Apparently there are VERY MANY people who disregard all manner of sensible advice and dire warnings and nevertheless attempt to hike the Chimneys.
The parking lot looks relatively easy. But then they have to climb NEARLY STRAIGHT UP for 2 miles.
If they survive the first 2 miles, they discover they’ve arrived at the beginning of THE REALLY STEEP part.
This moment is such a frequent source of heartbreak, despair, disorientation from lack of oxygen, suicidal urges, etc. that the Park Service had Karen, the person in the office next door to mine, make this sign:
They also told her to go take some photos to post in the parking lot that would explain the situation to people BEFORE they make a BIG MISTAKE.
Karen, who is young, said it was not easy to keep up with her guide, (the excessively fit) Backcountry Ranger George Miningh. But she did manage to make it 2 miles so she could take the photos you see in these warning signs.
The BB knew to not even THINK of going on this hike.