Think Before You Stack: Why Stacking Rock Cairns on Your Travels Does More Harm Than Good

For many travelers, pausing to stack a few rocks during a hike may feel like a creative moment or a way to mark their presence. However, building rock cairns—or rock stacks—can do more harm than good, despite good intentions.

Image: Pexels/Alex P

Historically, cairns had a meaningful purpose. Indigenous communities and early travelers used them as trail markers, navigational aids, or spiritual symbols. Carefully constructed and thoughtfully placed, these stone piles were never meant for decoration or casual recreation.

Today, this tradition has been widely misunderstood. In many popular travel destinations and hiking trails, spontaneous rock stacks have become a trend. While they may seem harmless, these makeshift cairns disrupt delicate ecosystems. Rocks protect small creatures and plants, help prevent erosion, and form part of the natural balance in many landscapes. Removing and rearranging them can damage habitats and degrade the land.

Image: Pixabay/Stephanie Albert

Beyond the environmental impact, rock stacks also spoil the natural beauty of a place. For those who come after, the sight of scattered stacks of rock cairns takes away the unspoiled, untouched landscape they came to experience. What was once wild and pristine now becomes altered and artificial.

Image: Pexels/Jonathan Borba

Taking a photo and moving on is a far better way to honour the place and the moment. Nature does not need an extra mark to prove you were there. Sometimes, the best way to show respect is by leaving no trace at all. Let's allow the next visitor enjoy the same untouched view that drew you in!