Respect the Mountains

As ultra and trail running becomes more popular year after year I am alarmed about a lack of respect for the mountain by many of these new trail runners. For centuries, mountains and their summits have been recognized as sacred places yet many of these young trail runners seem to think of them only as their personal playgrounds.

Some think nothing about throwing trash around the trails and purposely leaving stuff in clear sight on the high summits. Things left behind include an alarming practice of leaving “calling cards” on summits to somehow claim them and show friends that they have concurred the summit.  Others are leaving prizes, gifts, or drinks to be claimed by friends later on. Others take videos of various comical antics on summits including tossing boulders off them.  All this bothers me, but when challenged by a majority of the running community, the attitude by these few is “we can do whatever we want.”  It is just sad to see a growing disrespect for these amazing mountains by those who don’t respect the practice of “leave no trace,” or don’t value the sacred feelings others have for these mountain peaks.

Even some race directors create graffiti on rocks for trail markers or leave up their race flags all year in the mountains.  This practice is commonly seen down in the valley for races along paved trails and within towns.  It is discouraging to see while running these races.  Race Directors who are careless about their markings need to understand that this affects the ability to obtain future permits by others.  More importantly they are eye pollution to many year round as they seek to enjoy the mountains.

Across America for centuries the Native Americans have considered many of these mountain peaks to be sacred including those in the Great Basin of Utah.  A story is told of a Chippewa-Cree man who went to fast in the Sweet Grass Hills. On his way there, the man stopped to ask a rancher which access road he should take to the West Butte. After the rancher gave the man directions, he asked him, “So, are you going up there to fast? When you get up there, could you ask those spirits to come down and give me some rain for my crops?” The man agreed and headed into the West Butte. As he prayed for the rancher during his fast, rain came and drenched the fields. This is a small example of the power believe by many to be in these mountains. You ask for something as simple as water, as simple as rain, and you get it. Just think what we could ask if we were serious as human beings going there to ask for peace, to turn world events around. (Emily Cousins, “Mountains Made Alive”)

Legends surround the most-hiked Mountain in Utah, Mount Timpanogos.  One version tells of a struggling Native American people in the midst of drought, lacking food and hope. Red Eagle, an Indian warrior desires Utahna an Indian princess.  To prove he is worthy he wishes to accomplish a great feat so he can take her as his wife. In the meantime Utahna has chosen to present herself as a sacrifice to appease the gods and end the drought.  The two become lovers but jealousy ends their happiness. Warriors ambush Red Eagle on Mount Timpanogos causing him to fall to his death and was immortalized as Emerald Lake. Utahna was so distraught that she lies down on the mountain top and dies, hence the outline of a woman can be seen along the mountain top today.

Whether this legend is of Native American origin is not known, but tales like these illustrate the sacred nature that mountains are considered by native inhabitants of the area.  Many tribes in the west believe that powerful spirits lived on top of the mountains.  Like the story surrounding Mount Timpanogos, others exist around mountains in the Pacific Northwest that mountains were formally legendary people.

For many cultures a mountain peak is considered to be close to heaven. Many religions have sacred mountains.  Mount Olympus in Utah was named for the highest peak in Greece, once regarded as the home of the Gods.

When Utah pioneer and religious leader Wilford Woodruff entered the Salt Lake Valley for the first time on July 24, 1847, he wrote in his journal about his feelings.  “To gaze upon a valley of such vast extent entirely surrounded with a perfect chain of everlasting hills and mountains, covered with eternal snows, with their innumerable peaks like pyramids towering towards heaven, presenting at one view the grandest and most sublime scenery that could be obtained on the globe.”

I believe as we enjoy these mountains, they should be respected. I have experienced spiritual experiences up in these mountains.  I appreciate their beauty and peace, and wish that all would respect them.  Recently on a local online running group the subject has come up multiple times but it gets shut down for fear of offending friends who continue to purposely wish to do what they want on the mountain peaks. A few then mock those who wish to have the mountains treated with respect. What gets lost is the consideration that so many more people every day are offended by this perceived lack of respect for these amazing peaks by members of this running group.

The mountains are a place where many come to be inspired.  They are the home to wildlife and spectacular wildflowers.  Yes, they ae also a place to play and seek adventure.  As you play and adventure, I only ask that you keep the respect high and safeguard this place for future generations.