Payson Canyon Trails, 16.5

When ultra athletes like these invite you to run 10-15 miles, be prepared for 15+.  We started this run at the closed gate just above the Grotto Trail.  Tyler Fannin grew up biking these trails and we had fun letting having him show us around.

Trails included sections of (in order): Pete Windward - Shram Creek - Rock Springs - Frank Young - Black Hawk - Jones Ranch - Lizard Lake (turn-off back to Shram Creek).

Tyler Fannin, Aaron Jensen, Sean Cox - Great Trail Runners
































Thanks to Sean and Aaron for the pics that include me in them



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hidden Oak Trail - Above Spanish Fork Reservoir

Image
On a 93 degree day, this trail was the perfect choice.  The Hidden Oak Trail (also known as Snell Canyon) starts at the end of the road just east of Spanish Oaks Reservoir. Most of the trail is through thick oak and pine trees, so it is very shaded.  Bring your bug spray as there were a lot of flies and gnats, particularly the first half mile. It's only 1.25 miles to the overlook , but it feels further because of the climb.  From that point the trail gradually starts to disappear in the tall grass and shrubs, though many people will bushwhack much further up Snell Canyon. Highlight: playing with a spotted fawn who kept running up the trail and then waiting for me to catch up.  The trail is a gradual climb until just over one mile, at which point there are two steep switch backs leading to an amazing view of the Spanish Fork City and River Bottoms.   Other fun trails in this area include: Look Out Point, Escalante Cross, and Red Knoll
Read more

Tower Mountain (Water Canyon to Dixon Peak)

Image
This was a killer climb, and very rocky. 966 ft. in the first mile alone.  4,082 ft. overall elevation gain. The front of the mountain looks a little dry, especially during the current drought.  But by mile four, we were running through luscious green trees, and bushes with red berries and yellow flowers.  I was joined by Matt Seeley and Garritt Page. Garritt is the brother of Lalena Page, a former college teammate of mine. Matt and Garritt were mountain goats on the uphill. Pics below are out of order, but you can see exactly where they were taken on Strava . Coordinates to the trailhead: 40.039171596858544, -111.63391146714346
Read more

Trail 051 - Orem Water Tower / Dry Canyon Loop, 7.1

Image
It was a calm, clear and beautiful 34 degree morning on Trail 051 today. We started at the Orem Bench Trailhead.  We ran the BST north, then up Dry Creek Canyon to Trail 051 past the south side of Little Baldy, then down to "The Alter" and back to the trailhead.   Part way up the trail we heard laughter and loud conversation.  The fun and adventurous group was world record holder,  James Lawrence , aka "The Iron Cowboy" and his team.  With how much fun these guys were having, you would never guess that they are actually some pretty serious athletes, having just recently completed  50 triathlons in 50 states in 50 days  - absolutely amazing! As you can see, there are numerous variations for endless hours of exploration in the beautiful area. Looking down Dry Canyon "The Alter" - Five trails intersect at this location
Read more