Encountering Clothed Hikers
So...I'm curious...when out hiking nude, what do you do when you encounter other hikers, presumably wearing cloths? This came up earlier in the week when I was hiking nude in the Sangre de Christo Mountains of Northern NM, and came across a couple. I know some have posted here that they carry "emergency" textiles...maybe a loin cloth they can put on, just in case. My policy has always been to pick trails that aren't used a lot, to minimize chance encounters, but not carry anything with me. I figure that I'm not really doing anything wrong, so why act ashamed? When possible, I will avoid encounters, which happened on this week's hike. I saw this other couple way up the trail...don't think they saw me...and just stepped off the trail for a bit until they passed. But, if the unavoidable encounter occurs, I just keep walking. Curious to know how other nude hikers handle that. Thanks.
Depends on the legality. For the most part, when I hike nude I do so in areas where it is not specifically illegal. If I see a textile person approaching and have time I will slip on a pair of shorts that I have in my backpack. Otherwise, Ill just keep walking and look straight ahead. Most people have no reaction. However if you are hiking where nudity is specifically prohibited I would be sure and not be seen otherwise you could risk arrest.
If I hear kids voices, or see them ahead, I will attempt to get off the trail and out of sight if I can do so without being seen "running and hiding". If encounter is unavoidable, I continue to walk casually. I say hello as I pass. More than once, the other hiker(s) will ask about the trail, or say they would like to hike like me, etc. If they seem to want to talk, I will stop and talk. Otherwise, I just hike on.
Unless children are involved I just keep walking. I will greet them as we pass, and stop if the other would like to talk. I have never had a negative reaction when doing this. Curiously those that want to stop and talk the most are woman. If you dart off trail or turn and run to get dressed you are only sending a signal that you feel what you are doing is wrong. Whereas the approach that I noted has been universally accepted during an encounter.
We've only hiked naked, together, on the trails attached to the DeAnza Springs Resort in Jacumba, CA, east of San Diego. We also took part in 3 Naked Burro 5K's at Olive Dell Nudist Ranch in Colton, CA. We've encountered clothed hikers, dirt bike riders and people out for a nature walk. I think the proximity to a nudist place, they expect it or have lived with it for so long, they accept or tolerate it. They certainly do in these two places.
We did encounter one younger couple on a trail out of DeAnza Springs that passed us one way with tops on and the return trip, he and she were topless. The woman smiled and said, "we're not quite there yet!," referring to our nudity. We talked for a couple of minutes about the resort. They hike up to the boundaries but don't venture in. They did admit to watching the normal activity sans clothing. It helps when your wife/female companion steps up to make the clothed female feel more at ease and a female's perspective. I think if I were alone, they may have thought I was just a weirdo! haha
Have been seen hiking nude a few times by textiles, the first being San Mateo Canyon near Temecula. I was coming back from Lunch Rock when I rounded a heavily wooded curve and literally almost ran into a couple of men. I simply muttered "sorry about that" (for almost causing a naked crash), and we scooted past one another and continued on. The second was in Colorado when I was coming back to my house on my property, and a couple were driving down my road. They stopped and asked why I was naked, and I said, "I usually am naked on my own property ... what are you doing driving on my property?" They said they thought it was a road and they were looking to harvest pine nuts, and didn't know it was private land. In both cases, I never bothered to cover up as I was not ashamed and was in my rights to be naked.
Don
. The second was in Colorado when I was coming back to my house on my property, and a couple were driving down my road. They stopped and asked why I was naked, and I said, "I usually am naked on my own property ... what are you doing driving on my property?" They said they thought it was a road and they were looking to harvest pine nuts, and didn't know it was private land.
I love your response Don.
I have yet to meet anyone when I'm hiking nude, but as others have said, I think the key is to just act likes it's the natural thing to do.
I did think of one other (actually quite a few, but same circumstance ... you'll understand in a second) time I ran into textiles hikers, and that is either on the PCT from the dam or the path up/down from Bowen Ranch to Deep Creek Hot Springs. This technically does not count though since if one goes to Deep Creek Hot Springs, one KNOWS they will see nudity, so there is no expectation of other than a nudist encounter, and seeing someone naked on the routes to the nude recreation area is not a surprise since once arrived, they will see it. Man I miss California for that reason alone. If you guys in Cali have never been there, you need to go once the weather turns cooler. I only fear that because of ya'lls drought that Deep Creek itself may be dried up, which is a shame since it is a wonderful stream to swim in, especially the deep pool right there by the springs.
Don
All I know: it is legal to hike naked on federal lands, the police only acts upon a complaint. Oregon is really the best place: wilderness areas and swimming holes to be naked are infinite. Utah is the worst place, public nudity is illegal by State Law, but again, on Federal lands there is nothing Utah can do... Always say hello with a smile and briefly explain that you are you and being naked is for you and not for others or for exhibitionism, do not engage in lewd behaviour in public and keep hiking!
Actions
Back to TopicsReply to TopicShare this topic
Get paid just by sending us users/traffic.
Signup takes seconds, start now!
Signup as an affiliate!