Photo Courtesy of senior Nayah Holmes 

  Popular on the central coast, hiking offers a great way to work out, escape over clustered areas, and see great views. But, more recently, people have been abusing the trails and other hikers’ rights. San Luis Obispo High Schoolers often partake in hiking and should be aware of what not to do while hiking. 

  Some of the worst offenses hikers can do consist of obnoxious music, not moving over when being passed, and not knowing the trails. When people go for a hike they often look for peace and silence. More than enough times, there will be one hiker with a speaker blasting horrific rap and having no regard for anyone else. Sometimes, a brave hiker will be able to tell the rude hiker to turn the music off, but often, hikers are too nice to say anything.

  “I think the most disrespectful thing someone can do is litter/leave stuff behind. It’s just gross and bad for the environment. If people threw away their trash instead of leaving it on trails it would just make hiking more enjoyable,” said senior Sadie Lachapelle.

  Littering is a big issue throughout our community but where nature is trying to be preserved, like on hikes, those who litter have no regard for the protection of our endangered environment, and rather should not be able to appreciate it. 

  “What’s really annoying to me is people that leave wrappers or snacks laying around on the trails. Also, people that blast music really loudly,” said senior Lukas Von Bischopinck. 

  In San Luis Obispo alone, there are 31 moderate hikes all ranging from .9 to 17.4 miles and go from 39 ft above sea level to 2,647 according to alltrails.com. The best thing about the central coast as well as we are constantly adding hikes and preserving land. For example, Pismo Preserve opened up in 2020 and is protecting 880 acres of land for people to enjoy constantly. None as well can forget about all the hikes Montana De Oro offers, raging in all elevations and lengths, but constantly having a view of the ocean and mountains. 

  The greatest thing about hiking is that it is for everyone and anyone, no matter how many miles or elevation that has been done, people get to enjoy nature. There should be no shame when it comes to being passed or needing to pass, and the golden rule should always be remembered when doing so, which is that those going up to get the right away. For those who mountain bike the trails, wearing a bell is not only mandatory but greatly appreciated by hikers who are always hugging the inside of trails and fearing blind corners.  Hikers that like to hike alone as well should be able to be vigilant and protected, whether that means bringing a whistle or pepper spray, or even extra water, in preparation for the worst-case possible. 

  There is nothing better than the feeling of reaching the summit. When the summit is litter-free and silent, hikers can truly enjoy the peace and conservation of land, which all people should be striving to obtain.