Which trail behavior should I address next? 👇
Because apparently this series is needed more than I thought. If you didn’t know…a couple weeks ago I posted simple tips for how men can pass solo women hikers without being weird. The reaction?
Thousands of comments. Most were both thoughtful and supportive.
And some… absolutely unhinged. But one thing became obvious:
A lot of people were never taught basic trail etiquette.
So I started a series called “How to Hike Like a Respectable Human.”
In this episode, I tackle one of the most frustrating trail behaviors out there:
Graffiti hikers. You’ve seen it: Names carved into trees, spray paint on rocks, and unfortunately, waterfalls tagged like a gas station bathroom stall.
People call it “leaving their mark.” But the reality is, public lands aren’t your canvas. The problem is bigger than just how it looks.
Land managers across the U.S. spend millions of dollars every year removing vandalism from public lands, and once graffiti shows up in one place it tends to spread quickly because people assume it’s acceptable.
It’s a psychology thing called social proof. If people see damage already there, they’re far more likely to add their own. Which is exactly how beautiful places slowly turn into messes. So here’s the rule…
Take photos. Leave nothing.
Because your name doesn’t belong on the mountain.
And if that offends you…you’re probably the reason this series exists.
If you want more pro hiking tips, trail etiquette, and hidden trails you don’t have to learn the hard way, check out the other videos on my feed and follow outdoorwiseliving.
And tell me in the comments: What trail behavior should I call out next?
As an avid hiker, I've encountered my fair share of trail graffiti, and every time it leaves me feeling disappointed. Beyond just the visual damage, graffiti undermines the spirit of exploration and respect that brings so many of us to nature. What often surprises people is how quickly vandalism spreads once it’s present. This is due to a psychological effect called social proof—if one person leaves a mark, others feel permitted to do the same. This chain reaction can turn a pristine environment into something resembling a neglected urban space. From personal experience, the best way to protect these spaces is to adopt the mantra: 'Take photos, leave nothing.' Capturing memories with your camera, rather than a marker or knife, preserves the natural scene for others. If you come across graffiti during your hikes, consider reporting it to local land managers or park services. They rely on hikers' reports to prioritize cleanup and restoration projects. Moreover, educating others about trail etiquette is key. Sharing knowledge like that in this article helps spread awareness and builds a community of respectful hikers committed to protecting the outdoors. Finally, remember that our names and tags are not a legacy to be etched into rocks or trees. True legacy is preserving the wilderness so future generations can experience its unspoiled beauty, just as we have. I encourage everyone to lead by example—practice good trail behavior, speak up when you see vandalism, and always treat public lands as sacred places worth protecting.
