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...

Kanab Canyon Trail Run

I’ve been doing some work for Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, UT. Each month I’m required to be on-site for several days. When I’m at the sanctuary, my workspace overlooks Kanab Creek Canyon. For several months now, I’ve wanted to run up the canyon – today was my day.



After my last meeting, I quickly donned my shorts and shoes and was out the door. From Angel Village at the Sanctuary I followed the County road to where it dips down towards Kanab Creek (just after Angels Rest, the pet cemetery). From there, I jumped into the creek and began to run upstream.



There is one section of nice narrows, lots of tamarisk, and once you top out, wide-open terrain with a variety of jeep tracks providing a diverse selection of slick rock, sand, and cobble. You can choose to run in the creek or along jeep tracks depending on your fancy.



After an hour out I turned around, anxious to get back and celebrate the day by sitting in the creek and enjoying a couple of barley pops. This is the first day I have been warm in almost 6 months and I cherished the sun on my skin and the cool water on my legs. An excellent little run and recommended for anyone visiting the Sanctuary or passing through Kanab.



Next run - R2R2R on Friday. Can't wait....