The topic of cairns – in layman’s terms, intentionally stacked piles of rocks – has long been a hotly-debated subject among hikers. Some feel that these rock piles violate the principles of Leave No Trace while others tend to prioritize the value these creations can provide when it comes to navigation. A recent situation that unfolded on a mountain in New York touches on the utility of cairns, providing a segue into a conversation about how this relates to Colorado and what hikers should do when rogue cairns are spotted on the trail.

According to a report from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the agency is seeking information about a person or persons who allegedly destroyed “nearly every rock cairn” on Wright Peak, a summit in the Adirondacks. The cairns that were destroyed were described as officials as “key navigational aids built by trail crew and summit stewards to help hikers stay on-trail above the treeline and avoid trampling alpine vegetation,” with the agency also noting that “it’s crucial to leave cairns as you see them.”

That last line is in-tune with what the general policy in Colorado is, as well. Per the National Park Service, members of the public should leave rock cairns in-tact and where they are found, as they may serve a purpose.

That said, it’s also important to be skeptical of some cairns – be familiar enough with the trail you’re on so that cairns aren’t your only means of navigation. While the public is often told not to construct rogue cairns, it still happens – and not only can this practice guide someone off of an official route, it can also lead to erosion and other impacts to the landscape.

If a cairn seems suspicious or ‘rogue,’ you still shouldn’t knock it over – report it to a park ranger instead and allow them to use their expertise of the area to determine if the cairn should be there or not. After all, ‘official’ cairns can come in many shapes and sizes.

In addition to not tampering with any cairns and not constructing your own, the National Park Service also instructs the public to not add to existing cairns. “Authorized cairns are carefully designed,” reads a statement from the NPS. “Adding to the pile can actually cause them to collapse.”

So there you have it – while some people seem to be on a personal mission to destroy cairns that are encountered on the trail, don’t be that person. It’s against best practices and could lead to someone getting lost. Instead, if a cairn seems problematic, let a ranger know.