you may remember that until about 10 years ago I was a fanatical backpacker. Starting in about 2000, or a little after, the John Muir Trail here in Calif., (the most famous trail), became very crowded... then somewhat messy. Things strewn about. Most people are good and pack everything out but it only takes a few to mess it up for everyone. The last several years I backpacked I avoided the John Muir trail for the lesser knowns trails for that reason. fortunately..
most backpackers are up there simply to say they've 'done it'.. which means they stick to the major trails... the John Muir being the most popular. So most of the trails in the Sierra Nevada's here in Calif. remain pristine, but it's only a matter of time... like you say... the more people the worst it gets. Humans are not good with nature. - JamesJM
