Trails Before Dawn

As much as I love standing on top of the Cascade Saddle, overlooking Squaw Peak and Provo, this run is not for the faint of heart.  Miles 3-5 are VERY STEEP and the terrain is rough with many sections of loose rocks.  Miles 6 and 7 are steep down with poor terrain.  This trail took much longer than anticipated - of course we are not in the same kind of shape as we were when we did this run in 2011 so we are partly to blame.  None-the-less, be prepared for a grueling and beautiful experience. And don't roll an ankle! By the way, we saw two monstrous bull moose, and a few deer as well.

3:55 AM seemed way too early to be getting out of bed, but this amazingly beautiful run was worth it!  Craig Merrill joined Brian and me this time.  Dennis had to miss due to a dentist appointment.   This spectacular trail starts at the Stewart Falls Trailhead and finishes at the Sundance parking lot, thus a shuttle is necessary.    Cross the stream below Stewart Falls, and head downstream about 30 yards to the main trail the will take you to the upper portion of Sundance Ski Resort. (Note: there are some side trails directly across the stream that go nowhere.  Be sure to head downstream until you find the main trail.)  No excuses!  We ran to the very top!  On the way down, we followed the signs to "Maverick".  Look for the narrow trail that takes you around the south mountain to a spectacular view of Provo Canyon before circling back to the base of the ski resort.*  Switchback