Peak Bagging Dilemma

[GlennS]

I was on a trip to bag Sam Adams for a list I'm working on. I came up the Caps Ridge Trail, over Jefferson and along the Gulfside. I decided to bush/rock whack from the Gulfside Trail up a section of exposed rock to the summit of Sam Adams. All was going well until I hit a section about 200 feet short of the summit that required me to cross a 50 foot section of solid alpine vegetation. I struggled between going on and turning back. Ultimately, I decided not tramping the vegetation was more important than checking a summit off my list.

My question(s) are....Was I insane to turn around that close to the summit? How do people bag the peaks above treeline where there is no maintained trail?

Overall,the trip was 9.99 out of a 10. Not bagging Sam Adams took .01 from the score.

 

[AntlerPeak]

I think you made the right decision and would not say you are insane at all. I agree and appreciate your concern as I am one of those who carried pounds and pounds of seed and fertilizer up Algonquin to restore the alpine vegetation on that peak. And spent two weeks on Bigelow replacing the rocks that align the walkway across both summits.

Your question of how to bag a trailless peak above timberline is interesting. I have been thinking about this for a bit since I read your post awhile ago. How many peaks fit this criteria? That is open summit with alpine vegetation and no trail? Fortunately most above timberline peaks have trails so I don't think this is a large issue. But as you found on this hike it is an issue. I can only suggest allowing more time so you can explore a route that affords walking on rock avoiding the fragile vegetation.

Again thank you

 

[HighHorse]

i must say, in all seriousness, that the above was a fascinating online interaction.

 

[AntlerPeak]

i must say, in all seriousness, that the above was a fascinating online interaction.

Thank you I thought Glenn raised a good question that I had not considered. I am still thinking about how many peaks fit into that situation. I avoid walking on the alpine vegetation as well but have not come across his particular circumstance. It will be interesting to hear if others have found similar places.

 

[MattC]

I think you made a good call, Glenn. Selflessness isn't insane, it just seems that way sometimes. Is that summit actually trailless, or were you just trying an off-trail route?

Matt

 

[forestgnome]

Excellent decision! The alpine vegetation is far more important than "bagging" anything. It's heartwarming to read of your decision and your respect for the flora. I'll bet you still had a wonderful and enjoyable hike!

Happy Trails!

 

[carole]

I not sure what it looks like from where you left the Gulfside trail but from the Lowe's Path/Spur Path junction just below Thunderstorm junction it was basically a rock hop. I zig-zag a little to stay just on the rocks going up and back. I also went back there in winter which meant no rock hop or alpine vegetation just lovely snowpack.

 

[Pete_Hickey]

Interesting that you say this at this time. In the Adirondacks, people are heading directly from Gray to Marcy (and visa-versa) instead of descending and taking the traditional paths. Alpine vegetation is being destroyed.

Several weeks ago, I was part of a group who spent a day examining the route above the treeline, on Marcy, trying to find where the least amount of damage would be done. Not 'no damage' but we want to lesen it. We know, even though it is recomended against doing it, hikers are taking this route, because it saves 15-45 minutes. (it doesn'T save much time for a fast hiker, because they can really move on the regular trail, but there is thick stuff to go through on parts of this route, and the faster you go, the deeper the spuce cuts.

So, we have a dilemma. Do we just do nothing, and let the damage continue, or do we mark a route, so that the damage will be concentrated in a single area? If we do mark a route, it will encourage more traffic as well.

Oddly enough, it SEEMS like more damage to the alpine vegetation is being done by the 'serious' hikers, rather than the 'tourist' climbers. You, Glen, appear to be in the minority. Bravo.

 

[Doc McPeak]

First, GlennS, thanks for not trampling the fragile vegetation above treeline. I have always thought that area is the most vulnerable and have witnessed the excellent results of the ADK summit stewardship programs.

Hypothetical question: If you had seen a small distinct herd path meandering from bare rock to bare rock reaching the summit would you have taken that? If you traversed it, careful as can be and within the worn track, would it have been "okay"? (And this question goes out to all to ponder)

To answer my own question... I probably would have taken it, as I guess I have done on open summits, hopping rocks and following an established path. That said, perhaps I am complicitous, albeit walking carefully and avoiding fragile alpine flora, even if I don't touch anything or do any tangible damage. Am I enabling someone less careful to tramp along the path, widening it, and then crunch flora around the summit as they wander about? Innocent in intent, but guilty in ramifications?

For a real world example ...

... and Pete, I'm glad you've brought this up and shed some light on it. The Gray to Marcy route that is. I've done the route a couple times ( not to save time, but because it is a beautiful ridge walk) and followed a very distinct path the entire way. This past late spring there were a couple snow pits to wade through, but otherwise I was on a herd path (faint, but singletrack dirt) from Gray's summit, up the drainage leading to the open rocks of Marcy. I did see other competing paths from time to time, and yes it gets pretty tight in there, but I felt since I was on an established path I wasn't doing much appreciable damage. I hadn't thought of alpine flora being damaged, for I've always associated the fragile stuff with the more exposed higher altitude species.

Yet, as far as above treeline, there seems to be only one route, marked by cairns on bare rock the whole way (okay, actually around 98%), that leads to treeline and the (yes, pretty eroded) route down to the flat below Marcy's western slope. Again, on an established path is there still damage being done? Maybe not directly, but perhaps with the rumor of this path others are wandering across the upper slopes looking for cairns or signs of travel? I do see the dilemma, and feel ambivalent about the traverse knowing that one person's careful approach along a special route could be a half dozen's raceway on some peakbagging adventure. Keep us abreast of how this project transpires. And I'll stay out of there until you decide what to do, careful feet or not.

 

[sapblatt]

Excellent! decision

You did the right thing...the vegetation at that altitude takes years to get established and is destoyed in a second.
Your attitude shows that you are one of the people that "get it." It is not all about lists, it is about getting outdoors and having a great expereince either alone, or with other like minded people.

 

[Pete_Hickey]

Yet, as far as above treeline, there seems to be only one route, marked by cairns on bare rock the whole way (okay, actually around 98%), that leads to treeline and the (yes, pretty eroded) route down to the flat below Marcy's western slope. Again, on an established path is there still damage being done?

The problem is once the treeline is reached. We found found no less than four disttinct paths all marked with cairns to some extent. It is bare rock most of the way, because in many places, the vegetation has already been trampled and is gone. The shortest route turns and contours toward the 4 corners-Marcy trail, from where Marcy's summit is reached. This has the most destroyed areas. Others head straight to the summit. Note that sandy areas on these paths, are areas where the plants are gone.

Othere places require a good hop from one rock to another. These areas are of concern with increased usage. Even well intentioned hikers may come into situations (eg slippery rocks) where they say, "It's my safety or the vegetation. One step won't be that bad."

We're mapping out areas, distances (with a wheel), species, already destroyed areas, etc. and will try to decide on the best route. The 46ers and summit stewards are working with the DEC on this.

I do see the dilemma, and feel ambivalent about the traverse knowing that one person's careful approach along a special route could be a half dozen's raceway on some peakbagging adventure.

You got it. Also, when others see you doing something, you are teaching them. No matter how careful you are, others seeing you/following you may not be. When the summit steward on Marcy is telling the 'Newbies' about the fragile vegetation, what do you think it does when an experienced hiker comes along a non-standard route?

Note that not only did Glenn not trample the vegetation, but he also did some teaching to others, by posting it here.

 

[bill bowden]

Sam Adams

At one time there was a distinct trail "The White Trail" marked by distinct cairns which proceeded from Thunderstorm Junction to the sumit of Sam Adams. My vague understanding is that the cairns were destroyed by vandal(s) and have not been rebuilt.
It isn't tha thard to get to Sam without damaging scrub if you know the route

 

[dug]

The mere thought that the question was raised is a major problem with "peakbagging"..

 

[Brownie]

The Breeze Way

This region is my 30 year tenure stomping ground, no pun intended.
Mt Adams region has five total peaks of which only Mt Adams major has existing marked trails as outlined in AMC guide.

The peak in discussion is Mt Sam Adams,
UTM coordinates: 316561E 4909930N
located nearly due west from Thunderstorm Junction.

Someone mentioned the "White Trail" as it has small quartz cairns.
In truth, I am one of apparently several others who hike this spot and construct these cairns with a quartz top, as there are many veins of outcropped quartz available.
The markers from Thunderstorm Junction probably get dismantled by concerned trail crews, however from that location its an easy rock hop without damaging any vegetation.

There is however, an excellent route leading from the Israel Ridge up from the perch camp platforms which I routinely remark.
This route starts just past the Israel Ridge/ Randolph Path junction just beyond the open tree-line growth.
Make a left (northeast) and scramble the large talus field to highest visible ridge line.
Continue the ridge line all the way to Mt Sam Adams.
You will encounter no vegetation to cross, if you do there is always a way around it on the rocks.
There are several quartz cairns along the way and I usually rebuild each time I go.
No one has named this route, but I officially call this "The Breeze Way" aptly named for the windiest section of exposure with winds funneling through Jefferson and Mt Adams, it can be quite ferocious.

The Gulfside trial passes to the south of this ridge line and there is a considerable amount of vegetation and ledges blocking access, therefore no one should attempt access to ridge between Israel Ridge/Gulfside junction and all the way to Thunderstorm Junction.

All the other off trail Mt Adams peaks; J.Q. Adams, Adams 4, Adams 5, are easily accessible by staying on ridges and connecting together.
J.Q. Adams has a treacherous route from Madison Hut right up the steep boulders and slab, probably more technical climbing than most would desire, but a fun route for those who seek true Alpine climbing challenges. I did it in my pair of Five Tennies one day!

For hikers, better to reach this peak by descending from Mt Adams major, and follow the direct ridge to summit.
Descend from there to the Gulfside trial.

A strong word about alpine vegetation:
As mentioned, this growth is seriously vulnerable to damage by simply stepping on it once! So stay OFF!
Many years ago in my youth, before I was so concerned, I was traveling the Breeze Way and stepped onto a patch of turf and promptly busted through and got wedged thigh deep into the sharp talus rocks!
That was a needed lesson for the wrong reasons, but learned never the less.

Another note:
This area is a sacred region where many have built cairns or memorials to past friends and family.
Other groups of pilgrims go there to pray.
My first experience with this came in 1981 when we saw a group of a hundred white clothed Monks praying at Mt Sam Adams.
They explained that it was a "power point" location, and in truth when you view Mt Adams major from this spot its a perfect pyramid!
I go for the peace and serenity the location offers, and who knows, maybe a little faith too.


Jeff

 

[Jim lombard]

Posted by Pete Hickey

So, we have a dilemma. Do we just do nothing, and let the damage continue, or do we mark a route, so that the damage will be concentrated in a single area? If we do mark a route, it will encourage more traffic as well.

I noticed when I was passing Lakes in the clouds on Saturday that they have a section along the trail roped off with some strange looking testing equipment. A sign tells people to stay away, experimentation on ozone or something. Maybe you could block off the usual entry that people use to bushwhack through with something like that.

Either that or a loudspeaker hidden in the woods with the sound of your chainsaw and a diabolical laugh set on a motion sensor.

I saw dozens of people running across the sedge grass below Mt Washington and thought about how many alpine plants they were crushing

 

[ADK4Life]

It was nice out west not having to deal with the same vegitation problems when dealing with trailess ascents.

 

[GlennS]

Thanks all for the comments and great advice on route selection. I knew I wasn't totally crazy but I do tend to get carried away sometimes.

Jefferson was to be my destination for the day but I was on the summit at 10:00 and it was such an awesome day, I had to keep going. My peakbagging pursuits limit me to one peak per trip so everything after Jefferson was gravy. In all respects it was a "WOW" hike. What's next...A trip up Lowes Path? Hmmm.

Thanks again,
Glenn

 

[bcskier]

Another note:
This area is a sacred region where many have built cairns or memorials to past friends and family.
Other groups of pilgrims go there to pray.
My first experience with this came in 1981 when we saw a group of a hundred white clothed Monks praying at Mt Sam Adams.
They explained that it was a "power point" location, and in truth when you view Mt Adams major from this spot its a perfect pyramid!

My guess is that the group of white clothed monks was from the Aetherius Society which believes Mt. Adams is one of it's 19 holy mountains.

bcskier

 

[sierra]

I think you showed incredible judgement and I commend you for it. Another poster also mentioned "peakbagging" and its pitfalls, a very insightfull comment on his part. A few points if I may, first off, I climb out west alot and there are many summits I have climbed without trails, I ALWAYS avoid alpine plants and always find a way around as well.
This hike of yours and the previous posters comments on peakbagging got me thinking. To me list are fine as they lead to to different places but if they are your only source of motivation you are missing the most critical aspect of mountain travel. Which is the love of the mountains, that being said as with the love you would show a person, this love must include an appretiation of the mountains beauty and along with that respect for its presevation and overall well being. Mountains unlike people have no natural defenses, they are at our mercy, we can tread lightly on them and minimize our intrusion or better yet as Pete H does even help them in there preservation, which is most unselfish on his part.
To me mountains are alive, there are some I reclimb and love very much and that is the approach that alows men and mountain the coexist.
P.s. that referance to the "19 holy mountains was very intersting, I was not aware of them.

 

[RGF1]

My guess is that the group of white clothed monks was from the Aetherius Society which believes Mt. Adams is one of it's 19 holy mountains.

bcskier

You are correct they are the folks who painted the Summit rocks on Mt Adams also . I have no idea if they still go up there though. They used to hike up the Airline you could watch them from Crag Camp if it was clear.