Refrain from stacking rocks during your next hike. Here’s why it matters.

Rock stacking is one of humanity's oldest forms of art, yet it remains a topic of debate.

Venture far enough on nearly any trail, and you’re bound to encounter piles of stones arranged in casual sculptures. Some refer to these as cairns, while others prefer terms like 'stone balancing' or 'prayer stone stacks.' Regardless of the label, the practice of stacking stones is widespread.

In recent years, rock stacking has surged in popularity, for better or worse. However, many are unaware of its controversial nature, especially in national parks and protected areas. Opinions vary widely; some view it as a vital navigation aid, others as a meditative exercise, while some consider it an ecological threat.

Is rock stacking really as innocent as it appears? Let’s delve into the details.

Rock stacking: evolving from tradition to modern trend.

Cairns were among the first structures built by our ancestors; stacking rocks could create the foundation for shelters or food storage. In Mongolia, they marked burial sites in cemeteries, while in Tibet, Buddhists used them in rituals to invite good fortune and balance energies. Before lighthouses existed, cairns helped steer sailors clear of Norway's treacherous fjords.

Rock stacks served as landmarks on Scottish hilltops and navigational aids for sled dogs traversing the Alaskan wilderness. They were also a vital element in bison hunting strategies used by various Indigenous communities, from the Rocky Mountain foothills to the Dakota plains.

Nowadays, the rise in popularity of rock cairns is driven more by social media than by their practical use or traditional significance. This is the perspective of Colorado-based rock-stacking artist Michael Grab, known as Gravity Glue.

'The trend really took off between 2014 and 2015,' he noted, referring to the surge in gravity-defying rock formations being photographed and shared online. 'It then transformed into a global art movement, expanding from a few enthusiasts to hundreds.' Many followed suit, stacking rocks on beaches and trails, often against the wishes of conservationists in areas that urge visitors to 'leave no trace.'

When a rock pile leads the way home

Some rock stackers create cairns to mark trails, especially in less traveled backcountry, where a strategically placed cairn can be life-saving. For this reason, Michael Larson, a public information officer with the US National Park Service, advises against toppling them when encountered, despite what you might see on TikTok or hiking forums. He notes that in certain areas, cairns are part of official guidelines.

'Carlsbad Caverns National Park utilizes cairns for safety, helping visitors navigate the remote trails of its backcountry,' he explained. In the volcanic landscapes of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, where cairns are still referred to by their traditional name, ahu, they are occasionally erected by park rangers, especially in the most isolated regions.

Before you think about knocking over cairns, take a moment to consider their original purpose. There’s a strong possibility that a park ranger arranged those rocks for safety.

The case against cairns

In addition to potentially misleading lost hikers, critics argue that rock stacking can be culturally disrespectful to both past and present inhabitants of the area. They also highlight the negative cumulative impacts such disturbances can have on local ecosystems.

On mountain paths, critics warn that the collapse of just a few stacked rocks can trigger rockfalls that may injure unsuspecting hikers below. Even when constructed with safety in mind, many nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts find them visually unappealing, claiming they detract from the pristine natural scenery.

Understand the guidelines

While the National Park Service occasionally uses rock stacking as part of its route-marking system, most parks prohibit individuals from adding their own cairns. Similar to carving initials in a tree, leaving trash at campsites, or spray-painting your name on rocks, unauthorized rock stacking in most (but not all) national parks is subject to the same laws against vandalism and littering.

To distinguish official markers from unofficial ones, the National Park Service advises visitors to consult with park rangers about the design and materials of any cairns along the trails.

'We always encourage visitors to plan their navigation in the park’s wilderness,' said Jonathan Shafer, public affairs specialist for Zion National Park. He also stressed that cairns should never be your sole method of navigation. 'Especially in remote areas, it’s essential to have navigational tools like maps and a compass or GPS.'

So, is rock stacking detrimental?

Rock stacking is not inherently harmful, though it can be in certain contexts. For many, it serves as a therapeutic practice or an artistic expression. In some of the world's most remote areas, cairns can be lifesavers. Always adhere to local regulations and avoid stacking rocks in national parks or protected areas.

If you feel inspired to sit by a trail or riverbank and create something, be sure to follow Grab's example and practice a leave-no-trace approach once you're finished.

'I dismantle it when I'm done to complete the process,' he mentioned, even after constructing an intricately stacked rock tower.