I do not think that this situation exists much beyond the "tourist trails" (Whitney Main Trail, Yosemite Half Dome, Grand Canyon Bright Angel, etc)-- Places where exceedingly long dayhikes to world famous destinations tempt the sometimes exceedingly unprepared, or normally non-hiking populations. One of the best solutions to this has been the introduction of the Volunteer Rangers (like Bob R) who serve as the eyes and ears of the mountain.
* based on what I have witnessed on the above trails, I could have spent all day querying hikers about the state of their state!
