Apparently tour companies are setting up heli-hiking trips, flying people in to pristine wilderness areas so they can go on day hikes before being picked up and transported back to their resort hotel.
For me, the journey is what makes my hikes and backpacking trips adventurous and fun. Arriving at a beautiful mountain meadow or glacial lake is even more thrilling knowing that I arrived on my own two feet (after leaving the car behind at the trailhead of course!).
What will happen to pristine mountain terrain if helicopters start making frequent trips to remote spots in the wilderness? How will animal habitats be affected when whirling chopper blades interfere with soaring eagles… how about the noise pollution for the rest of us who will be hiking in?
Yes I understand that people with knee issues may never be able to see remote parts of the wilderness…and many pristine landscapes will remain inaccessible to most people…but perhaps that is how it should remain.
What do you think about heli-hiking? Check out the full Wall Street Journal article about heli-hiking tours and please share your comments below.