TIL why some park guides keep their favorite locations a closely guarded secret

Last summer, while leading a group in Yellowstone, I faced a moral quandary when a persistent hiker offered me cash for directions to a remote thermal spring not on any map. I refused, citing the fragile ecosystem, but later learned another guide had shared the location for a fee. That spring is now cordoned off due to vandalism and sediment disruption from foot traffic. As a professional, I believe our primary duty is to preservation, not customer gratification. The temptation to provide exclusive experiences is real, especially with social media pressure, but it undermines the very wilderness we're meant to protect. I've since advocated for stricter guidelines among guiding communities to prevent such exploitation. Seeing a pristine spot degraded for fleeting Instagram fame is a betrayal of our trust. We must prioritize the park's health over any individual's desire for novelty.

4 comments

4 Comments

stella_morgan782h ago

Gatekeeping natural wonders only fuels resentment and does little to actually protect ecosystems.

stella_morgan783h ago

Your point about "betrayal of our trust" resonates deeply. I've always believed that guides are custodians first, entertainers second (even if that's not what some clients want to hear). It's infuriating when shortcuts for profit lead to permanent damage, like that thermal spring being cordoned off. The social media drive for unique content puts enormous pressure on these places, and once they're overrun, there's no going back. Stricter guidelines are absolutely necessary to protect what little wilderness we have left from becoming just another backdrop for likes.

dylan_smith368m ago

Seeing nature treated as a photo op highlights our shift towards experiences as status symbols. Platforms reward disruption over respect, so it's no surprise both guides and visitors chase viral moments. Until we value preservation over popularity, these spots will keep suffering.

betty88618m ago

Stella_morgan78 has a point about guides, but focusing only on them misses the client side pushing for dangerous photos. I've seen hikers pressure guides to bypass barriers for that perfect shot, trampling vegetation. Guidelines mean nothing if visitors ignore them, like when seasonal rangers can't monitor remote areas. Effective protection requires educating people before they arrive, not just policing guides after the fact.