Topics not related specifically to Anza Borrego
animal trails vs old Indian Trails
sddarkman619 Posts: 153
11/15/2016
|
does anyone know how to differentiate old Indian trails from animal/game trails? I'd like to know.
|
|
link
|
ImpatientHiker Posts: 41
11/15/2016
|
Hi sddarkman, I'm certainly no expert but I've found that human trails almost always head towards some sort of landmark, like an outcropping, saddle, old tree stump, or a green patch. They also tend to have fewer loose rocks and more stones flush with the ground. Animal trails tend to disperse and change elevation rapidly at technical or brushy spots while human trails don't often deviate. I always tell my kids that a good trail doesn't turn, so if you think you've lost the trail, ask yourself if you've made any sharp turns recently. Hope this helps. -Robert
|
|
link
|
rockhopper Posts: 668
11/16/2016
|
I think IH pretty much summed it up. Old native American trails are more directional and more logical following ridge lines or paths towards saddles or water sources. Of course the animals came first, the natives just refined the trails much to the animals delight. In heavy brush areas following deer or coyote trails is the only way to go ( along with a folding saw) as the well groomed old native American trails have been grown over. Many times I have been hiking through ( read sawing through) heavy brush only to pop out onto an ancient native trail system with pot shards and stone chippings preserved within a perimeter of growth. BTW I am sure I made a few deer very happy by clearing out a jammed up section of deer trail. Hehe
|
|
link
|
anutami Posts: 491
11/16/2016
|
Was wondering last weekend if this was an Indian or game trail in June wash [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/xNUSeaEl.jpg[/IMG]
|
|
link
|
anutami Posts: 491
11/16/2016
|
Try it again
Was wondering last weekend if this was an Indian or game trail in June wash
|
|
link
|
rockhopper Posts: 668
11/16/2016
|
Looks like a classic Native American trail on a ridge line. Used by both now!
|
|
link
|