Dispute Over Sierra Trails

Re “Feud Over Mountain Trails Heats Up,” Jan. 5: Every summer for three decades my wife and I have hiked the Sierra trail from the Virginia lakes to the summit in the Hoover Wilderness Area, finding peace and delight in the offerings of tiered lakes, cascading streams, granite outcroppings and cheerful wildflowers. The birds and small mammals add to our pleasure.

In recent years, however, we’ve been disturbed by the increased traffic of horses and mules, whose hooves have turned the trail’s soil into choking, talc-like dust and whose droppings and urine befoul the air, attracting swarms of flies. Some of the riders hardly give us time to get off the trail to let them pass. In short, the presence of stock has ruined the hiking experience for us, forcing us to watch where we step rather than the view.

Convincing proof of the destructive effect of stock on the trail is offered by a short spur near the bottom where stock are prohibited. Here the soil maintains its integrity and the trail is a pleasure to walk.

ROBERT ENGLISH

Santa Barbara

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It is unfortunate that a few backpackers are taking a “better than thou” attitude against horse-packers. I have backpacked and also used pack horses to visit our beautiful Sierra Nevada and I think both groups have the right to visit and share the back country. Backpackers and horse-packers need to respect each other’s rights, and they should focus their energies on educating the hikers/packers who leave trash, deface trees and abuse our pristine areas. People who don’t respect the rights of others or the back country belong in an urban park.

BOB DONLEY

Rowland Heights