Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

Climbers Scolded for Leaving Trash, Waste Behind at Rocky Mountain National Park

When I come upon a forgotten candy wrapper or aluminum can among the wildflowers, I usually picture the responsible party as some hairy Neanderthal type, grunting and snorting his way through the wilderness, chucking half-empty beers into the bushes, readjusting his diaper, and marching on – probably to bait fish for trout.

I may have to realign the well-worn trails of my own prejudice. The pariahs of the latest rubbish over littering aren't Neanderthals, but Colorado climbers, who suffered a blow to their overall reputation this week when Rangers at Rocky Mountain National Park scolded them for leaving trash, gear, and human waste behind at popular climbing spots in the Park.