A Red Rock Smorgasbord

While patiently waiting for spring to come to the Wasatch, I had three great runs this week on a work trip to Southern Utah.

Wednesday night I ran in Red Canyon, a fabulous 13-mile loop up Lossee Canyon, connecting to Castro Canyon via the Cassidy trail, and down Castro Canyon. An excellent run with a variety of terrain including stunning red rock, stream crossings, ponderosa forests, and high desert. The trailhead is just a quick 5-minute drive off highway 89 near Panguitch making this a perfect run to break up a drive to/from the south.





Thursday night I finally connected the Tom’s Canyon and Squaw trails in Kanab. This could be one of THE VERY BEST short (6 miles) trail runs in the state. Start at the Squaw trailhead at the north end of town next to the recreation center. Run through the La Estancia sub division (about a mile of pavement) and up Tom’s Canyon. Watch for where the trail leaves the road on the left and follow the steep trail to the top of the mesa. The trail is challenging, the scenery stunning, and the views of Kanab and the surrounding valleys spectacular. Once on top follow the ATV trail towards the towers and connect with the Squaw trail.





Friday night on my way home to Salt Lake I stopped for a quickie to Kolob Arch in Zion National Park. This relatively flat and speedy 14-mile out and back offers a number of stream crossing, stunning scenary, and of course, an arch!. Easily accessed from I-15 between Cedar City and St. George, another great run for when you are traveling north or south.



And tonight I’m back in Sat Lake looking at snow, patiently waiting and longing for spring...