I'm wondering how much a typical rescue mission costs, if there is such a thing as "typical."  Perhaps AVERAGE cost?  Just wondering because let's say, for the sake of example, the average cost is $5000.  Make THAT the upfront fine for trespassing.  Then, when someone needs rescuing, it is obvious that s/he was trespassing, so the fine would automatically pay for the rescue.  I can understand those with the point of view that the stairs should just be fixed and made legal.  The problem there, however, is that if government does this, then it is saying it approves the trail and therefore accepts all liability that goes along with it.  Government would also be responsible for creating a parking/rest area and of course, maintenance.  In a place where we cannot even keep our regular parks and children's playgrounds maintained, it's a tall order.