right of way: uphill or down?

[Grumpy]

Yo, Stan! That wasn't a political statement. More like a statement of "guiding personal philosophy," if you get what I mean.

G.

 

[blacknblue]

I always assume that the personal moving uphill should yield b/c 1) it is easier for the uphill hiker to see/find a more adequate place to step aside since the trail is 'moving slower' for them, 2) they are more likely to desire a quick rest anyhow, and 3) it is less straining on the uphill hiker's knees to stop for a bit.
Of course, if the downhiller steps aside well in advance, then I will hike uphill past them, thanking them en route--as well as several other mitigating circumstances.
I don't think that larger groups should have an automatic right-of-way. If anything, quite the opposite, as a single hiker can move more quickly and adeptly around them. Especially when a single is trying to pass them going the same direction!

 

[KevCon223]

I give way to the downhill hiker. I usually ask if the summit is still there or am I wasting my time. They look at Me strange, and pass as fast as they can!!

 

[Tomahawk]

I usually like to stop and chat with the group that I am passing so we both yield. But if I run into a group that doesn't look too friendly I will usually stop if they don't first. Good question though, I never really thought about it.

 

[Jkrew81]

whoever looks like they are suffering less. Good excuse for a 10 second rest

 

[BadgerGirl]

I hike so damned early I yield only to bugs and bears.

 

[keepin' on]

My book tells me that those working against gravity get the right of way. I suppose it is all personal preference. I have stopped going uphill for downward hikers to pass.....

 

[Hunter]

I apply the same rules to yielding on the trail that I learned driving in New York City. If you're bigger, meaner, and in more of a hurry I yield to you. If you're trying to steal my parking space (or view) I knock you off the trail when your looking the other way.

 

[catskillclimber]

It's kind of like a four way stop sign when two people stop at the same time. Personality dictates. I usually nod and step to the side, especially for the lovely ladies

 

[Clown]

I usually yeild to whoever is coming up or down the trail. Most of the time, it's just a good reason to stop and take a breather. Also, if the other hikers are nice enough, I'll stop and chat for a minute.