Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Main Whitney Trail maintenance and mules

I just thought I would share this with everyone.

While up at the Portal during memorial Weekend, I had the opportunity to meet on the trail Brian who, I believe is the supervising ranger out of Lone Pine. One thing that he mentioned in our conversation was that trail maintenance is planned for the Whitney trail during the coming months. What makes this comment important was the fact that mules will be on the trail starting sometime around June 22nd. The mules will be used in the transportation of equipment for trail work.

As most of you know, mules can be an issue on the trail.
Certain steps are needed to safely deal with them when encountered. Brian was going to talk with the wranglers and develop safety trail protocols for hikers and share this information either at the trailhead, or with Doug to be posted on this website. But, in the end, please be aware.

By the way, while hiking Memorial Weekend, there were 2 maintenance projects going on. The first was a project about a mile and half in on the main trail, and the second maintenance project was centered on the log crossing. As most of you know, during last year's monsoonal downpour, the logs became wayward. They were, however, subsequently moved back into position. This current project is to firmly fix the logs in place.

Paul

There are several things to remember when encountering horses or mules in the mountains.

First, give them plenty of room. It's safer for you and the animal to stand or sit off the trail, on the uphill side of the trail, so that they can see you and not be startled by your presence. If you stand on the down-hill side of the trail and the animal gets startled by one of the things mentioned below, it might give you a little accidental nudge or push off down slope or over a cliff. Stand still and quiet. Get it?

Many things can startle or "spook" a four-legged critter:

Loud or unexpected noises--don't yell around them or blow whistles.

Quick or unexpected movements--inquisitive children, running animals, birds rustling in the underbrush, etc. Do not wave your hat or arms at them, or start leaping around, unless you want to start an instant rodeo with you in the middle. Stand still until the entire pack string has passed your position.

Things in unusual combinations--Hikers with very large backpacks - which might make you appear to the mule as something alien they need to worry about.

Highly contrasting or reflective surfaces--A light colored tread near dark soil, freshly cut logs, black or white rocks, or a manmade object in a natural setting.

Wild animals or unfamiliar domestic animals--Mountain lions, coyotes, llamas, rattlesnakes, and domestic dogs (keep rover on a leash and quiet - some breeds of dog can get really excited around large mammals).

Narrow or constricted spaces--Bridges, gates, or tight passages between trees and/or large rocks.

Unexpected trail obstacles--Litter (discarded wag bags?), fallen trees, or boulders, or a dozing hiker...

Follow these guidelines and you and the animals will continue happily on your respective journeys.

Remember that a horse or mule is something like a small child in a 1,200 pound body, and would much rather be at home in a nice quiet corral or pasture, instead of carrying all that heavy equipment up a steep trail. And like a small child, will need to go pee-pee or do-do at unexpected moments; don't take offense.

If you feel offended by the presence of horses and mules with trail crews, remember - they are helping maintain the trail that you happen to be walking on, so get over it. Say hi and thank you to the packer; they're doing a tough job that you might not want.

Check out this video from the USFS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9tgmln3WLI