Why You Should Never Park on the Road at Trailheads
When larch season rolls around in Kananaskis, the flood gates open.
Vehicles fill every square inch of trailhead parking lots and highway shoulders, eager to see these deciduous trees in all their golden yellow glory.
Hundreds of cars formed a long line on the shoulder of Highway 40 last fall as I drove past with my jaw dropped. It seemed everyone and their dog had the same idea of the perfect Saturday outing.
Outdoor recreation has steadily gained popularity since COVID, and that means parking lots are simply filling up.
But the question is, if a parking lot is already jam-packed, is it okay to join the masses and park your vehicle on the side of the road too? This may seem like the most convenient option, but there are some potentially significant impacts to consider before embracing this pack mentality.
“No parking” signs at trailheads and along a highway or any roadway are there for a reason. The more vehicles parked outside designated parking spaces, the more it hinders emergency vehicles or park rangers from accessing the trailhead. This presents a serious challenge in the case of an emergency or rescue situation. In the winter months, illegally parked cars become a hindrance for snowplows and a true danger.
Trailhead parking lots are built in designated areas for a reason, taking into consideration avalanche risk. Parking illegally on the highway could mean you are planting your car in a higher risk zone.
Parking on the side of the highway is not only illegal but also just generally unsafe. With car doors sticking out and other vehicles whipping past, it’s much safer to stick to designated trailhead lots.
An overflowing parking lot means a crowded trail. For those who escape to the mountains and parks for peace and solitude, finding another trail is a better solution to steer clear of the crowds.
What Can I Do Instead?
The earlier you can get to the trail, the better. Sacrificing some sleep to get an early start is always worth it—you may even get the trail all to yourself.
Always have a plan B in case your chosen route is packed. This helps minimize disappointment and makes it easier to pivot when the day doesn’t start off as planned. Take into account that very popular hikes will only get busier over the weekend and on holidays, so plan accordingly and think about saving those for a weekday, an early start or the off-season, if possible.
If you’ve got your heart set on a certain hike but anticipate the crowds, add a little more adventure to your day and bike, paddle or walk to the trailhead instead. This could look like parking your car down the highway at another parking lot, then cycling or kayaking to your destination and stashing your bike or boat in the trees.
This may add a couple of kilometres to your day, but it’s better than potentially being part of a more serious issue or risking a parking ticket or getting towed.
Alternatively, you can check shuttle, public transit, taxi or Uber options to your destination if you know it’s a popular spot. Carpooling is another great alternative, and if you don’t have anyone to go with, Facebook hiking groups are a great place to organize carpools and meet other hikers.
The next time you encounter an overflowing parking lot, don’t just follow the crowds and park your vehicle on the highway too. This risks your safety, the safety of others and a potential ticket awaiting you at the end of your hike.
Just a bit more planning, preparation and a plan B up your sleeve goes a long way in having a successful outdoor adventure.
Article inspired by @backpackersmag
