Museum Trail erosion

[pato]

I've been hiking the Museum Trail several times a week since we moved here in the spring. I'm noticing some changes even in this short time and I wonder if any of you in our hiking community share my concern.

A few weeks ago, someone spray-painted a bunch of new blazes on the section leading up to the picnic tables. They also painted blazes for a couple of steeper shortcuts. Aside from many of the blazes just being unnecessary and unsightly (there may be 5 or more on an obvious stretch of just 20 or 30 feet), I feel they have added options that are confusing for unfamiliar hikers. Virtually every time I'm up there now I'm seeing lots of sightseers and visitors way off the original trail, or off any trail whatsoever. These new blazes have also legitimized pathways that were earlier very clearly off-limits. In my opinion, this is resulting in a new, significant erosion, and things are just looking more torn up.

I feel like many of you long-timers have worked hard to maintain our trails (VERY grateful!) and may share this concern. Do any of you agree that the Museum Trail is suffering significantly from the recent blazes? Any thoughts on what we could do to help?

[zippetydude]

Hi Pat. Yes, I recently commented about those incessant dots on another thread. It's been the same for years now - though the white ones are less irritating than the fluorescent orange ones that showed up for a while. These are odd, though, in that they are so numerous even in places where the path is obvious. They will probably all disappear in the next few weeks.

z

[Ellen]

Howdy Pat

Yes, the regulars and long timers are concerned. The graffiti is unsightly as well as potentially unsafe for Skyline first timers. Fortunately, there are many folks on this board who try to cover up dots and other graffiti -- it's a never ending battle

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[pato]

I'm sure I speak for everyone in thanking you all for the work on the trails. I'm happy to pitch in if you're ever looking for more hands.

[Mountaingoat]

Hi there,
Pato this Berne Mettenleiter aka Mountaingoat, I hope this is the Patrick the guy from Michigan!
I am planning to do the hike tram to peak on Sunday!?
Let me know what you think, join me if you can, first tram up!
Hi to Trish!

[zippetydude]

I hope to be going up on the first tram too (along with everyone else in SoCal) so perhaps we can meet in person. I'll probably get there real early, like by 7:00, to get in line to make the first tram. After a couple good snows like this it will be a zoo! From the tram cam it looks beautiful up in Long Valley.

https://www.pstramway.com/long-valley-cam/

By the way, after coming back down I may go over to the bottom of Skyline and kill a few white dots.

z

[pato]

I hope you guys connect! You're both great guys with similar (very) advanced experience and expert hiking ability. I haven't been up there in the snow and don't yet have the gear/training, so I prob won't join -- but that day will come. Zip, let me know if you want some company later with the dots on the Museum Trail.

Berne, come stay with us Sat night to make the Sun morning start easier. We'd love to see Debbie, too, if poss. I'll text you to make a plan.

[Mountaingoat]

Good morning Zipmeister and Patrick,

Will be at the tram station between 7 and 7:30 and hopefully make the first tram up!
Look for a San Franzisco Firefighter cap and a short guy! LOL

Berne

Invitation accepted! See you tonight Pat!