Hikers Concerned Over Dirty Hiking Trail in Palm Springs

Hikers live by the code “no trace left behind,” but that’s not the case along a Palm Springs hiking trail, the Goat Trails hike, also known as the Rimrock trail.

Dirty diapers, empty cans, and even dog feces line the trail above the Vons shopping center on East Palm Canyon Drive and Gene Autry Trail.

“I’ve been dismayed of late because I’ve noticed that the trail is being used more, and i’m glad to see people up here exercising, it’s a wonderful thing, but there is a trash problem and it’s just… just, its very disappointing,” said hiker Noelle Eberz.

Skye Paul frequently hikes the trail and agrees he’s been seeing a lot more litter lately.

“If you have a backpack and you have trash, you should just be putting the trash in your backpack, so you’re not littering you know, at least you’re helping the environment,” said Paul.

Tanya LaFave, who also hikes up the trail, says site of the trash is embarrassing…

“It doesn’t make Palm Springs look good at all. You know, you don’t want to come out and go for a hike and be out in nature if there’s refuse, dirt, and feces. That’s not where I want to hike or take my kids or my animals,” said LaFave.

A spokeswoman for the City of Palm Springs says they’re not sure who is responsible for the trail and the city is looking into it. LaFave says some simple measures could help take care of the problem.

“More signs, possibly more trash cans along the route, having an agency that would clean up,” she said.

Noelle Eberz believes it’s also a matter of personal responsibility. People should pickup after themselves and cleanup after their dogs.

“It’s really unfortunate because it mars the experience for everybody. We all want to come up here and experience nature in its pristine form,” she said.

“Yeah, definitely if it’s something, well, I enjoy it, so if you enjoy doing it, keep it clean as well.”