[Nmcaver] nmcaver Digest, Vol 21, Issue 9

[Carol Belski]

On Wednesday, June 28, 2006, at 08:17  AM, Mike_Bilbo at nm.blm.gov wrote:
> On NPS-managed land, is that land technically public, given NPS 
> protection
> mandate (as opposed to multiple use)?  Years ago I got into trouble by
> leaving a trail and traveling cross country in the back country of
> Guadalupe Mountains NP.  I maintained it was public land and that I 
> could
> do that as I wanted to visit an area other than where the trails led.  
> I
> was informed to go back to the trail and stay on the trail, end of
> discussion.


> Mike  -- unless you were in the lower part of McKittrick Canyon, the 
> part of the trail from the McKittrick VC to Pratt Lodge (special 
> management due to "delicate" area), OR in the area beyond Hunter Cabin 
> (research only for what reason I know not!), you actually are allowed 
> to go off trail.  Most of the Park is Wilderness.  Of course, it's 
> best not to cut switchbacks since that increases erosion (and the 
> trail is easier anyway).  Where were you when you "got into trouble" ?

Carol