By Denise Ortuno Neil
There are a variety of hiking trails in the Coachella Valley attracting a whole sub-culture of hikers from around the globe that come to the desert specifically to hike. The trails range from scenic strolls, to moderately challenging, and for those who have the stamina, just plain difficult. With the hiking population out on our trails increasing, there comes the need for order, a hiking etiquette that should be adhered to so everyone can enjoy our desert trails. It got me thinking, am I a polite hiker? And what should be the etiquette?
It’s a conscience decision to go hiking, with many provisions to be taken. There are the proper shoes ( hiking boots are best) and attire to be chosen, sunscreen to be worn , lots of water, a fanny pack(an acceptable time to use one) to hold keys, a cell and a nutritious kind of snack for a jolt of energy if need be.
I wake energized when I know the day will take me hiking and once the gear is correct, the question is which trail to take? It sounds like a fork in the road kind of thing, and in some ways it is. It goes back to which sort of hiking experience that you are in the mood for that day. My preferences vary, there are some trails that I love in Palm Springs such as Lykken Trail and Shannon Trail, but I usually choose the convenience of Palm Desert trails as they are closer to home.
The Bump-n-Grind in Palm Desert located off Painters Path is a moderate hike, and gives me a satisfying workout. The popular trail is sometimes on the crowded side, sort of like the Gold’s Gym of hiking trails. At the base of the trail is an explanation of the associated trails and some basic rules discouraging littering and encouraging hikers to stay on the designated paths.
If you’re looking for solitude, the Bump-n-Grind might not work in your favor, which brings to my first etiquette question. Is it proper to be talking on your cell phone during a hike? I understand the need to bring one, as I would never go on a hike without one in case of an emergency, but to randomly be talking on your phone loud enough for those around you to hear or even interject into the conversation, it must be a hiking etiquette no, no. I notice most people who talk on their cell phones during a hike are hiking alone. But if you have chosen to hike alone (like I do most of the time) you are most likely desiring some ALONE time, which chattering on your phone would no doubt negate. Perhaps the phone needs to be left in the fanny pack and the sound of nature should be all that is heard. Like texting while driving, it can wait.
Another noise polluter that I’ve noticed which may be a hiking etiquette violation is listening to music, although it is completely understandable to do so and the ear buds usually conceals the sound to the public. The exception is that if a fellow hiker can hear your music, it’s probably too loud. Not to mention if the volume is turned up to the point of annoyance, you most likely can’t hear the person on a bike coming full speed behind you, which could be dangerous for everyone.
I’ve always thought that people who bicycle on trails have super human powers, how else would they be able to huff up a trail so effortlessly (or so it seems). I guess that’s what those spin classes prepare you for. The way to give the right of way to bicyclist is also an etiquette issue. Basically, if you see a bike coming at you…MOVE, especially if they are going downhill at a rapid speed. I not only move out of the way, gently side stepping on the appropriate side, I almost bow to them. But bicyclists have their own etiquette to follow, as they are on peddle powered vehicles, and we, the hikers are on our tender vulnerable feet…please watch out for them bicycle masters.
Speaking of giving right of way, when and how do you give it to your fellow hiker? This is a biggie in hiking etiquette. Hiking on a trail with other, sometimes many other hikers can cause a bit of human hiker traffic. Just like driving, you have the ones that go fast (left lane) those who are moderate in speed (middle lane) and those who are taking time to smell the cactus (right lane). But as the trail is usually not large enough to accommodate so many lanes, and it’s a two way trail, it can become tricky. However, it always seems to work out. I have yet to see a hiker collision or total hiker traffic jam. Most people know instinctively to move out of the way if others are going faster than they are, or move to the side if a larger group is sharing the trail. It seems to be a built in hiking no-brainer.
Finally, and this is the most profound etiquette question I’ve pondered, is why some hikers say “Hello” or “Good-morning/afternoon” and some say nothing, not even giving any eye contact? It’s an interesting examination of human behavior and I have seen the difference with different kinds of hikers. Those hiking alone tend to be much friendlier. Perhaps it’s because I am usually doing the same and they feel some sort of alliance. But then there’s the hiking couple. Older couples seem to be friendlier than younger ones and groups are usually very engaged in their own conversations and glaze by other hikers…but not always, I’d say it’s a medium amount of group hikers that don’t greet. All in all, most hikers are friendly and happy to be up on a trail appreciating all there is around them, including other hikers.
Hiking in the Coachella Valley is a great outdoor experience where you can get some exercise and discover all the beauty that desert nature can provide. With the implementation of some simple hiking etiquette, the hiking experience can only get better for everyone. After-all, it’s only polite.
