How to Read Stacked or Piled Rock Formations at a Trail Head

A cairn is used to mark the trail in an open expanse.

Trail maintainers use stacked piles of rocks, or cairns, on hiking trails to mark where the trail is. Cairns are usually found in areas where the trail is difficult to mark in other ways, such as with blazes on trees. Cairns are especially useful in rocky, exposed areas where the trail is hard to follow and there is a natural abundance of rock. Cairns at trailheads indicate where you should start walking. So keep an eye out for those cairns and stay on the path.

Instructions

Following the Cairns

1. Look all around you for cairns, blazes, signs or other trail markings. This is especially important if your trailhead is next to or conjoined with other trails.

2. Identify your trail. Each trail should be marked by its own cairn or sign. Look at your map if you are unsure where your trail is in relation to others. If there is only one trail to choose from, there should be only one set of cairns.

3. Follow the cairns. The cairns may be spaced apart quite a distance, or may be replaced in spots by blazes. A blaze is simply a painted symbol on a tree or rock that identifies a trail.

Tips & Warnings

• If you become lost, or are unsure if you are still on trail, backtrack to where you saw your last cairn or blaze. You can look in all likely directions for the trail from there.

• If you can't remember when you saw your last cairn or blaze, you may want to ask yourself if you're still on the trail.

• Getting lost in the wilderness can be scary and dangerous. Make sure to check your map as you walk, noting any landmarks you should be seeing. Don't be afraid to turn around if you think you might be walking the wrong way.