I've been away from the springs for a year since I live in Alabama. What's the least crowded day any more? It used to be Wednesday. I will be out to visit and as a PCT member will probably hike some of the trail and visit the springs while I am in the area. I have hundreds of trips down so understand how it was between 1970 and up to last year. Any thing changed? Sounds like more trash and more over night camping in the summer. I read the part about the thru hikers not doing their part. That I understand. Their is a new generation of young hikers who don't have much interest in anything but themselves. That is how it is on the east coast. Is this the similar issues for you? Look forward to your comments. Some of you may have known me as Trail Coyote.