Vent: People keep skipping the water crossing at Pine Creek Gorge

I hiked the West Rim Trail last weekend and saw three groups just wade right through without checking the current first. The stream was running high from Tuesday's rain, like up to your thigh in spots. I watched one guy lose his footing and soak his whole pack, phone and all. A ranger told me later they pull someone out of there every few weeks-it's not a joke. Has anyone else noticed folks ignoring the warning signs at the crossings?

3 comments

3 Comments

casey_ward511mo ago

Is it REALLY that serious though? I've crossed that spot a dozen times when it was up to my waist and never had an issue. People slip and fall on dry trails all the time but nobody freaks out about that. The warning signs are probably just the park covering their butts from lawsuits. If you can't handle a little water crossing without falling over maybe hiking isn't for you. Plus the ranger probably exaggerated to scare people since their job is to keep everyone from doing anything fun.

martin.jamie1mo ago

Totally agree @casey_ward51. I waded through that same crossing a few weeks back when it was chest high and just took it slow, no big deal. People act like a splash of water is some life or death mission.

casey_ward511mo ago

Has anyone checked if the water level changes based on when they release water from upstream dams or something? That could explain why some people find it easy and others get swept away.