped a good chunk out of my favorite jacket, plus walking an extra half mile to get back on track after I lost the trail entirely.