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Read trail markers and cairns
Blazes, cairns, and markers keep you on route — but only if you read them the way the trail builders intended.
SystemRichie — Waymarking, Guidebook & Stage Planning
Step-by-step
Paint blazes: a single blaze means continue straight; a double blaze with the top left means turn left, top right means turn right.
Three blazes in a row often warn of a junction, hazard, or trail end.
Cairns are piles of rocks marking routes above treeline or across slickrock — follow the line of cairns, not just one.
A single rock placed on a cairn may mean 'this is the route'; rocks scattered beside it may mean 'wrong way'.
When in doubt, confirm with a map and compass. Markers can be moved or missing.
Tip: In some regions, building new cairns is illegal because it confuses other hikers. Add rocks only to existing route cairns.
Related outdoor skills
Educational reference only. Wilderness conditions change fast — practice in low-stakes settings, take a certified wilderness first-aid course, and confirm regional regulations before you rely on any of these skills in the field.