Timp Trail Running

North Mountain: Hate to Love It

2011-10-19T07:13:00.000-06:00

North Mountain Run - definitely ran the long way home at 18 miles, 5000 ft vert, with overall drop in elevation. One of the roughest trails around, now compounded by overgrown conditions. The love/hate relationship was enhanced by the beauty of the views, perfect fall weather, colorful leaves, the damage to my shins, and periodic frustration with fading trails. There were lots of trees down, washouts, and sections of very faint trails, where route finding skills were tested. I did not see a soul until Dry Canyon. I started near the top of Suncrest in Draper, headed up to junction with Jacob's Ladder (turn right for unmarked North Mountain Trail), passed both Hamagogs, ran down the steep/bouldery Dry Creek trail, passed through Lambert Park Alpine, and road from there. There was plenty of water along the way - had to treat.

Had to Post These Videos

2011-09-15T13:48:00.001-06:00

Ridge Trail Run

2011-08-04T18:43:00.001-06:00

Before work today we ran 20 mile run from Brighton Ski Resort to Salamander Flats in AF Canyon (I was late to work). I ran with my cousin training for Wasatch 100 race, so we ran part of the race route then departed from the course and ran down to the main AF Canyon trails, following the Ridge Trail most the way. This is the most beautiful trail network in the Canyon by far. Yes, it's rough and remote, but you won't get sustained views and high trails like this anywhere. It was about 5400 ft vertical gain, with a net loss in elevation - see profile. This is a MUST DO for the hearty mountain runner.

-happy running-

Pioneer'ing Day

2011-07-25T15:47:00.000-06:00

Here in Utah we have Pioneer Day - a holiday for some here. My 19 mile run today seemed like pioneering from one faint and fading trial to another. Nothing more frustrating than a good trail starting with potential then ending on a downhill that leaves you itchy-leg running through the bushes to get back to a real trail. I'll keep those trails for future projects - there is potential, maybe. I always get lost in the meadow portion of faint trails, where grass seems to take over the trail faster than other places. The other issue is that many of these trails (even the main trails) have lots of downed trees, keeping some users off them.

The run consisted of mostly the Ridge Trail starting from Salamander Flats to Mill Canyon Peak (Rock Springs) then down (kinda) Old Trench Road trail (TR181) and up the newly improved, meandering Mill Canyon Trail (TR040). The run was similar to the Mill Canyon Circumnavigation run I did last year. A perfect running morning before work despite the fading trails and large motohead presence after 9am.

This trail combination put about 6,400 vertical feet on my running log.

I tested my Miox chlorinator instead of carrying lots of water - it worked except you need to find clean water that doesn't need filtering, which was a challenge. Rock Springs water and the normally quiet streams I used had some floaties, so I put in extra doses. I'm feeling OK so far. I'll let you know.

Also tested the CEP calf compression sleeves (they also second as arm sleeves if it gets cold). I almost felt "a 5% increase in performance." I put them on after mile 10. They felt good and seemed to allow my calves to relax on the downhill and somehow felt like they increased my calf springiness. Maybe it's all in my mind, but I think it's worth some more testing. I have been using them for a while for post workout time, which they do help noticeably for decreasing soreness/tightness. I usually wear them to work or to sleep, post workout.

Nice Morning in AF Canyon

2011-07-22T15:03:00.000-06:00

A perfect 8 mile run up to American Fork Canyon lookout point. The flowers are out late this year. For now just posting the pictures:

Post ... Run

2011-07-20T14:14:00.000-06:00

Figure I had better post so that I don't lead someone on to think there is still snow in AF Canyon (from the last post title) - it's mid July... but oh yeah... there is snow. Timp is still snowed in - will post some pictures later. If you plan on a summit you had better be prepared for snow and mud above 8,500-9,000 ft.

All the main AF trails are clear and run ready. Today was muddy from the rains, but should be cleared up this afternoon as long as t-storms don't hit again.

- now go run...

AF Canyon Update - Snow still

2011-06-13T22:02:00.001-06:00

The snow is still deep in many parts of the Wasatch higher than 7,500 ft elevation. The lower trails or south facing trails are runnable mostly. Many trails are muddy and lots of downed trees in the way (which I like the steeplechase feel). The Alpine Loop Road opens up this weekend (18th) - so they say. The Loop road has some asphalt problems I assume they're going to fix. Get out and enjoy the peaceful backcountry before the motorists invade on the 18th. Start at Mutual Dell (Bear Hollow Trail), Pine Hollow, Granite Flats (Box Elder Trail) and head on up till you hit snow. You can definitely run the Silver Lake road or on up past Tibble Reservoir on the road (both still closed to motor vehicles).

I haven't hit the Mill Canyon or Tibble Fork trails yet. I assume they are wet and muddy still.

The golf 18, run 18 last week didn't happen. The snow looked thick still on the Midway side starting at about 7000ft.

Hopefully we'll see the trails clear up soon. The daylight is long and weather cool.
-happy running-

Wet Spring

2011-06-09T07:30:00.001-06:00

Just to keep up on the seasons, I figured I had better post something this Spring. The weather has kept me out of the mountains still. I have no reports on the AF Canyon trail conditions. My running has been focused on lower elevations and roads lately with the weather. Lambert Park in Alpine and Corner Canyon in Draper are the trails that I've been on as of late.

I'll get some snow/mud reports on the AF trails soon. This coming Friday is my annual golf 18, then run 18. Golf in Midway, then run over the mountains home. I'm not too sure about the 9500ft snow situation. I may have to modify my route and stick to the dirt roads.

-happy running-

Winter Running Christmas Eve

2010-12-29T13:29:00.002-07:00

Went for a quick 7mile run up to the road to summit of the Alpine Loop Christmas Eve morning. It was a beautiful day. Thought I would share some pictures to get the winter feel on the blog page. There are plenty of options up AF Canyon when snowmobiles compact the trails down. Just avoid Saturday late mornings and afternoons, or you will be over-run with motorized mahem and fumes.

I ran in NF RuckyChuckies with Yaktrax for traction.

Fall Box Elder Loop Oct 9th

2010-10-29T13:35:00.000-06:00

Box Elder Peak Loop Run 12 miles and 5,500 vert feet of the roughest trails around:
The snow storm earlier that day had created some cool formations on the trees above 10,000 ft.

Fall

2010-10-16T15:07:00.001-06:00

Couldn't be more perfect fall weather! Been up to summit Box Elder and Timp a few times since September. Timpooneke trail is really quiet this time of year. The canyon is cool and dry - just wear your hunting colors.
-happy running-

Mount Timpanogos Run

2010-09-07T14:34:00.001-06:00

On most summer weekends, the trail head parking lots around Timp are complete mayhem - the road parking is crazy with lunatic hikers taking any spot of ground they can find, even up to a few miles away on the road. Tow-trucks are constantly towing illegally parked cars and trucks. So much for peaceful mountains.

As I headed up AF Canyon yesterday morning at 5:30am, I was following a long procession of cars, all assumed to be heading to the Timpooneke Trail Head. I haven't ran Timp much this year because of the crowds and my lack of weekday Timp running lately. There must be a better way... so I thought, why not start at Mutual Dell at the lower end of the canyon? The parking was plentiful and peaceful.

The added steep 1,500 ft climb was brutal up Bear Canyon TR179, but it was more of just a warmup to my Timp run. The MO for running Timp with the crowds is: Run fast when you can, cause you'll end up walking behind oblivious crowds. Don't plan on setting any PR's on a weekend morning - unless it's October.

The people aside, it was a great run in perfect temps. The wind after the upper saddle was about as bad as I have ever seen it, and brutally cold. I brought clothes for it and pushed to the summit with legs burning that last 400 foot climb. I ended up summitting just barely off my PR of 2hrs, but paid for it on the descent. It was one of my worst times on the descent. For me, what I gain on the added uphill push, doesnt' ususally work out for a good time on the descent - I lost 15 minutes over my descent PR of 1:05hrs. Bad fueling played into it - the added few miles and steep initial climb out of Mutual Dell put me behind on my norm for fueling - then it was too late.

Just for kicks, I added in a loop down to Mutual Dell via GWT TR150 and Pine Hollow TR047. The sum total was just over 20 miles, with 6,800 feet of vert climb. After the weather starts to turn, the crowds will drop and I'll get my trail back. Fall is the best time to run.

-happy running--

Can't get enough

2010-08-12T19:25:00.000-06:00

I've been up AF Canyon almost every day the past weeks - sometimes twice a day. When summer starts to wane, I get the itch to be up the canyon as much as I can - even if it is on a road bike. The weather has been nice this year - even with the rain. Not much dust on the high traffic trails - things are still amazingly greeen ... and itchy. I saw four moose on this morning's run - could be my record for a 6 mile run.

-happy running-

The Dews of the Canyon

2010-08-06T17:26:00.000-06:00

I decided to invert the profile today, just to get that GC Crossing feel to the 8.7 mile run this morning - start fast and end on a climb, ...but with only 3,200ft elevation gain. I started at the Alpine Loop Summit TH and ran down Pine Hollow to the road crossing at Mutual Dell then up Bear Hollow to the Great Western Trail past Timpooneke and on back up to the Summit via Horse Flat Trail.

The rainy dew was out this morning, running with wet legs - but the trails weren't that bad in terms of mud. It rained like crazy last night for quite a while, but seemed to all have soaked in by 6am this morning. It was a quiet canyon this morning - probably because of the fear of mud. The air was perfectly moist and cool - it's a nice change from dry and dusty and hot.

Bear Hollow up from Mutual Dell, must have been cleaned of loose rock lately - it was tight with no loose stuff.

-happy running-

Mill Canyon Circumnavigation

2010-08-02T14:46:00.002-06:00

Because Circumnavigation sounds so much more epic. A good pre-work 16 miles though the backcountry of AF Canyon with just under 5,000 ft vertical climbing. A rough climb on the Ridge Trail up to Rock Springs, then all good from there. Rock Springs is a mere trickle right now (FYI Wasatch 100 planners for this aid station). The Holman Trail (TR039) down is fabulous - ran into a lot of bear tracks around the springs on this trail.

Mill Canyon Trail (TR040) has been renovated and is a mountain biker's delight. Now an almost Draper'esque Corner Canyon'ish trail, designed by professionals. But the new feel adds some meandering mileage for trail runners and an easy uphill run - it used to be a killer climb in mud and rocks, with mixed stream/trail. I took a side trail shortcut to Chainbreak trail up to the Ridge - less trail, more disaster ...but fun.

The Ridge Trail is turning in to motohead's high-torque playground - too much full throttle action on the steep parts up the ridge to Rock Springs. Motos apparently don't like to ride the rocky and loose trail they create, so they ride the sides of the trail full-throttle, widening it and making it larger and rockier and looser. I watched them climb the trail, and there is no holding back on the throttle with rocks flying. To me it doesn't seem compatible with current Forest Service trail ethics (after getting ranger lectured for having 16 people in my hiking party, when the limit is 15 - which appearantly causes insane amounts of destruction compared to full throttle motorbikes just a few miles away). But, from what I hear, there is no other way to moto-climb the steep stuff, so I guess then we should be accepting of our offroad friends, no matter the price (FYI - everybody knows that motos pay more taxes than us runners, so logically they should have more access).

Off the soapbox.... Good feelings come back... OK.

This was a great run .. after the smoke and dust settled.

Box Elder Traverse

2010-07-26T14:00:00.001-06:00

To add to my last post on the 26 mile run around Box Elder Peak. This Box Elder trail system is one of the roughest trails around - both in terms of the climb and the terrain. The Box Elder Trail (TR044) offers some of the best views around. I saw two people in 26 miles.

Here are the pictures with some captions:

Map of the mountain portion of the run - the run home isn't exactly on my trail map system:

Ah - Good Times

2010-07-08T16:23:00.001-06:00

Ran 26 miles from Southfork Deer Creek Trail (at road to Cascade Springs) to Cedar Hills via Tibble Fork and then up and around south side of Box Elder Peak (3,600ft climb to 10,000 ft) and around to Dry Canyon, then on the North Mountain Trail down into Alpine, then the long run home on dirt trails on the bench.

Overall I felt good for 26 miles - one of my better runs. It was slow, though I wasn't in a hurry - just enjoying the mountains. 26 miles with about 6,500 ft of climbing overall. I'll post pictures and map later.

- happy running -
Thayne

My sole (soul) to running

2010-06-29T13:22:00.005-06:00

I have given up my soles for trail running. No more cushy shoes.
Stronger feet - new form.

A new running style and approach. Getting down to the basics - the
barbaric approach. A quest for something perfect - primal. To find
that perfect efficiency in running (the run-forever kind) - the way
running is supposed to be: feet moving through the forest across the
mountains - nothing but effortless fluid motion, breath, and focus -
in pursuit, ... pursuit of that perfect run.

Soul to the run, run for the soul.

--happy running--
--
Sent from my mobile device
Thayne

Wow! AF Canyon Trail Running June 2010

2010-06-29T10:07:00.001-06:00

It's a beautiful place. The trails are in great shape right now up American Fork. I've been running more than typing lately. I hear from Davy Crockett that there is snow on the Timpooneke trail up Timpanogos at the upper meadow, making it a snowy summitt and less runnable, but doable. I had the chance to run with Davy last Saturday after a chance encounter along the Great Western Trail TR150. He was only a week off of the Bighorn 100, but didn't seem phased.

If you have been up Timp - leave a comment. I haven't even tried it yet because of the latest snow reports. I'm happy to be cruising the low lands of the Canyon for now.
--happy running--

Rain

2010-06-12T11:56:00.001-06:00

I guess if I were from Portland I would be out running in the rain. Yesterday the rain spoiled my plans to run 20 miles (6,000 ft gain), from Midway to Timpooneke in AF Canyon up over past Pot Hollow, Mill Canyon Peak, and the Ridge Trail down. The coldness of the slushy rain at 8,000 ft+ in June is enough to keep me home. Plus the already muddy conditions will be much worse with the rain of the past few days.

AF Canyon Update

2010-06-09T10:53:00.001-06:00

Ran up AF Canyon this morning and found that it is mostly clear - at least where I ran. I started at Mutual Dell and ran up Bear Hollow, jumped on the Great Western over to Pine Hollow and back down to Mutual Dell. It's a 6.6 mile loop with some good climbing, followed by fast trails - a good pre-work run. See my previous post: http://timptrails.blogspot.com/2008/09/bear-hollowpine-hollow-loop.html

The trails have just transitioned from muddy to tacky - pending any rain in the next few days. I'm sure the Mud Springs, Mill Canyon, Tibble Fork, Sal Flats Trails are all pretty muddy still. Let me know if you have been on those. I'm sure they are OK for running, but off limits for biking. I think the USFS is cracking down on muddy riders this year - based on my discussions with the USFS trail guy and also the increase in posted signs. I would hope the moto-psychos pay attention this year to trail conditions and not trash the place.

-happy running-

Alpine Mountain Trails

2010-05-25T13:30:00.001-06:00

Ran the trails north of Alpine - at the base of Lone Peak - Hamagog area. The trails are OK, but still significant snow spots above 7,500 ft elevation - in large mounds under shade making it difficult to run in. It's melting fast though.

American Fork Canyon Update

2010-05-25T13:30:00.000-06:00

Ran 12 miles up AF Canyon this past weekend (before the Sunday snowfall). The trails are generally clear of snow - with only patches remaining. It's the mud that will slow things down for the next few days. Give it a few dry days and the trails will be mostly clear - except for the snow melt muddy spots that will remain for the next two weeks or so.

I ran from Pine Hollow trailhead to Ridge Trail, Lame Horse to Aspen Grove area, and back in a round-about way - descending Salamander Flats (this trail is very wet - pretty much a stream on the trail). The Ridge Trail is a sticky muddy mess in places. The Pine Hollow trail is good, until the upper portion which is mostly snow right now.

The USFS has posted "Trail Closed" signs on all upper trailheads up AF, violators subject to fines - open to foot traffic only. Lets hope people (including horseman) obey these signs for the next few weeks. So really keep the bikes, motopshycos, and horses off the trails for now, then we can all enjoy quality trail surfaces through the summer.

The Alpine Loop Road opens to traffic this coming weekend (Memorial Day), so get your peaceful road bike rides in before then.
--happy running--

American Fork Canyon - Snow

2010-05-13T15:53:00.000-06:00

Ran up from Tibble Fork to Granite Flats and ran into snow above 7,000 ft, but it was melting fast. Not a lot of postholing, but it was slushy and muddy and mounded up in shadey spots. I threw in the towel at 8,000 ft elevation - just too much loose snow. The trail was on the south facing slope too - so that means anywhere else would be worse. I'll stick to the lower trails for now.

Grove Creek Run

2010-05-03T09:24:00.003-06:00

Haven't posted for a few weeks - I've been running the trails of Draper, Suncrest, and Bonneville Shoreline trails in Draper, Alpine, PG, Lindon, and Orem. All good early season trail running. This past weekend I went out for run up Grove Creek Canyon - 9.5 miles with 3,500 ft vert gain. It is a beautiful canyon with rough terrain and a good partly runnable climb (at least for me).

I got some video - mostly experimental. Pretty much all snow above the bridge at mile 2. The winter snow wasn't too bad - in terms of posthole'ing. See videos.

A video posted on Picasa Album too -

From 5-1-10 grove creek run

Some YouTube videos:
Running towards the junction of TR051 with the Timpooneke Road (dirt) and on up.

Videos

2010-03-17T08:52:00.004-06:00

A couple vidoes to get the blood flowing for the upcoming trail season.

Canyon Update

2010-03-17T08:06:00.000-06:00

Have been running up the Alpine Loop Road from Pine Hollow and up the Timpooneke Road around the north side of Timp. The snow conditions are good - like running in loose sand, so it's a good burner. Snowmobiles have compacted snow down good. I ran down Bear Hollow w/out postholeing at all - wearing cascadias averaging about 7-8 mph. Snow was hard and packed from snowshoe'ers- which is nice to get some singletrack running w/out snowshoes. I'll try to keep the snow/mud conditions posted at least weekly through spring on the trails.
--happy running--

Where do you trail run in the winter?

2010-02-16T16:04:00.000-07:00

... besides St. George. I was asked.
I still like to get up American Fork Canyon in the winter. Some good basic runs:

Follow the snowshoes and snowmobiles, you most likely can run on those compacted surfaces just fine. Take snowshoes on your back if you're not sure and strap them on when snow gets soft.
Alpine Loop above the S-curve at the Pine Hollow Trailhead. You can take this all the way to Cascade Springs if you're feeling good or down to Sundance. The road is well groomed and runnable, especially if there has been a good melt, then re-freeze.
The Timpooneke Road is good from the Campground on up, but less traveled and can sometimes be more of a pain to run, but usually mostly runnable. (Start at the S-curve)
Tibble Fork to Granite Flats to Silver Lake. There are plenty of snowmobile tracks to follow off road that are runnable too (was there this morning). The views are great.
Tibble Fork up the main canyon - not sure what avalanche danger there could be up there, I've not been all the way up in the winter.

Other runs include:

The high bench running from Cedar Hills to Grove Creek Canyon and up the canyon to the bridge.
Grove Creek to Dry Canyon (Lindon) via Bonneville Shoreline Trail and other surrounding trails/roads.
The Timpanogos Foothills are great south facing trails that melt early - there is a spaghetti bowl of bike trails and roads to keep you busy. I often get lost up there in late winter or early spring.
Alpine East Bench and Lambert Park. From the mouth of AF to Dry Creek Canyon (Alpine) there is a good single track as well as in Lambert - all south facing early melt trails.
Alpine North Bench. Lots of good old roads and deer trails.

Leave a comment if you have a nearby trail ideal for winter running - off road. Now go run.

--happy running--

Snow is good

2010-02-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

Pine Hollow is good to run all the way up to Ridge Trail. The trail is packed down. Snowshoeing is great right now too. This morning ran up Pine Hollow, then put on snowshoes into the backcountry. Great day to be out. Enjoy the snow.

Alpine Loop Road - Winter Canyon Running

2010-01-18T10:45:00.000-07:00

The winter closed roads up AF Canyon are all regularly groomed for X-country skiing - so with this snow it's perfect for running. Been up a few times running - even some of the side trails are packed down a bit. Not sure what this recent snow will do - I'll update on the snow conditions late in the week. The noise-mobile taffic is light right now - I figure from the lack of snow in some sun exposed areas OR some Forest Service rule changes (?). On normal weekends the noise-mobiles can be crazy busy, so get out before sunrise or on weekdays.

All these roads are groomed nicely:
Tibble Fork Road
Granite Flats CG Roads
Road to Silver Lake
Main Alpine Loop Road after Pine Hollow TH
Timpooneke Road (not sure how far up)
See USFS AF Canyon winter site pdf map: http://fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5107865.pdf
OR http://fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsem_034880.pdf for overall winter use

AF Canyon Update etc

2009-11-30T18:50:00.001-07:00

Ran last week up Pine Hollow trail and the snow wasn't bad, neither was the ice. I got up to 8,200 feet at Horse's Flat trail and snow got 12" at its deepest. I was the only one on the Lame Horse Trail since the last snow - it's like running on a cloud, all you hear is your breath. Perfect time to get out to the backcountry of AF with no vehicles or people. Reports from Timp say it's OK, if you wear gaitors for the slightly deeper snow - not sure what it's like above 10,000 ft and on up to the summit. Let me know if you have been up Timp.

Also been running the Alpine foothills below Lone Peak - in the Hamagog area. What a trail system once you get above the old 4x4 roads (now closed). The single tracks above the 1st Hamagog are great - both to the east and to the west. I haven't been up there for 10 or so years - I've been missing out.

Also I ran around the top of Fort Canyon on the roads up there and on into Suncrest. Lots of potential there, if only it had better single track trails - most of it was old 4x4 roads. Still fun, just not as fun. I'll post some maps and trails - since this is prime winter running territory.

-happy running-

Trans Zion Traverse

2009-11-11T20:33:00.002-07:00

November 6, 2009
My cousin, Jared, from Denver and I ran the Zion Traverse 50 miles from the East Entrance to the park to Lees Pass at the West Entrance. Yes 50 miles, since we got lost twice and logged a few more miles (actual route is 48.3 miles). For the full route, do as I did and check out Skurka's description. His site is fairly complete and was our bible of the trail - thanks Andrew. I'll post more on the details as I get time to write more. It was both heaven and hell - an EPIC run. Perfect weather in November and not hardly a soul that day was out. We saw maybe three people in 50 miles, outside the normal portion of the canyon. Drop me a note if you have questions or need trail info.

-happy running-

Ridge Trail Tour

2009-11-03T08:39:00.001-07:00

October 31, 2009
As a Halloween treat, I decided to run around Mill Canyon Peak via the Ridge Trail TR157 and Ridge Trail East TR038. It turned out to be 20 miles and 6,300 ft elevation gain. I started out near the Alpine Loop Summit on the Ridge Trail, following it up to Mill Canyon and climbing up to 9,600 ft at the base of Mill Canyon Peak. I took the East Ridge Trail, which is part of the Wasatch 100 course, around Mill Canyon Peak. I was the only footprints on the entire East Ridge Trail since the snows. I did notice that summer moto-psycos had the switchbacks at the "Dive and Plunge" completely torn up - even so, that 1,200 ft vertical drop was fast and fun. The day began perfect when the trails started out frozen, but they soon turned to muck on the north and west side of Mill Canyon Peak, above Forest Lake, when the sun melted the snow and all was mud. I struggled to maintain my energy levels with the one step forward, quarter step back in the slick mud on the climbs. It was frustrating to say the least, but only lasted for 4-5 miles. I did see bear tracks above Forest Lake all over the trail, as if a couple bears were hanging out on the trail the past few nights. I continued on around the mountain past Rock Springs (barely flowing with questionable water, but I drank anyway) and dropped back down the rocky trail to Mill Canyon Springs and down the Ridge Trail back to the car.

The temps were perfect short sleeve weather and the sun felt good - I only saw two other hikers the entire 20 miles. Overall the Ridge Trail was muddy in spots, but not consistently - I would still say no bikes, unless early in the morning.

This was a great route to get into the backside of AF Canyon - highly recommended. The west side of Mill Canyon Peak, has some of my favorite trails in the canyon.

October Running in the Mountains

2009-10-27T09:02:00.001-06:00

October 24, 2009
The weather is always exciting come late October. I planned to run from Pleasant Grove (Grove Creek Canyon) to Alpine via the GWT and other trails, but it all ended in a rain/snow storm in the canyon at Tibble Fork. The rain and cold got to me at mile 15 and started breaking me down - I was in shorts and soaked to the bone. Luckily I got one good cell phone spot on the Ridge Trail and got a ride back home from Tibble. Snow is better than rain, but mixed as a windy slush is torture in shorts. The run ended up being 19 miles and 6,200 ft vertical elevation gain - see map. I noticed that the weather unleashed on Lone Peak and Dry Canyon above Alpine twice that afternoon - so I was glad I stopped and called it a day.

The trails were muddy before the rain/snow - so I figure they are no good right now, especially with the snow today. Tibble Fork side of the canyon was comletely muddy and may be done for the season - so keep bikes off. We'll see how this snow event dumps in the mountains.

Grove Creek Canyon Trail

Yes, in my visibility vest - I saw more hunters than wildlife. North side of Timp.

This was a recommendation from a hunter friend - I did feel like a dork, but a safe dork.

Timp in Snow

2009-10-14T10:29:00.000-06:00

I ran Timp last Saturday to the upper saddle via Timpooneke. I figure it's the only time I can run Timp with a hint of winter and not have to take crampons or backcountry skis (though I saw some crampon and ski folks). The trail was mostly all in the snow after Scout Falls, so it slowed me down some. The mud was thick at the lower elevations, with some icy spots. The temps were in the freezing zone still, especially in the shade. Above the upper saddle was high winds, ice, and snowing off and on - doable, but colder and windier than I prefer. The snow is about 12-18" deep above 10,000 ft, but the trail is tramped down enough to allow for some running. I took my YakTrax for traction. It is currently snowing in the mountains today, so not sure what that will do to the Timpooneke Trail. Feel free to post updates on trail conditions up Timp if you are up there in the next few days.

-happy running-

Best Time of the Year

2009-10-05T16:49:00.003-06:00

For some reason I can't figure out, Fall time is the best time for trail running. I'm not sure if it is the cooler temps, less crowds, or the fall colors. It's a whole new feeling running the mountains once the leaves have turned and are falling off. You would think that the long summer in the mountains would rate higher, but Fall time edges in as the best season - maybe because it is the shortest of the seasons. Fall time is invigorating for whatever the reasons - I feel like I can run more. It could be the desperation of getting in canyon/mountain runs before the snow flies.

Saturday I ran 11 miles of the Great Western Trail from Timpooneke to the west side of Timp. Even though it parallels a dirt road, it seemed remote. I didn't see or hear a soul. The paved roads are crowded with fall color seekers, but the trailheads were empty - maybe it was the threat of snow and cold wind. The Fall colors are winding down, but still holding on. Temperatures and daylight time are both dropping with the leaves. The run followed the trail up to Julie Andrews Meadow and jumped on the GW trail the rest of the way around Timp (out and back route staying off the road). This is one of the trails I seldom run, but wonder why I don't run it more often - highly recommended. It peaks out at 8,700 feet elevation.

Friday I ran 10 miles from Suncrest along the Second Hamagog Trail (TR187) above Alpine. The south facing part of the mountain was sunny and warm. This trail has a spring/brook crossing every mile. I would have imagined it as desolate and dry, but the bedrock brings up the water to the surface. I started at the road just over the Suncrest summit - running on Draper/Suncrest dirt roads for a couple miles east towards Jacob's Ladder. There is a brutal climb in the heat to get to the single track trail TR187 - the trail that heads east. There you will also find the beginning of the Jacob's Ladder Trail TR186. TR187 is rough and somewhat overgrown in places, but there has been some recent clearing. The trail is up and down, with a gradual climb and lots of good running. One good thing about the trail is that there is something new around every corner - a new view, cool spring, hanging meadow, granite rock outcropping, stream, ... on and on.

I plan on getting to Lake Hardy from this trailhead on a longer run - see map - and possibly looping on over to Granite Flats via Dry Creek. Lots of good possibilities here. -happy running-

Canyon Conditions

2009-09-23T15:40:00.003-06:00

Ran Timp to the saddle this morning before work and ran yesterday early pre-dawn on the GW Trail. The early mornings are definitely sub-freezing in places now, but I imagine that the day temps are perfect. The leaves are just starting to change - the crisp cool air is leading us into Fall. The dust has been downed by the recent rain events, but no significant mud problems. Post Labor Day is always pretty quiet up the canyon, except for the hunter traffic, but they're usually quiet too (if you can see them). Open rifle season starts Oct 17th or so, according to a friend - just FYI.

A photo from last fall Tibble Fork Trail.

From Tibble to Timp Marathon

Box Elder Peak from Alpine

2009-09-21T09:06:00.006-06:00

September 19, 2009

"Ran" Box Elder Peak from Alpine. All I can say is - Relentless and Brutal. I like it. About 5,600 feet elevation gain in 4.6 miles to the summit of Box Elder (at 11,110 ft). I did an out and back, but had originally planned the down route along the north ridge down into Dry Creek - ran short on time. see map.

Highly recommended route for those seeking vertical elevation gain. The trail is steep, but not too loose/rocky, like adjacent Dry Creek. The trail starts at the Dry Creek trail head, and veers sharp right. The trail climbs in and out of the pine trees and scrub until the ridge at 9,000 ft and becomes faint - just keep heading straight (the trail comes into and out of existence, but it's still there). Past the junction at 3 miles, I took a branch off the trail the heads up towards the saddle below Box Elder - pretty much as good of a trail as the main trail. From the saddle, it's a mad rocky scramble to the top.

The run down was a burn -the trail is good enough for bombing down (work the mogul ski muscles). I made the whole loop in 3:08 hrs (2:09 hrs to the summit).

See my other Box Elder posts - from Granite Flats, west loop (no summit), east loop (no summit). Summit Post.org has a good description and photos.

-happy running-

Sept Daylight Calendar

2009-09-18T11:46:00.001-06:00

Watch out for the earlier sunsets -

Mt. Timpanongos Run - Records and Such

2009-09-18T08:36:00.004-06:00

From Timp Run 08-28-08

Ran Mt. Timpanogos yesterday from Timponeeke to the upper saddle - a good before work run. 13 miles and 4,200 something feet elevation gain -my time to the saddle was 1:35 - see speed records below. Weekdays are best, as weekends are still crowded until October when it cools down. The mountain goats are out in force near the saddle.
I had been reading on speed records up Timp on the Timponeeke Trail. I thought I would use this post to get information on current records - please comment or add records.
Fastest Known Time (FKT) to the summit is claimed by Danny Moody of Orem at 1:15:36 as documented by Davy Crockett.
According to Matt Hart, Karl Meltzer has a round trip record, but maybe not fully documented (any input?) - at 1:58.58 (site has good trip report and video).
Career summits by Phil Lowry 410 + and rising (Phil you may want to update this). http://www.phillowry.com/
Jared Campbell's site has other records, but no Timp records, - but it is a good site to read and find links to local ultra runners and stuff:
http://door5.com/wasatch-fkt/

A new FKT site tyring to establish itself as THE site: http://fastestknowntime.proboards.com/
Summit Post (http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/151365/mt-timpanogos-ut-.html) has some records re-listed, but maybe not all updated. Lots of good information here, as expected.

Ridge Run

2009-09-02T17:55:00.003-06:00

September 2, 2009
Ran 9 miles along the Ridge Trail - kind of an out and back. See map and profile. Saw moose and heard bugling elk (or else impersonating hunters - it seems early for elk bugling).

Box Elder Trails

2009-08-21T13:36:00.002-06:00

August 21, 2009

Ran 9 rough miles from Granite Flats Campground in AF Canyon. Started on the Deer Creek Trail (TR043) to the White Canyon Trail (TR188) and down the Box Elder Trail (TR044) - with a short out and back on 044 - all with about 4,000 ft elevation gain. All these trails are mostly for horseback, so they're rough and steep and rocky, but the vistas are some of the betters ones in the canyon. I still haven't taken the Box Elder Trail all the way up and around Box Elder Peak - still on my list to do. The trails are slightly overgrown in places, so they're better in the early summer with less growth. I have only ever seen a couple horseback riders in the past - nice and quiet, no motos or bikes.

-happy running-

Trail Update

2009-08-20T18:24:00.005-06:00

August 19, 2009, 6AM

Ran 13 miles on the Lame Horse Trail (TR055) to the Ridge Trail (TR157) to the South Fork Deer Creek (TR252) and back. Started and ended at Aspen Grove - see map. A good pre-work morning run and I didn't see a soul the entire run. The trails never got really dusty this year - and normally dry streams still have water. I did see frost on in the meadow floor this morning - so that should be a gage of morning temps.

FYI - Last weekend was the opening weekend for the bow hunt, in case you have a fluorescent running outfit that you keep stowed away for hunting season. The bow hunters are the least of your worries - it's when the guns come out in full force... Not that I have anything against hunters (because they do have guns), it's just that you have to take extra precautions while trail running come fall time and not wear your deerskin tights and put away those antler hats.

August Daylight Calendar

2009-08-14T15:47:00.003-06:00

Thought some of you might want/need this. At this time of year, I always carry an emergency headlamp for the late afternoon or evening runs. I once had to run 3 miles in the pitch dark, not fun in unfamiliar territory at 10,000 ft in the Beaver Utah Mountains. I couldn't find the trail head, so I had to beep my car door lock until I heard my car.

Pre-Work Timp Run

2009-08-14T15:21:00.002-06:00

August 14, 2009
Did a pre-work run up Timp (13 miles, 3,800 ft vertical). Made it to the 11,000 ft saddle, where winds were gusting at 50 mph from the west. I only had my shorts and light windbreaker - not enough to endure the cold wind. I neared record time to the saddle and definitely record time going down (1:40 up, 0:52 down). The crowds weren't bad, more than usual for a weekday. I ran into old Ben Woolsley again - he's the resident Timp man.

The conditions are perfect for high altitude running - so get out there and hit the trails.

A weekend warning - I don't usually get out late in the day Saturday, but did last week and the crowds were overwhelming - from ward mountain bike activities to moto-cycos to large horse trains. There was limited parking in the entire canyon. It was insane - so, just a warning to those who sleep in. You're better off getting there at the crack of dawn.

-happy running-

Alta Altitude Run

2009-08-11T09:50:00.005-06:00

August 6, 2009

Late posting, but a good training run at 10,000 ft. Alta is a good venue for some high elevation running with trail heads starting at 8,000-9,000 ft and trails lingering at 10,000 ft. Ran a quick 6 miles loop before the rain came and bagged a few peaks around the Catherine's Pass area.

Catherine Lake

The perfect trail at 10,000
View into American Fork Canyon - at backside of Timp

Timp Summit

2009-07-30T13:40:00.002-06:00

July 28, 2009
Ran to the summit at 5AM again - nobody at all on the way up except the steady Ben Woosley and a couple BYU students coming down from a long night at the top. 2:01 up, 1:05 down - but I was beat afterwords.

A Run to the Summit

2009-07-27T12:55:00.003-06:00

July 25, 2009
I went for a quick morning run up Timp summit - departure at 5:00am. The rain clouds kept hikers off the trail, and it turned out to be a fairly quiet Saturday.

The snow is pretty much not an issue anymore - trails are clear, with some mud. I did cut a couple switchbacks on the snow before the upper saddle - which sped things up a bit (about 14 miles total, 5,000 ft vert). My overall time was still slower than normal, but pretty good for my tired condition - 3:12 (2:04 up and 1:08 down), not including a 10 min rest at the top. The run down is the best sustained downhill around - with a good combination of rocky technical with smooth trail. When the crowds are thick, just plan on slowing way down.

It was good to see a five or six other trail runners on this one - I don't usually see that many.

Alta to Brighton Loop

2009-07-23T09:44:00.005-06:00

July 17, 2009

I had to post this run since the trails connect to the AF trail system - plus you don't get better mountain running than in the mountains of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. I would recommend this loop for the hardy mountain runners looking for some steep rough training all above 9,000 ft elevation. The loop was 8.5 miles with about 2,600 ft vertical climb all steep up and steep down with lots of rocks. Start either at Catherine's Pass trail head or down at the parking area before you head up to Albion Basin road.

Tibble Fork Run

2009-07-17T08:36:00.004-06:00

July 14, 2009

Ran a quick 8 miles from Tibble Fork Reservoir to Ridge Trail (2,500 ft vert). This is a great rough run with beautiful views of the Tibble Fork area. Mud Springs Trail TR173 is steep going up - the trail is washed out and rough in places, but beautiful forest cover. The Ridge Trail TR157 is fast and perfect. Going down from the Ridge Trail on Chain Break trail is really rough, steep and overgrown. I might downgrade that trail to alternate trail - it was extra mean with the overgrowth and nettle. Chain Break trail is more like a free fall for the first quarter mile. Moto cycos have really taken their toll on Tibble Fork and Mud Springs and Chain Break (in case forest service people read this).

-happy running-

Saturday Night on Timp

2009-07-12T18:33:00.003-06:00

July 11, 2009
Ran Timp to the upper saddle on Saturday night. It was a religious experience to run the mountain at this time of day/night. I don't usually run it this late in the day - different lighting and overall feel. I only saw four other people. I hit the saddle summit at late sunset - see photos. The snow wasn't bad at all up to the saddle, it just slowed me down a bit, but sped things up a bit too by cutting all the upper switchbacks (overall slower time). Running down in the dark was fun - except for the snow patches that looked much steeper in the dark - and I couldn't get that bull moose out of my mind. It was the first time I've run up on a porcupine - odd creature. Overall time was under three hours, significantly slower than normal dry trail conditions (3hrs is usually my full summit total time).

Update

2009-07-10T11:42:00.005-06:00

I've been out running the trails, just not posting lately. The trails are in perfect condition right now - weather is great too. The vegetation is still green and fresh with flowers coming in and out of bloom, depending on elevation. I have yet to see other trail runners in all my runs, except for one (Brent Rutledge) this year so far up the canyon. I definately see more deer/elk than people on the trails. It would be nice to see a few more of you out there running the AF mountains - let me know if you want to know where to start. I can certainly offer some suggestions.

I'm working on some maps that I'll post differentiating the fast trails from the mean/steep/rocky trails (I had some freinds asking).

I hear the snow on the trail is not bad -all the way up to the upper meadow on Timponeke right now - early morning ice near the high elevation ridge is keeping most hikers off the upper elevations (search & rescue has been telling people to use crampons - - - no comment). I'll give a full report when I get up there. PLEASE COMMENT, if you have been up Timp, on the snow conditions for runners. I'm sure Phil has been up already a bunch of times - see Davy Crockett's site for more Timp info.

Usually there is plenty else for me to run this time of year - Mill Canyon Peak or Box Elder Peak will give you the same high with similar distance, just steeper and meaner, but without the deep snow to slow you down.

happy running-

Classic AF Loop

2009-06-16T17:39:00.002-06:00

June 16, 2009
8.4 mile fast run on a perfect morning:
http://timptrails.blogspot.com/2008/07/classic-loop-gwt-ridge-south-fork-deer.html
See link for map and profile.
The trails are just recovering from the rain - still a bit wet in places. Mostly isolated puddles and wet spots. With the rain tomorrow, the trails won't be ready for travel till Friday or Saturday. As a rule of thumb, the worst mud trails are mostly clear of mud after one full day of summer sun.
Wildlife report: I followed some fresh bear tracks on the climb on South Fork Deer Creek (could still see the hair marks in the mud) - a medium bear. Also dispersed a band of turkeys.

Midway to Tibble Run

2009-06-13T07:48:00.006-06:00

Ran from Midway to Tibble Fork Reservoir yesterday via Poleline Pass and wallowed in the mud on the Mill Canyon Trail. It was a good run despite the mud. There's still patchy snow (but passable) at 9,500 feet above Forest Lake on TR157. I deviated from my original planned route - due to time shortage (slower running, tired, and started later than planned). Mostly dirt road running up and single track down. Total 17.5 miles and 5,500+/- ft vert. I got off track on a side road and had to backtrack a big hot climb, which was discouraging. The humid heat got to me on the climb - which I'm not used to. I don't like to admit I did 18 holes of golf before the run (twas for work) - so should I call this a go-athlon? golf 18 and run 18? I'm feeling a new sport here... :)

Rainy Trails

2009-06-10T15:10:00.005-06:00

June 9, 2009
Trails are wet and sticky with all the rain, but the canyon is beautiful. I ran an 8.5 mile loopish route in off and on light rain. I didn't find a good route down the east side of the mountain, but other options are still unexplored.

The following trails are mostly good even in the rain:
TR179 Bear Hollow
TR151 GWT on north side of Timp
TR189
TR047 Pine Hollow
TR055 Lame Horse to Aspen Grove wasn't bad
Of course there's always the dirt roads, which stay mostly non-muddy in any rain.

After rain stay away from the following trails, or you'll mire down to you knees:
Ridge Trail TR157
Salamander Flats TR159
South half of TR252 Southfork Deer Creek
Any of Tibble Fork, Mud Springs, Mill Canyon trails (TR041, TR173)

Meandering Trail Run

2009-05-25T11:51:00.004-06:00

May 23, 2009
Perfect 11 mile run (3,100 ft vert) from Pine Hollow Trail Head - Alpine Loop Road isn't open till June 1st. The trails are in great condition - for running. Mnt Bikes may be a few more weeks with the mud. I'm working on some new (to me) trail systems on the east side of the Alpine Loop Road. I'm keeping off the Bob Redford land - -. I found some new connector trails. The trails further east need some exploring (see map below where I did an out and back spur) -these trails aren't on the Forest Service Trail system that I know of -not sure why. I'll put them permanently on the map when I feel like they are legit trails (dashed trails are questionable or alternate routes). I'll post some photos later.

-happy running-

American Fork Trail Conditions

2009-05-21T15:58:00.003-06:00

May 21, 2009
AF Canyon is officially ready for trail running. I checked things out this morning - just some mud, downed trees, and only a little snow.
14 miles with 4,300 ft vertical - great weather. I'll write more later.

Happy running -

Mountain Running in AF Again

2009-05-18T15:14:00.002-06:00

May 16, 2009
Holman Trail to Mill Canyon to Tibble Fork. A good 9.5 mile run with 3,300 + ft vertical. The trails are mostly clearing up wherever exposed to sun. Shady north slopes above 7,500 ft have miserable mounds of snow and thick mud or running water in places. The GTX Montrails are working great. Holman Trail is dry all the way up to where I turned down to Mill Canyon. Mill Canyon Trial is muddy - some idiot moto-phsyco tried riding up and ripped up the whole place. The Elk Trail at 8,000 ft is good too, and on down to Tibble Fork. Tibble Fork has its muddy sections, but mostly good and clearing up. Weather is great and getting better!

Happy running -

More Desert Running

2009-05-15T16:00:00.006-06:00

I ran from hot desert up to 6,000 feet in the desert mountains of Mesquite, NV - two ten mile runs. A strange experience with the unique plants, fascinating geology, and dark canyon narrows. At the summit, I could overlook the mountains and into the valley to the south and see the Colorado River at the exit of the Grand Canyon, entrance to Lake Mead. That is vast country out there. I swam in a desert watering hole, drank with the desert cattle, jumped rattlers, shook off cactus, and was charged by a tortoise. Water flows from springs year-round in many of these canyons, where the frogs chirp, vines grow from the cliffs, and wildlife gathers. Good rough desert mountain running - not for the faint of heart or feeble knees. (not my photo - check out Google Earth photos and maps - see coordinates below)
Lime Kiln Canyon:
Lat 36.663980°
Long -114.010964°

Cabin Canyon:
Lat 36.665507°
Long -114.071353°

Abandoned Mine (one of many)
36.635556°
-114.073054°

Pine Hollow Trail -too much snow

2009-05-05T13:46:00.002-06:00

May 2, 2009
I ran (or tried) up Pine Hollow Trail from the Alpine Loop Road - It turned out to be a bad idea. The trail is still good for snowshoeing - not much for running. There was snow on most all of the trail from 7,000 ft and up. There were only a few patches of earth trail. The same goes for the Alpine Loop Road - only patchy road with mostly snow. The rain was coming down hard Sat - so the snow is melting fast, but we're still looking at a few weeks for clear trails. The good news was that I love my new Montrail Masochist GTX shoes - they were great in the water and comfy. They also look good, which is unusual for GTX shoes.

Awaiting Spring in the Mountains

2009-04-28T11:38:00.004-06:00

Still just running the benches and foothills. The mud level seems to fluctuate, but overall the benches can provide some good early spring running. I've also been down to the desert of Nevada and had some great running there - the wildflowers are out and the temps are perfect (but will be short-lived). Ran up on a desert tortoise last week - and had my share of cactus in the calf.

I'll post updates soon on the condition of AF Canyon - I'm optimistic of the conditions with my GTX montrail shoes I want to try out.
May 2009 sunset/sunrise calendar.
-happy running-

Snow, bloody snow

2009-03-23T12:46:00.003-06:00

The top of Grove Creek had bad snow (6,700 ft +) - usually I can make it around to Battle Creek this time of year, but the snow & temps are in an awkward transition right now. Snowing today - which won't help the situation. Above 6,500 feet, the winter snow has melted so fast that you either get muddy trails or large obnoxious mounds of snow that are either slushy or frozen solid cheesegrader-type - you'll either sink to your knee or slip and fall, then sink. It's better to stay low (6,000 ft) for now. I came back down the mountain a few times this week with hard snow rash, bloody shins, and a bit frustrated.

Snow is Melting

2009-03-03T07:25:00.005-07:00

The higher benches are becoming accessible. Ran 10 miles on the Pleasant Grove/Lindon/Orem Bench from Grove Creek Canyon to Dry Creek and around. Above 6,000 feet there was still some slushy deep snow (somewhat frustrating), but I assume it will melt this week if the weather keeps up. I'll post later this week after my run at higher elevations. I assume that in the early morning with the snow still frozen it should support a runner.

Below are some of my latest bench trail maps. I have changed the format to show single track trails versus dirt roads (some small ATV trails are shown as single track). The best single track for the bench trails is the Shoreline Trail. It runs through Orem and part of Lindon, then officially stops near Battle Creek Canyon. PG and Cedar Hills haven't continued on the single track Shoreline Trail - they need some harassment or stimulus money. You know what's lame is that Cedar Hills claims that their sidewalk they built along canyon road counts as their portion of the Shoreline Trail - what are they thinking?!? Alpine has some really good single track trails from AF Canyon all the way around Alpine to Suncrest - I'll post those later.

Let me know if these maps are helpful.

The area outlined in blue on the large map is the map insert below of the Timp Foothills near Provo Canyon. I got this from a mnt biker - haven't verified all the trails. This past week, the snow got me off course and I wasn't able to follow a real trail - just deer trails down to the Shoreline Trail Head.

Ahh, Winter in the Desert

2009-02-26T14:40:00.003-07:00

Been running when I can here in Utah, but it's been pretty cold and sickness has prevented a serious running schedule. Good news though - it's getting lighter (by about 15-20 minutes per week)- see daylight calendar. Temps are more reasonable now too. The benches are OK - I'll post a CH/PG/Lindon bench trail map (I'm still working on Orem Bench area) - there are lots of good single tracks to keep the trail mileage up.

I put in an 11mi run over Nevada way last week. A good solo run in Valley of Fire. The ATV trails on the north end of the valley are great on weekdays in the winter. I hear they are crowded beyond belief on weekends - trail running and obscene ATV dust don't mix.

If you want to see the valley terrain, Google Earth coordinates are:

Lat 36.593746°

Long -114.527170°

the photo is from: http://www.panoramio.com/map/#lt=36.593883&ln=-114.52675&z=4&k=2

Check out Logandale Trails web sites. It's a good winter running escape.

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-05T16:06:00.003-07:00

The mountain running definately slows down in Winter - the benches are OK, but just not the same. Suncrest seems to be offering some hope thru the winter season, but we'll see how deep the snow gets and if it melts to a reasonable depth for running (haven't been up there since the snows thru the holidays). I've been to the desert a few runs, and wow! - get down to AZ or NV if you can to enjoy perfect trail running weather. SLC to Las Vegas flights are only $100 - $180 roundtrip - could make for a good weekend of desert trail running in the sunny 60's.

-happy running-

AF Canyon - Loop from Pine Hollow Trailhead

2008-12-01T11:04:00.005-07:00

November 29, 2008
I did a 9.3 mile last-chance (maybe) run up the canyon Saturday -the snow was OK, but still stale and icy up Pine Hollow. The 7AM temps kept the mud about the consistency of hard ice cream. The less traveled trails were good snow, but still have to have ankles that can handle it. It was a quiet morning - a couple snow campers at Pine Hollow and that's it.

The loop took me from Pine Hollow up the Ridge Trail to South Fork Deer Creek (down and up) and down Salamander Flats back to Pine Hollow. The South Fork trail was great - snow was still soft and runnable down, but a burner going up (only sinking in 3 inches at most). I wore my Yaktrax the entire run.

The canyon is a different place once the Alpine Loop road closes - you get more of the wilderness experience with snowy views of Timp. I love it.
-happy running-

Motion Based Link to this run: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/7236092

Suncrest Loop - Draper Trails

2008-12-01T10:37:00.006-07:00

November 26, 2008

I know these trails are not in the AF Canyon system - but they are linked via Jacob's Ladder (Lake Hardy) into the AF Trails. This is my new winter stomping ground - I do run the Alpine, Cedar Hills, Pleasant Grove, and Lindon Benches as well.

This was a good 9 mile loop, which gets you above the valley stink and into fresh air (at about 5,500 ft). I'm not sure what these trails are like in the snow - probably good for a while till it gets too deep. I imagine they can get muddy too (in fact they close some trails in wet conditions).

The trail was in good shape - the downhill was an engineered mountain bike downhill, not that great for running, with all the banked turns and meandering (trail runners like to get places without meandering - right?). There are other trails that I want to try - there should be an uphill route for that downhill trail. The map looks like I ran in the neighborhoods, but the trail is just outside the houses, with great views of Utah County. The trail systme has all mild slopes, so its all runnable.

Link to Draper Trails maps: http://www.draper.ut.us/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7B51E1DB2A-63E0-4D03-98F0-0830C5FE1A97%7D

AND

http://www.draperut.govoffice2.com/vertical/Sites/%7B9B0E25D7-5E8F-45BF-AFAB-8658E160BEA4%7D/uploads/%7B6211DCA4-C55D-4D12-AA19-ED8547DEE845%7D.PDF

Check out map and profile:

Motion Based Link: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/7236090

December Daylight Calendar

2008-11-24T12:19:00.004-07:00

A Daylight Calendar for those planners - I carry headlamp on every afternoon run and a spare for morning runs -just keep running to get yourself through the dismal dark. Try a snowy full-moon run or a blizzard run sometime - you'll certainly find your chi then (if it hasn't frozen off).

Canyon Update

2008-11-24T11:24:00.005-07:00

November 22, 2008

Went for a late afternoon run up Pine Hollow Trail and looped around on the Ridge Trail and down TR189 and back to Pine Hollow. It was about 7.0 miles with 1,500 ft vertical - temps were in the 30's up to the 40's in the sunny spots. Hunters were out shooting still (wear your orange and put away those antler hats).

Conditions: It looks like moto-psychos have been going up and down the trails - mucking up the muddy spots and icing up the snow to a nice and smooth surface. The good snow is stale and hard to run on, when it's not icy. The ice in the shady spots will bring you down - the ice goes from the color of dirt to clear to white, so you have to watch closely. I had my Yaktrax on the entire run, which kept me from uncontrollable sliding on the ice, but it was still slow going. The snow/mud kept the running slow. Some trails were dry, but mostly either muddy or snowy ice.

Overall, it was great to be up the canyon this late - just know what you're getting into, so you're prepared for the extra work and cold. I would suggest the less traveled trails (TR189), they had the best snow for running and less of the slick stuff. You may also run up the road (closed to traffic) to access the higher trails -it is a less frustrating option. I'll keep posting.

I did go on perfect 5 mile desert run outside of Mesquite, NV last week. It's easy to see why folks live in the desert - oh so nice. I'm also exploring the Corner Canyon trails (Draper and Alpine) - I'll see if I can't get some of those onto the maps for winter training.

-happy running-

Any Contributions?

2008-11-05T07:50:00.001-07:00

I will be out of commission for the next few weeks, so if any of you hit the trails in AF during this snowy week or next, let us know what the trails are like - snow depths, etc. - leave a comment.

Motion Based Activities

2008-11-03T17:20:00.003-07:00

I added some of my trail runs on Garmin's Motion Based website. It's a cool place to show off, or in my case publish running speeds shamelessly. In any case, they're posted for all to see. You might want to download the GPS files from this site to your own device if you're serious about these runs. Some runners post all their workouts - I have just started posting the longer, newer, or funner runs.
http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/user/thaynerc
- happy running-

Anther Perfect Fall Morning

2008-10-30T16:35:00.002-06:00

Get out on the trails while you can! - it's a perfect Fall. It was t-shirt and shorts weather this morning after 9AM. I did 7.6 miles with my brother and the trails are perfect.

-happy running-

New Trail

2008-10-27T11:41:00.008-06:00

October 25, 2008
Yes, late in the season I finally followed my gut on a trail I suspected was there, but never found it till now. It's an unmarked trail - I figure because of the fact that it runs into private land that Robbert Redferd owns at Sun-dance. I most likely could be the only one who cares about this new trail... but - here it is -see map too.

On second thought - no description. It might be self-incrimination for a tresspassing violation. The map says it all.

I figure there might be a trail system here on this "North Fork Ridge" mountain (east of that Aspen Grove valley) that drops you down to the east and either into South Fork Deer Creek or over to Cascade Springs Road. Based on Google Earth, there are some roads back that way. Anybody been on that side of the mountain? Let me know - I'm on a quest now to add to my trail options.

My total run was 9 miles with only 2,000 ft vert. A perfect cool fall morning - most likely shorts weather after 9AM. Watch out for hunters - they're out in force, with guns cocked and loaded.

Classic Loop

2008-10-21T09:37:00.004-06:00

October 21, 2008

Ran the classic loop this morning (8.6 miles and 2,000 ft vert)- see links below for maps, profiles, and trail names (today's run did have some slight variation).

http://timptrails.blogspot.com/2008/07/classic-loop-ii.html

http://timptrails.blogspot.com/2008/07/classic-loop-gwt-ridge-south-fork-deer.html

A cold front started blowing in this morning - so all the leaves are falling down from the aspens. The sunrise was perfect - purple/pink sky, with the falling leaves, made it a surreal running experience.

The trails are in perfect condition right now - some spots have deep leaves that hide the potholes and rocks, so watch out. Enjoy the upper canyon while you can - they'll close off the Alpine Loop Road at Pine Hollow Trailhead when they get the first big snowfall - it varies year to year, but usually in late October. When the road closes, the remaining accesible trailheads are the Mutal Dell (Bear Canyon), the Pine Hollow, and the Tibble Fork trails - OR you could run up the paved road - uhg.

Timp Run in the Snow

2008-10-20T10:42:00.007-06:00

October 18, 2008

Ran the standard Timp run up to the upper saddle (13 miles with 3,800-4,000 ft vertical elevation gain). The Timpooneke Trail is still runnable even with the upper elevation snow. The trail only has intermittent snow/ice with mud, but is mostly in great shape up to about 9,000 ft, or the 3-mile mark, then you hit the shady side of the mountain and you get some re-frozen snow in the morning hours and slushy snow in afternoon. You will need some ice/snow spikes -I use Yak-Trax: http://www.yaktrax.com/productspro.aspx and they seem to work OK on most types of snow/ice, except on hard solid ice.

Above 10,000 ft you hit the deeper snow with some post-holing, but not bad until that last climb up to the saddle. (I didn't do the summit, as it looked a bit imposing without an ice axe or poles) At these higher elevations the snow really slowed me down. Later in the afternoon the snow may be more soft and forgiving, but in the morning it is hard and full of potholes from boot tracks. You have to have ankles of steel to get through this running (see photos).

The trail lower down became really muddy, but not so much that it slowed me down - it became a warm day by 10AM (I could have worn shorts). Overall, not the fastest run times (3hrs total run time), but a quiet Saturday morning in the fall weather with some enjoyable snow.

Supposedly this is a picture of me that a hiker sent - just a speck.

Me running up - I was frustrated and slow from the snow.

Horse Flat Run - Oct Snow

2008-10-13T10:04:00.004-06:00

October 11, 2008
I ran this quick 7 miler in a snow storm on Saturday morning - the storm only left a few inches, but it snowed the next day - most likely 6 inches. It was perfect winter weather in the low 30's. The trails are in good condition, pending the snow melt mud that will happen mid-week. The leaves are still in color, but fading fast.

This route is the same I ran Sept 24, see: http://timptrails.blogspot.com/2008/09/horse-flat-run.html
sorry for the foggyness, couldn't get a decent picture the whole run cause of the snow.

Tibble to Timp Marathon (one participant)

2008-10-07T14:09:00.003-06:00

October 3, 2008

A perfect Fall marathon from Tibble Fork Reservoir to Timp and back. The run was actually about 25.5 miles with about 7,000 feet vertical elevation gain (my GPS said 8,100 feet, but I don't believe that - it had some elevation spikes that it must be adding into that).

I started at the Tibble Fork Trail (TR041) and caught the Ridge Trail (TR157) at 8,100 ft elevation and took that down to Pine Hollow Trail (TR047), and connected with the Great Western Trail (TR150) which took me to the Timpooneke Trail Head (TR053). From there I signed into the trail register and started the 4,000 ft climb up to the summit saddle of Mt. Timpanogos (I only did the upper saddle -11,100 ft- since the summit looked snowy and windy). It's a good thing I didn't summit (700 ft climb and another two miles round-trip) since it rained hard just a while after descending from the saddle.

I ran down the Aspen Grove Trial side of the mountain (TR052), but took off a side trail short-cut. I wouldn't suggest this for anyone else, unless you have done it before - you will lose the trail, unless you know where it goes. This small section of trail seems to be more of a deer trail than anything, but I had done it before and it cuts off two miles and a longer climb up out of Aspen Grove on the Lame Horse Trail. I connected onto Horse Flat Trail (TR250) and down to Lame Horse Trail (TR055) and to the Alpine Loop Road Summit Trail Head. The rain really started to come down at this point and cold wind picked up (glad I wasn't at the summit or on exposed ridge). It ended up snowing that night about 6 inches above 8,000 feet.

From there it was a jaunt down to Tibble Fork from the Ridge Trail - see pictures and map. I had no uphill running capability at this point in the run - my legs were cold and tired. I had some downhill running muscle left, so it was full speed down to the car.

Overall - the trip was great and I felt great (except for the tired uphill legs). The weather was mostly great and the views were the best. All the trails were in perfect condition (except after the rain) and the leaves are at their color prime. Fall running is my favorite. I posted pictures of the run here:

25.5 miles and 7,000 ft vertical of perfect fall running

October Daylight Calendar

2008-10-02T07:32:00.001-06:00

Watch those daylight hours shrink. The October full moon should be good as it gets.

The Classic Loop (twice)

2008-09-30T10:33:00.004-06:00

September 27 & 30, 2008
Saturday I ran the fast 8.4 mile Classic Loop in reverse, starting on TR189 and going counter clockwise. Today I ran the same loop from GWT to South Fork Deer Creek - in clockwise direction- see the descriptions at:
http://timptrails.blogspot.com/2008/07/classic-loop-gwt-ridge-south-fork-deer.html
http://timptrails.blogspot.com/2008/09/september-5-2008-good-standard-fast.html (some variation)
I would suggest clockwise for all - that's the fastest direction (and most fun for biking).
The trails are in great (mostly perfect) condition right now. The leaves are turning right now, so you better get out to run through the colors. I ran most of this in the dark this morning, so I don't have pictures today. It has been tee-shirt and shorts weather most mornings - even at 6AM - no frost in the meadows, which is unusual. Fall running time is the best of the year - fluorescent leaves on the trail, bright red/orange trim, crisp cool air, elk bugling, and dark mornings.

-happy running-

Mt. Timpanogos Run - September

2008-09-26T14:25:00.007-06:00

September 25, 2008
I noticed that I don't always post this run every time I run it, since there is nothing much to say other than it's the best run in the canyon -the route is always the same. I have some pictures, so I decided to post. http://picasaweb.google.com/thaynerc/Septmeber25TimpSummitRun
The run is about 15 miles round trip (there may be some margin of error, since my GPS is always on the fritz for this run) with 5,000 ft vertical to summit (again, some room for error). See profile below - you get the idea.

Fall colors are staring to come on - and the fall mountain goats are out (see pictures) all over the trail above 10,500 ft. Ran this one in the afternoon with Scott - his first time up since "the accident" earlier this season. It's nice to get out when it's not dark.

-happy running-

Timp Ridge Running Video

2008-09-24T21:26:00.003-06:00

A large video of a past post - July 5, 2008

My cousin Jared and me running the Mt Timpanogos ridge from the summit to the glacier field to the south. This is some of the best running around - too bad it's not longer.

Horse Flat Run

2008-09-24T15:34:00.004-06:00

September 24, 2008
A short loop run up to Horse Flat and back down Ridge Trail and Pine Hollow - see map. About 7 miles with only 1,800 feet elevation gain.

Sunrise over the Unitas is perfect. I took a few minutes to do some yoga stretching and watch the sunrise.
All the trails are in good condition, with only a few puddles here and there. It was in the 40's this morning - just perfect fall conditions in the canyon. The aspen trees haven't turned color yet - only the oak and elms have turned red/orange for now. I'll keep the fall leave report posted.

A photo (above) of the Horse Flat trail heading back down the east side of the mountain - just before the junction with Lame Horse Trail. This part of the trail is perfect winding trail through overgrown fern forest (don't try it in the dark - you'll just be frustrated, since you can't see your feet).

Dry Creek Loop - Feel the Burn

2008-09-23T12:04:00.003-06:00

September 22, 2008
One of the toughest 8 milers around. If you like vertical madness and rough trails, this one is for you. It was about 8.5 miles with 4,200 feet vertical gain in some beautiful Wasatch Front mountains. This was my first time on the ascent part of this loop.

The trail head is the Dry Canyon Trail (TR043) that starts in Alpine, UT (at the very end of Grove Drive). Take TR043 and about 1/3mile up don't miss the hard right turn (unmarked) to the Phelps Canyon Trail (TR046). This trail starts out strong, but quickly gets steep and overgrown. It stays that way until 7,500 feet and then it gets even steeper but less overgrown. Don't take the left turn at elevation 8,500 ft - stay right (you'll end up lost if you go left).

The junction (unmarked) with the Box Elder Trail (TR044) is at about 9,400 feet (so set your mental pace at that). The trail from 7,500 to 9,400 feet has great views, especially once you get to the upper ridge. Take the sharp left turn at the junction onto the Box Elder Trail (you could take the right turn and head up over the pass and down into Granite Flats Campground in AF). Box Elder Trail is nice and fast until you reach the junction with Dry Creek and head down. Dry Creek Trail descent is like running down dried out class 7 rapids. It might as well be a river bed - lots of cobbles and boulders. You must stay alert, or you will fall and it won't be pretty. It does get tiring after a while, but that's the beauty and challenge of it all (if you can't handle this, then just keep running the canals -right?).

Overall: I would classify the Phelps Cnyn Trail as pretty mean - though doing it again just for the sheer climb and the great views has crossed my mind. Phelps Cnyn is definitely for cooler weather - you will burn up in the summer. The upper Box Elder trail rates high in my book, but it quickly deteriorates once you start the descent. See the photos at: http://picasaweb.google.com/thaynerc/PhelpsCanyonDryCreekLoop#

3 mile mountain climb, followed by 2 miles perfect trail, followed by 3miles of rough descent.

For those of you with delicate ankles - you may want to get a taste of Dry Creek (see video below) before doing it.

Miscellaneous Running

2008-09-19T15:20:00.007-06:00

Trail to AF Canyon look-out

September 13, 2008 (6.5 miles and 1,500 ft vert gain)

Ran this one last week the morning after running Timp. I was slow, but it was a good run with good views. The trails are busy with bikes trying to get in the last few rides for the season. This trail runs to a look-out point, see http://timptrails.blogspot.com/2008/07/classic-combo-of-american-fork-canyon.html for pictures at the lookout point.

Catherine's Pass

September 15, 2008 (4 miles and 1,100 vert)

Ran up to Catherine's Pass above Alta on Monday afternoon. It works out good to have work nearby and get a short afternoon loop in. This trail is great - the down loop was on service roads which were hard on the feet (harder surface than trails).

Cedar Hills - Hill Climb

September 19, 2008 (4 miles and 3,000 vert)

Decided to do a rough hill climb. The only reason I put this here is for those who like to get some short hill climbs in close to home. I take poles on this one to get upper body workout. I do 1 hour up, which usually puts me at 8,000 feet and almost 2 miles. I take 20 minutes to run down which burns the quads. See profile below.

Desert Running

2008-09-12T11:54:00.008-06:00

Even though this blog is for AF Canyon - I wanted to post a cool run I did this week near Palm Springs.

I ran 6.75 miles in the early morning until the summer temps were up to 85 degrees and rising and my water was running low. This is the Art Smith trail in Palm Desert - a cool desert trail that starts at 1,000 feet elevation and supposedly goes up to 3,000 plus. I wish I could have run the entire trail up to the higher elevations - maybe next time. Someone there had some foresight to put in a great local trail network.

Check out the pictures - there were oasis in the desert with palms and grass. It was the coolest thing. The trail weaved between large desert granite boulders and in and out of shady washes. Watch out for cactus and catclaw brush. After two miles I was the only human footprints, all others were mountain sheep, coyotes, and critters.

South Fk. Deer Creek/Ridge Loop

2008-09-05T15:02:00.003-06:00

September 5, 2008
A good standard fast loop. This loop is one of my standard 8 mile loop runs (actually 8.25 miles) with about 2,300 feet elevation gain. All the trails are fast and smooth (except TR189 in parts) and all runnable - so for you faster runners, there's nothing slowing you down here. Temps were perfect 50 degree cool at 6AM - now back to running shorts weather in the morning, but light long-sleeved shirt is needed. Still some light frost in places.

Started at TR189 and ran up the Alpine Loop Summit Trail-head. Took South Fork Deer Creek Trail (TR252) down and back up to the Ridge Trail. Ran Ridge down to Pine Hollow and across on the GWT back to the car. My legs still tired from yesterday's runs.

Lower TR189 continues to be troublesome -especially in the dark. Now it's moist and crater-ed by horses, making it difficult to run. It'll definitely strengthen your ankles - oh, and the nettle will get you.

My fast 8.25 mile loop

Alta Utah - Catherine's Pass Run

2008-09-05T14:26:00.003-06:00

September 4, 2008
After my 12 mile run this morning I thought it would be fun to put in a quick run after work. I had never been up Catherine's Pass above Alta Ski Resort, so I headed up. A great trail, I wish I had brought my camera. Beautiful views at the top (10,500 ft). It was about 3.5 miles total - my legs were tired, but the trail conditions and views kept me running. This trail runs along a small part of the Wasatch 100 trail at the highest point in the race at mile 80 and looks over into American Fork Canyon.

Ridge/Tibble Fork Trail Out&Back Loop

2008-09-04T12:00:00.002-06:00

September 4, 2008
A fantastic 12.5 mile run variation of the standard trails - with a loop at the end. Total vertical elevation gain was about 3,000 feet -see the profile.

Today started my run at the GWT road crossing, ran up the upper Pine Hollow Trial and connected to the Ridge Trail. Followed the Ridge Trail to the four-way junction and dropped down on the Tibble Fork Trail to the lower junction w/Mud Springs Trail. Ran up the connector trail and climbed up Chain Break Trail. From there took the Elk Trail (new) over to Mill Canyon Trail. Climbed up to the lazy hunters' parking lot/campground at the summit of Mill Canyon and followed the Ridge Trail back down to Pine Hollow and back to the GWT.

I ran into the standard Tues/Thurs morning bikers. I ran with them for a while, leaving two of them in the dust at the Pine Hollow climb and chasing the first guy. I ran into them again at Mill Canyon. It's always fun to chase down the bikes riding the hard climbs. When I rode -esp on the granny gear climbs- I always though "I could walk faster than this," and it's true.

I made good time today, the trails are in perfect condition and the morning was crisp and clear. My favorite is the new Elk Trail. I did spook a herd of elk at the base of Chain Break Trail - they are huge and move fast. The bow hunters are out in force, so watch out - put away those deer antler running hats (I would hate to see an AF Canyon runner get pegged - my uncle did in AZ a few years back).

A perfect 12.5 miles, covering some of the best terrain in AF.

Bear Hollow/Pine Hollow Loop

2008-09-02T13:25:00.006-06:00

September 2, 2008

To bring in the new month ran an old standard this morning. About 6.6 miles with about 2,200 ft elevation gain. The GPS reception was going into spasms again - Bear Hollow is bad for reception - it's dark thick pine forest with canyon walls may block any signal.

This loop is a great quick training run. Start at Mutual Dell and take the Bear Hollow Trail up to the Timpanogos Road (dirt) and down to Timpooneke Campground. The trail turns into the Great Western Trail - go past Timpooneke Trail Head and past Salamander Flats and down the Pine Hollow Trail, back to Mutual Dell.

Bear Hollow Trail was rain washed and rocky, but it's never a good trail anyways. All other trails were in good condition - nice and tacky moist. They should be perfect after today's sun.

It was sub-freezing in the mountain meadows - some meadows were completely draped in white. Everything was moist and cold from the recent cold front. Time to start taking the cold weather clothes in the car.

A good standard 6.6 mile loop

Hardly Worth Posting

2008-09-02T13:17:00.007-06:00

August 30, 2008

Ran the ridge trail down from the summit of Alpine Loop to Mutual Dell, via the Pine Hollow Trail. Not quite 4 miles mostly fast downhill on good trails. It was oddly hot an dusty that night.

The only reason I mention this is that it was fun to run this portion of trail in the dark. My family dropped me off (after an Aspen Grove hike). I planned to run longer, but there was lightning in the west sky. I had no idea of how far away it was - thunder may or may not be a good indication, depending on the wind. I knew a crazy cold front was supposed to move in that night - so I headed straight down the mountain in -most likely my record time for dark running.

I had done Timp Cave toting my smallest boy Friday PM, hiked with kids Sat morning and hiked w/kids again Sat night, then went on this run. It felt different running tired.

Mt. Timpanogos Run

2008-08-28T13:35:00.010-06:00

Run up from the saddle to the summit - there goes Ryan ahead of us all
Pictures are posted on: http://picasaweb.google.com/thaynerc/TimpRun082808
August 28, 2008

Ran Timp this morning. There were NO people on the trail, except for Ben Woosley (once record holder for Timp ascents). I ran with Anton and Ryan - I definitely slowed them down on the way up. It was nice to have other runners on the trail for a change.

My GPS was again on the fritz (it may be the satellites) - which required that I take estimated distances. This is about a 15 mile run with 5,000 ft vertical (don't take my word as official). The trail is in great condition and the weather was perfect the whole way, except for some 40 degree cold wind at the top.

I got a time of 1:59 to the summit and 1:05 back down - some room for improvement, but pretty good.

A video clip of the sketchy downhill from the summit:

More stuff on Anton's Blog: http://pilotboywa.blogspot.com/2008/10/what-have-i-been-doing-for-last-couple.html

Any Trail Contributions?

2008-08-27T10:12:00.009-06:00

For those of you who may have running trails that are not on my mapping system, feel free to send me you GPS files. I would like to expand my trail map database into the Salt Lake County canyons (Little Cottonwood and Big Cottonwood and Park City specifically). I have tried to acquire the Park City GIS system (Mountain Trails Foundation, but they won't give it up in GIS format). If you want to share GPS data and don't know how, just let me know - I'll get you hooked up. I can even take Google Earth files, which all Garmin products are compatible with.

Garmin has a web site called Motion Based, where you can share and view others' trail runs. It has a bunch of other sports on it too, so you have to do some refined searching to find local trail runs. Here are some of the local trail runners I have found:

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/user/jmoellmer

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/user/2dirtyshoes (a pretty good one)

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/user/laadeedaw (has a few runs)

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/user/dhaycock (for SLCo canyons)

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/user/ultraphil (I suspect may be Phil Lowry)

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/user/runfar (lots of local and non-local runs -busy person)

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/user/kris247 a few good ones

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/user/paptholamu

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/user/norrander

Here's my meager page - I'll post regularly to it now: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/user/thaynerc

7.0 Mile Fast Loop

2008-08-26T12:09:00.003-06:00

August 26, 2008
A good fast run today. Somewhat of a standard loop in the heart of AF Canyon. GPS says 7.0 miles with 2,000+/- ft elevation gain (had some GPS satellite spasms - reflected in the profile below). It was a perfect morning - almost warm for canyon AM temps. Ran with Anton today - he seemed to enjoy the trails. We're heading up Timp Thursday morning.

Started at the GWT road crossing and took TR189 up all the way to the lookout point. A good place to see the sunrise over the Sundance valley below. Lower TR189 was really loose and dry, somewhat difficult to run up. There was some bike traffic - the standard early morning mnt bike group.
Ran down to Alpine Loop Road summit parking lot and took the Ridge Trail north to Pine Hollow. This portion of the trail is in good condition - nice and fast, as usual.
Ran down and back to the vehicle on the GWT.

A Good Loop? Box Elder Peak

2008-08-25T12:39:00.003-06:00

I included this map with the route in black for planning. Start and Granite Flats campground. It seems to be a good trail combo, but very rough up and rough down, but maybe smooth going in-between - BUT I haven't been on the west side of Box Elder Peak, so I'm not sure what condition the trail is in. This would be 13 miles with about 4,000+ feet vertical (about). I included the 1,000 ft elevation contours with color background to show topo.

I've always wanted to do it, but haven't. What do you think?

Is anyone reading this?

2008-08-19T16:59:00.003-06:00

I guess this happens to all bloggers at one time or another - you wonder if anyone is reading anything you post. You also wonder if they find it useful.

Please let me know if you are, do, or don't for either question above.

Do I need to make the text obnoxiously large?

OK, I'm done.

Mill Canyon Loop Run

2008-08-19T15:31:00.009-06:00

PHOTOS: http://picasaweb.google.com/thaynerc/MillCanyonLoop081908

August 19, 2008
A classic that I haven't run much this year. This is a 12.2 mile loop starting and ending at Tibble Fork Reservoir, with about 4,400 ft vertical elevation gain. This loop is about as outback as you can get in American Fork Canyon without putting in more mileage and heading north. This loop touches on a part of the Wasatch 100 course route at Rock Springs.

Started at Tibble Fork Trial head (at the dam) and took this trail (TR041) up to the Mud Springs trail that connected me onto Chain Break. This trail is always good and runnable except for a few steep spots.

Took Chain Break Trail (no number) over to the Elk Trail (no number). Note to self: never run this in the dark - it's too overgrown and rooty, making the running slow and painful.

Connected onto the Mill Canyon Trial (TR040) for a short run up. This is a smooth somewhat flat ascent to a campground at the top where the Ridge Trail connects.

Jumped onto the Ridge Trail (TR157) and headed up a steep climb to Rock Springs. This trail is not for the faint of heart - when it's steep it's rocky. Thanks to the moto-sickos it's now completely destroyed (see pictures) - see my ranting note at bottom. On the bright side - It's good training for rough and steep terrain.

After Rock Springs I took the Holman Trail (TR039) that dives off from 9,500 feet to 7,200 feet in only 4 miles. This trail has been frequented lately by lost of moto-sickos too (never saw cycle tracks before on this trail till this year). This trail does have its very nice flat fast trail sections, making it an overall good trail. The views are incredible - see photos.

Jumped onto lower Mill Canyon Trail (TR040) and ran back down to Tibble. This trail is good and smooth, with a couple of steep spots. Mostly shady the whole way down, has GPS reception troubles here. This is a popular horse trail - so watch out.

PHOTOS: http://picasaweb.google.com/thaynerc/MillCanyonLoop081908

My Ranting: See photos on PicasaWeb - you'll see some of the trails completely destroyed by moto-sickos. I hope the Forest Service is aware of this - it seems they just put up with it and fix trails. I think that some trails are just not suitable for motorized traffic -they're either too steep and rocky or too wet. Plus, the backcountry shouldn't be a venue for moto-cross style riders - all at the expense of our trail system. I've seen too many mud bogs, ruined springs, tracked up meadows, deeply grooved trail ruts, and rock strewn loose trails like the ones in the photos. I have been on this trail enough to see the recent damage that increased moto traffic can cause. Is anyone with me? OK, I'm done.

A great 12 mile loop for those inclined to incline - a great rough trail in AF backcountry.

Timpanogos Run (with the masses)

2008-08-18T12:08:00.007-06:00

August 16, 2008

I'm not sure what I was thinking - run Timp on a full-moon Saturday early morning. The parking lot was full at 5 AM. It was a run with the night zombies coming down and noisy coeds going up. It was still a good run - and I posted my best time up. Going down was a challenge with all the people - I should have known. But still, a 1:57 to the summit and 1:10 back down, with all the people weren't bad times at all. Can't wait to get my times re-done on a quiet weekday in fall.

I started at Timpooneke camp ground trail head, adding a half mile to the run - total just about 15 miles (the times above were taken from trailhead to summit and back).

I did run into Woosley at the summit, making his 340 something-th ascent (see Davy Crockett's blog on Timpanogos http://www.crockettclan.org/blog/?page_id=97 - that's great reading). I ran past a couple other runners at the upper meadow, who didn't seem to interested in talking.

The trail is in good condition and the weather was perfect - the wind died down just in time, otherwise I didn't have clothing good enough for a cold windy summit.

This trail is one GOOD reason to trail run for me - this is where it all started in a 2004 training run with Jim Knight (his easy pre-Wasatch100 jaunt).

Happy running -

Pine Hollow to Chain Break and back

2008-08-14T14:17:00.003-06:00

August 14, 2008

Today it was good to get out and run - got a late start though. Today was a 10 mile loop(ish) run starting at Pine Hollow Trail head, with 3,300 ft vertical elevation gain.

Started at Pine Hollow (TR047) at the "S" curve and ran up to the Ridge Trail (TR157). This ascent is mostly runnable, but has some steep and rocky places.
Took the Ridge Trail for a while over to the Chain Break side trail (little known trail except to hardcore bikers).
Chain Break trail is a steep drop - on the profile it looks like a cliff. This portion of the trail is rough and steep and slightly overgrown.
I took a left turn over to Tibble Fork Trail (TR041) and headed back up the 700 ft climb.
Jumped back on the Ridge Trail and headed back down the Pine Hollow. Going down Pine Hollow can be very fast in places with the wide smooth trail -esp the upper sections. Lower down there are some steep and rocky spots to slow you down.
Temps were mild today - 50-60 degrees at 6AM - still shorts weather.

Fast Running

2008-08-12T12:31:00.005-06:00

A fast 6.5 mile run on the standard trails. I forgot my GPS, so had to use the map for mileage. This is a fast combination of trails - not much elevation gain. August 12, 2008.

Start at Timpooneke and take GWT to Pine Hollow and around to the Ridge Trail. Took the Ridge Trail to the summit of the Alpine Loop and back down via the Horse Flat Trail (TR189) back to Timpooneke trail head.

All the trails are in great condition - not too dusty, but nice and compacted. The plant cover is dying off - hints of Fall (there was frost -no kidding- at 8,000 ft meadows). TR189 is looser than usual - kinda like a recently tilled garden, deep and loose and earthy. Watch the roots and buried rocks. The stinging nettle WILL get you on the switchback part of trail 189.

Happy running -

Side note: I was out last week in the Nevada desert (105 degrees) for work AND sick with head cold (good timing), so I took a week off.

Grove Creek Canyon

2008-08-12T09:29:00.004-06:00

August 2, 2008.
Not much to say -this is usually the standard winter run, but had to get a quick one in before 7AM. This is a good, easy access run about five miles round trip, depending on where you stop (and about 2,000 ft vert). I had a time limit, so had to turn around.

This trail is fast steady climb all runnable except for some steep spots. The trail has good views of the canyon (surprisingly better than you would think) with some exposed trail cut into the rock. There are waterfalls in the upper canyon with some good springs near the top. This trail connects with the Great Western that runs north and south at the top of the canyon. A good winter trail running option because of the south exposure.