That sounds like a good adaptation they’re making, even just greater cell phone access is probably making that worse as well. I’ve definitely had park people scoff at me when bringing up AllTrails in the past, which is usually when I scratch that one off the list of to do’s. AllTrails also shouldn’t be encouraging shortcuts when switchbacks are there for a reason.

I’m sure this is preaching to the choir, but preparation beforehand goes so far too. It never ceases to amaze me how unprepared people are willing to go without even a set idea of where they want to be. I remember one time being at the high point of the High Divide trail in Olympic NP, WA and out of nowhere this panicked kid comes up to me asking for directions. This trail is 19 miles and 5k ft as a dayhike (people usually overnight or two) and he had just pushed on with some girl that was waiting down below a bit. This was at the halfway point so either way would’ve been fine, but he basically bailed before I could adequately explain anything. There’s a short loop of maybe 6 miles that I’m sure was what he meant to do, but how do you go ten miles on a six mile loop without turning around?