Effects of Illegal Trail Use at San Diego National Wildlife Refuge

Two side-by-side photos of the same trail over 3 years. The image on the left is the "before" and the image on the right is the "after" visitors hike on trails closed to the public showing trail erosion.

Photo By/Credit

Jill Terp and Lisa Cox/USFWS

Date Shot/Created

10/14/2021

Media Usage Rights/License

Public Domain

Image

“The scar” that formed in recent years eroded badly from exploding popularity on social media and trail apps, coupled with the recent public use pressure from nearby housing development. This changed the course for how Mother Miguel would be managed in the future. Photo on the left is in 2016, photo on the right is in summer of 2019.

Facility

San Diego National Wildlife Refuge

Recreational Activity

Hiking