I agree WD. There seems to be a huge variety in philosophies about what's okay and what isn't. For example, I remember reading how a mountain biker was horrified and offended about the ruts worn into the rock on a ridge north of LA by wagons in the 1800s. But that doesn't bother me at all; to me it just adds to the history of the place and makes it more interesting. I don't think a little bit of blackening on rocks would bother me at all. After all, fires do happen naturally too.

I draw the line at leaving intact fire rings, or trash, or exposed soil, or burning when it's dry and unsafe/illegal to do so, etc.
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The journey is more important than the destination.