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Yellow Blazing

What is Yellow Blazing?

Yellow Blazing is a hiking slang term that refers to hitchhiking or accepting rides in vehicles (often yellow taxi cabs or school buses) to skip difficult or undesirable sections of a trail. This practice is common among long-distance hikers on trails like the Appalachian Trail who want to bypass challenging terrain, bad weather, or simply save time. While not considered true hiking purist behavior, yellow blazing is generally accepted in the hiking community as a personal choice for completing one's journey.

Related Terms

Blue Blazing

Blue blazing is the practice of taking alternate trails or side routes that deviate from the main hiking trail, typically marked with blue blazes or trail markers. This term is commonly used on long-distance trails like the Appalachian Trail, where hikers might take blue-blazed connector trails to reach towns, resupply points, or scenic destinations. Blue blazing allows hikers to access amenities or explore additional areas while still maintaining their overall trail journey, though purists may distinguish it from completing the entire official trail route.