Category: Explorations

Thanks, Jud! Taking in the panoramic Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail, Telluride, CO

Thanks, Jud! Taking in the panoramic Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail, Telluride, CO

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Elevation gain: 1,300 ft (From 8,750ft to 10,050ft)

Distance: 3.1 miles, loop (Note the 2 ends of the loop are about a half mile apart)

Difficulty: Moderate ++, depending upon your fitness level and altitude acclimation, most of the incline is packed into the 1st mile either way you go.

This wonderful panoramic trail was the vision of former Forest Service Recreation Manager Jud Wiebe and it is indeed a vision—from the panoramic view of Telluride below, the mountains beyond, the aspen groves, the foresty vibes, and the wildflowers sprinkled along the trail. You’ll be breathless from the beauty and the thin air.

Ps. There’s a short offshoot waterfall trail here that’s a must do too. Post coming soon.

Getting there:  S. Take UT-46 E, CO-90 E and CO-145 S to N Aspen St in Telluride

Happy Trails!

Heavenly Hematite Lake, Silverton, CO

Heavenly Hematite Lake, Silverton, CO

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Elevation gain:2,615

Mileage: 4 Roundtrip

Difficulty: Hard— steep climb in altitude 10k-12k+

Hematite Lake, you had me at hello with your plentiful wildflowers, gurgling streams, and sparkling gem of a lake. So much quintessential Colorado beauty packed into this short, steep, sweet hike. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Note: The trail is single track consistent incline with few switchbacks; consider poles.

Getting there: US-550 S to Silverton, left on Co Rd 2305 ft, left on Greene St and right in CO Rd 2. The trailhead is 0.2mi before the bridge that crosses the Animas. The parking area is on the south side of the road, and the trail begins as two tracks that lead up a grassy hill. Soon it turns into single track and up and away you go. (There are trails beyond the lake to some mine shafts if you wish to explore further.)

Happy Trails!

Beautiful Bridal Veil Falls, Provo, UT

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Too many wedding guests, but if you’re up for the scramble to the bride, you’ll lose the crowds.* Since this lovely 607-foot-tall, double cataract waterfall is just off US189 within close reach of a metropolis (SLC), it’s heavily trafficked (overrun). More of an attraction than an excursion, this 1.4 mile stroll is on a paved and dirt path. It is literally a walk in the park with the added scenic bonus of the Provo River running alongside the trail.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5CeQgqmavo

*Disclaimer: Scrambling can be hazardous—a man fell to his death hiking here not long after I visited. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/07/19/man-bridal-veil-falls-utah-falls-death-boy-left-alone/8018440002/

Apparently, there is nearby trail to an upper falls – aptly named “Upper Falls”, but it’s unmarked and difficult to find—maybe next time.

Getting there:  UT-52 E/W 800 N and US-189 N/E Provo Canyon Rd and follow the signs.

Nice stop to stretch the legs if you’re road tripping to Sundance or Park City.

Happy Trails!

Otherworldly Fantasy Canyon, a roadside geological wonderland

Otherworldly Fantasy Canyon, a roadside geological wonderland

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A small, relatively untraveled, roadside attraction, miniature Fantasy Canyon contains some of the most unusual geologic features in the world. Here, 3 types of rocks (mudstone, claystone, and sandstone) eroded at different paces, creating wild formations that rise from the barren badland topography like a sci-fi city.

A short 0.6-mile loop trail will transport you into a bizarre world. You’ll walk by dragons, intricate gates, and alcoves. It’s a stone Rorschach experience—a place to let your imagination run free.

Speaking of running free, if you’re lucky, you might see some of Utah’s wild horses and pronghorn frolicking around this remote area. It’s quite a treat!

(What’s not a treat, is seeing all the oil drilling on BLM land.)

Getting there:
From Vernal take UT 45 for 25 miles southeast, then go south on the oil company service road. Follow the signs for Fantasy Canyon.

Happy road tripping!

Canal Trail & Santa Clara River Trail, Pine Valley, UT

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Distance: ~6 miles- if you car shuttle, ~12 roundtrip

Elevation gain: ~700-1k

Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on your fitness level

Terrain: Mostly a sweet, smooth single track trail, which is why mountain bikers are taking to it too

What can I say? Pine Valley never disappoints. These two trails are a lovely way to spend a couple hours immersed in nature and the fresh, delightfully cooler air.

You can pick up the Canal Trail in 3 spots:

The Cemetery Trail on the left before town will take you up and merge you with the Canal Trail on the rim, where you make a right. (Car shuttle opportunity–1 car here, the other at Mitt Moody Campground.)

You can take the Gardner Peak Trail to where it merges with the Canal Trail and make a right or left – it’s about the midway point if you only want to do part of the trail.

You can start / finish at the Mitt Moody Campground behind site 5. (A car shuttle is handy if you don’t want to walk the same path twice.)

Any route you choose will be pleasant – the Cemetery Trail and Gardner Peak Trail pack the elevation in the first mile and it’s gravy after that. The most gentle approach is the Mitt Moody start. Under the cover of Ponderosa Pine you’ll enjoy wonderful views of Pine Valley and the surrounding mountains.

If you prefer a a short, paved trail, the Santa Clara River Trail is a wonderful alternative or add on. This family-friendly, 2.6 mile out and back trail runs through the forest along a stream and to the reservoir. It can be accessed at Mitt Moody Campground or across from the Gardner Peak parking lot.

Getting there: Take 18N to Pine Valley