Big Springs (Top of South Fork, Provo Canyon) to Rock Canyon - 12.36 miles

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.

































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

Look Out Point - Above Spanish Oaks Reservoir

Image
As you can see on the map below, there is a whole network of trails in this area.  I had fun exploring the trails, and ultimately making it to Outlook Point - overlooking all of Spanish Fork.  This is a fun place to run or hike.  You can pick your distance and destination.   Interestingly, this was a third option.  Originally, I met Brian at Maple Canyon at 5:00 AM.  We had planned to run from Kirkman Hollow to Maple Canyon, but a rain storm convinced us to try another trail.  After driving for a few minutes toward Provo Canyon, where the skies looked clear, I realized I had forgotten my work clothes.  So I flipped around and did this short run closer to home instead.
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