Studies have shown increased levels of pharmaceutical elements (for example, insect repellant), hormones, and related chemicals in waterways downstream from areas of high backpacker use.
Additionally, a 2016 study of water and sediment samples from wilderness areas in Colorado found notable levels of anthropogenic bioactive chemicals, which indicates human sources of contamination.
This contamination can become a danger to human health, especially during summer storm season, as water flows into sources that are used for human consumption – both within the wilderness area and in downstream communities such as Aspen, CO – and agriculture.

Campsites set up by backcountry backpackers can also lead to soil compaction and reduced vegetative cover, especially in wilderness areas.
Higher erosion levels can occur in the backcountry if backpacker campsites are not properly set-up and taken down.
This can cause an increase in water turbidity and some water quality indicators including a strain of E.Coli; further supporting higher erosion level from degraded soils.

Time spent in the outdoors, including engaging in activities such as hiking, has been shown to have a positive impact on human health.
By being active in the outdoors, people can experience health benefits ranging from increased Vitamin D levels to lower rates of obesity; improvements in mental health, such as reduced levels of depression have also been observed.
However, trail overuse and overcrowding can affect these benefits.
Indeed, experiential sentiments such as solitude, remoteness, naturalness, and artifactualism are often cited key benefits of time spent in the outdoors.
However,overcrowding threatens this positive experience.
Some have noted that environmental health and human health are deeply intertwined, and, as such, should be duly protected and sustained.
Studies have shown increased levels of pharmaceutical elements (for example, insect repellant), hormones, and related chemicals in waterways downstream from areas of high backpacker use. Additionally, a 2016 study of water and sediment samples from wilderness areas in Colorado found notable levels of anthropogenic bioactive chemicals, which indicates human sources of contamination. This contamination can become a danger to human health, especially during summer storm season, as water flows into sources that are used for human consumption – both within the wilderness area and in downstream communities such as Aspen, CO – and agriculture.
Campsites set up by backcountry backpackers can also lead to soil compaction and reduced vegetative cover, especially in wilderness areas. Higher erosion levels can occur in the backcountry if backpacker campsites are not properly set-up and taken down. This can cause an increase in water turbidity and some water quality indicators including a strain of E.Coli; further supporting higher erosion level from degraded soils.
Time spent in the outdoors, including engaging in activities such as hiking, has been shown to have a positive impact on human health. By being active in the outdoors, people can experience health benefits ranging from increased Vitamin D levels to lower rates of obesity; improvements in mental health, such as reduced levels of depression have also been observed. However, trail overuse and overcrowding can affect these benefits. Indeed, experiential sentiments such as solitude, remoteness, naturalness, and artifactualism are often cited key benefits of time spent in the outdoors. However,overcrowding threatens this positive experience. Some have noted that environmental health and human health are deeply intertwined, and, as such, should be duly protected and sustained.
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