Additional Coverage:
Former HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines have recently come under scrutiny following a nature hike in Colorado, where they were seen rearranging rocks along a trail-an action that sparked backlash from environmental advocates and fans alike.
Joanna shared a series of photos from their mountain getaway on Instagram on September 20, captioning them, “Had a fun couple of days in the mountains w/ this cutie 🩵.” The couple appeared relaxed and casual: Joanna donned a black tank top, jeans, and a camo-print sweatshirt tied around her waist, while Chip sported black cargo pants, a blue Waffle House t-shirt, and a backwards trucker hat.
Among the snapshots were scenes of local cows grazing, a starry night sky, and a carefully stacked pile of rocks on the trail. It was the photo showing Joanna rearranging the rocks-sometimes called “rock stacking” or building cairns-that drew criticism from followers.
Several commenters reminded the couple and others that rock stacking is discouraged in many natural areas. “They frown on rock stacking now,” one user noted.
Others emphasized the importance of the “leave no trace” principle. “No rock stacking please,” and “Come on, you should know that this is a no-go on trails,” read some of the responses.
The National Park Service (NPS) clarifies that while rock cairns can serve as trail markers, they are typically maintained by park staff. Unauthorized building or tampering with cairns can mislead hikers and harm delicate ecosystems. According to the NPS, “Building a rock cairn on public land in Colorado is illegal,” and visitors should avoid disturbing existing cairns or creating new ones to prevent erosion and protect vegetation.
This incident has highlighted the ongoing need for outdoor enthusiasts, including public figures, to respect and follow guidelines designed to preserve natural landscapes for future visitors.