So that's what happened with Ice Lakes. I've been regularly visiting the San Juans and South Mineral since '08 and remember seeing only a handful of cars parked at the trailhead. I wasn't able to make a trip '15-'16, but when I came back in '17 the overflow went all the way back to the road to Clear Lake. The Hardrock 100 was going on too, so I attributed it to that. But it's consistently been like that every time I head down that valley. It's brings about a mix of emotions. I love that so many people want to get out and reconnect with nature. But also saddened because it's too "peopley" now and within that group are people that don't really care to or know how to behave. The "doin' it for the gram" crowd has a very transactional and narcissistic way in which they treat natural places. I wish I knew the magic words that would provide the needed perspective shift for them to transition to a more healthy relationship for both themselves and for the natural places they visit.
You and me both, Mike! It's beyond frustrating. I can't imagine how hard it must be for land management agencies to grapple with it as well. I think a much needed permit system is going into place this year, which isn't ideal, but should help a bit. When I went here on a Wednesday two years ago in July, there were people camping right off the road all the way back to the highway on S. Mineral Creek, placing their tents IN THE RIVER adorned with pirate flags and the whole 9 yards. It was absolutely insane.
So that's what happened with Ice Lakes. I've been regularly visiting the San Juans and South Mineral since '08 and remember seeing only a handful of cars parked at the trailhead. I wasn't able to make a trip '15-'16, but when I came back in '17 the overflow went all the way back to the road to Clear Lake. The Hardrock 100 was going on too, so I attributed it to that. But it's consistently been like that every time I head down that valley. It's brings about a mix of emotions. I love that so many people want to get out and reconnect with nature. But also saddened because it's too "peopley" now and within that group are people that don't really care to or know how to behave. The "doin' it for the gram" crowd has a very transactional and narcissistic way in which they treat natural places. I wish I knew the magic words that would provide the needed perspective shift for them to transition to a more healthy relationship for both themselves and for the natural places they visit.
You and me both, Mike! It's beyond frustrating. I can't imagine how hard it must be for land management agencies to grapple with it as well. I think a much needed permit system is going into place this year, which isn't ideal, but should help a bit. When I went here on a Wednesday two years ago in July, there were people camping right off the road all the way back to the highway on S. Mineral Creek, placing their tents IN THE RIVER adorned with pirate flags and the whole 9 yards. It was absolutely insane.