To Traverse or Not to Traverse

When it comes to planning hikes in dangerous environments, it’s always a delicate balance between risk and reward. As much as I love the thrill of exploring rugged terrain, the exhilaration of being in remote, untouched landscapes comes with its own set of challenges. Over the years, I’ve learned that good planning is key to making the right decision about whether a hike is worth the risk. There are moments when the allure of a perfect shot or a breathtaking view can cloud our judgment, but nature is unpredictable, and sometimes, the most rewarding choice is the one where you decide not to go.

35mm | 1/800s | f16 | ISO 1600

The first stage of planning is gathering information about the location and terrain. This is where the excitement usually peaks for me. I imagine the photos I’ll take and the experiences I’ll gain. But this is also the stage where you need to be most realistic. Understanding the weather conditions, potential hazards like rockslides, and the difficulty level of the hike helps paint a picture of what you’re getting into. I’ve made the mistake before of underestimating a route simply because I wanted to be there for a sunrise shot. A little research would’ve revealed that the trail was prone to flash floods at that time of year, and it could’ve easily turned into a dangerous situation. Now, I always remind myself that no shot is worth my safety.

The next stage is assessing your physical and mental preparedness. Just because I’ve done challenging hikes before doesn’t mean I’m always ready for the next one. Dangerous environments require not only fitness but also the ability to make quick decisions when things don’t go as planned. There’s a kind of mental toughness that comes with knowing when to push forward and when to turn back. I remember once being deep in the mountains when a storm started brewing faster than expected. I had to make the tough decision to abandon the plan for that day, even though I was so close to the summit. It felt like a loss at the time, but in hindsight, it was the right call.

Then, there’s the actual day of the hike, when the risk vs. reward evaluation becomes more tangible. No matter how much you plan, the environment might throw something unexpected your way, and you’ll need to reassess in real time. I’ve had days when everything seemed perfect on paper, but the moment I set foot on the trail, I could feel the conditions weren’t right. Whether it was the trail being more eroded than expected or the weather suddenly changing, sometimes the signs are subtle, but I’ve learned to trust my gut. Turning back can feel frustrating, but knowing that you’ve made the safer choice often brings a different kind of reward.

Finally, there’s the reflection stage. After each hike, successful or not, I take the time to look back on my decisions and learn from them. Some of the most rewarding moments in my career as a landscape photographer have come not from reaching the top of a mountain or capturing the perfect shot but from making the right call when things didn’t go as planned. It’s easy to focus on the missed opportunities, but what I’ve come to realize is that the true reward lies in returning safely, ready for the next adventure.

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Patience in the Wild

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Chasing Light