Tag: trail running

Dazzling Panoramic Scenery: Dante’s View to Mt. Perry Hike plus Badwater Basin Bonus!

Dazzling Panoramic Scenery: Dante’s View to Mt. Perry Hike plus Badwater Basin Bonus!

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Distance: ~8 Miles

Elevation Gain: ~2,346ft

Difficulty: Strenuous to moderate, depending on your fitness level. Trail runnable until you reach the top scree and talus portion.

The unofficial trail begins at the north end of the Dantes View parking lot. The unmarked single-track rim trail climbs and descends different ridges eventually leading to the peak of Mt. Perry (5,378 ft). The vast views in every direction are enchanting—across the valley to snow-capped Telescope Peak and down to the mesmerizing turquoise, emerald waters of Badwater Basin below.

Towards the peak, the loose scree and talus field get gnarly and may require a “4 on the floor”(hands and feet) approach. There’s no shame in stopping short if the rugged terrain becomes too disagreeable—the view is spectacular all along the way and at any of 3 false summits.

If you don’t have time to hike, Dante’s View is worth the drive up, especially at sunrise or sunset.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Lake Manly/ Badwater Basin with water!

Whether you drive by it or up to Dante’s for the bird’s eye view, you must visit Badwater Basin, especially now! The lowest point in North America and the United States, Badwater Basin, an expansive salt flat, is the remnant of a vast and deep (600 ft deep) ancient lake that existed tens of thousands of years ago. During the past six months, thanks to the recent record-setting “atmospheric rivers,” the ancient  “lake” has resurfaced into a 6-mile by 3-mile shallow (1 ft deep) “lake”. With warmer temperatures around the corner, the lake will evaporate before long, leaving only the vast, barren salt flat. For those lucky enough to see Lake Manly with water, that ephemeral glimmering experience will remain imprinted like a mirage flickering in our memories (and captured in our photos).

Happy Trails!

Couldn’t resist the once-in-a-lifetime yogi pose reflection photoshoot at Badwater!

Getting there: Dante’s View is a ~45-minute drive from Furnace Creek. Take the main Highway 190 route SE for 11 miles. Pass Zabriskie’s Point and turn right on Dante’s View Road (13 miles). Badwater Basin is a 17-mile drive from Furnace Creek via the 190, turn right on Badwater Basin Road.

Hike smart: Dante’s View to Mt. Perry is completely exposed. Summer hiking after 10AM is not recommended.

Zooming around the Zabriskie Point Loop, Death Valley National Park

Zooming around the Zabriskie Point Loop, Death Valley National Park

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Miles: ~7, options for additional explorations along the way in Gower Gulch, Gold Canyon, and Red Cathedral. You can also take the shorter, easier Badlands Loop (2.5 miles) for a quick immersion. If you’re not up for a hike, you can take the ¼ mile walk up a hill on a paved path to the lookout.

Elevation gain: 827 ft

Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on your fitness level. The trail is “runnable” when crowds are light.

Rated # 3 top hike in Death Valley National Park.

Among the most photographed spots in Death Valley National Park, Zabriskie Point boasts expansive views of yellow and brown striped hills, the badlands and salt flats beyond, and the Eastern Sierras in the far distance. Great for sunrise and sunset pics! I got there just before sunset so made it a fast zoom around. I’ve explored Golden Gulch before that’s worth it too!

The dance of light and shadow on the stark dramatic landscape is compelling in color and black and white. It’s obvious why this area was one of Ansel Adam’s favorite photography playgrounds.

If you look closely at the picture on the right above, you can see the trail tracing its way up to the ridge.

Fun Fact: Death Valley is the hottest place on earth and the lowest, driest place in North America.

Getting there: The Zabriskie Point lookout and trailhead parking lot for both Badlands and the Zabriskie loop is a 15-minute drive East on Highway 190 from Furnace Creek Visitor Center.

Happy Trails!

Exploring the Hurricane Rim and Canal Trail, Hurricane, UT

Exploring the Hurricane Rim and Canal Trail, Hurricane, UT

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Distance: Your choice— 1 to 21 miles

Elevation gain: ~1,437 (There’s a gradual ascent in the first 2 miles or so and rollers beyond. If you go down to the Canal, you’ll have the return climb.)

Terrain: Single track (A few areas of “exposure” –other than those, generally great for trail running and mountain biking, except as noted on the trail – beware “The Drop”.)

The views are spectacular on this trail—stretching out to ZION and dropping down to the Canal below. Just over a mile into the Rim Trail, you’ll come to aptly named Panorama Point. Here, you’re standing on the Hurricane Fault, one of the longest earthquake faults in the world. Before you, the expansive western edge of the Colorado Plateau and the convergence of the Basin, Range, and the Mojave Desert. The Kaibab limestone cliffs date back to the Paleozoic era when the ocean submerged the area.

At about mile 2.4, you’ll reach a junction to go down the Canal Trail or continue on the rim. I took the Canal Trail about 3.25 miles down and explored around there. There are many discoveries to be made along the way, including tunnels, historical remnants, and hot springs. (Unfortunately, the latter are now behind posted No Trespassing signs.)

There are a couple of options to explore here by foot or by mountain bike. There’s a sign at the trailhead with the details that I’ve summarized below. Hikers and bikers may find it somewhat disconcerting/comforting that the hospital emergency phone number is listed at the top of the sign.

HURRICANE CLIFFS TRAIL SYSTEM

Bowery Trail One-mile round trip hike that follows the Canal, going over a flume and through a tunnel. (Not exactly sure where this one starts.)

Historic Hurricane CANAL TRAIL Traverse from the Hurricane Hill Trailhead to Virgin Dam Trailhead – 5.2 miles one way. The first 2 miles are rated moderate. The last 3.2 miles are rated strenuous.

Mountain Biking the 21-mile “LOOP”

Canal/Rim Trail (first 1.8 miles), Rim Trail, Jem Trail, Goulds Trail, and Goulds Rim Trail. The “LOOP” route is typically ridden counter-clockwise. For a shorter ride of your choosing, you can opt to do an out and back or arrange a car shuttle.

Notes: Horseback riding is permitted from Virgin Dam Rim Trail to Chinatown Wash and on the Gould’s Rim Trail. This hike is exposed –spring, fall, & winter are probably preferable to hiking here in the summer heat.

Getting there: Go south about a mile on US-59 up the hill above Hurricane City. The Hurricane Rim trailhead parking area is on your left and marked by several cell phone towers.

Happy Trails!

Ps. I know some time has passed since my last post. I’ve been caught up in my adventures and have some serious catching up to do on my posts. Stay tuned and thanks for visiting.

Kolorful Kolob Arch Trail, Zion Wilderness

Kolorful Kolob Arch Trail, Zion Wilderness

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Distance: 15 miles RT

Elevation gain: ~2K

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous depending on your fitness level, definitely a little longer than your standard day hike, mostly smooth, sandy terrain, great for trail running

The trail begins at the Lee Pass Trailhead off of Kolob Canyon Road / Scenic Drive. You’ll drop quickly into the canyon (770 ft in .75 mile) and traverse through the forest on a gentle, sandy path for the first 4 miles or so.

And then it gets even better. Zion vibes without the Zion crowds. After descending another 1k ft, you find yourself surrounded by dancing aspens and majestic red cliffs. This is where you’ll get your first glimpse of lovely La Verkin Creek. Oh, my—a perfect spot to pause and take in all the beauty. I’ll be back just for it. Fall is a splendid time for this hike, but I’m sure spring and early summer are delightful as well.

Continue following the trail along the creek another mile or so until you reach the junction for Kolob Arch. This trail is less distinct and a little more rugged. The distant view of the arch (possibly the largest free-standing arch in North America) is ok, but wow factor is a bit muted without a blue sky backdrop.)

You can continue up the canyon to Beartrap Canyon and Willis Canyon or head out to Holob Canyon and Kolob Terrace Road.

There are 13 camping sites along the trail. Reservations are required and can be made online, but 2 backpackers I met on the trail told me that they were able to get their pass the same day.

Notes: Sadly, toxic cyanobacteria have been detected in La Verkin Creek. No dogs are allowed in Zion Wilderness (a good thing as dogs have been known to die within minutes of exposure to the cyanobacteria). Bring plenty of water as you can not filter water with cyanobacteria.

Happy Trails!

Revisited the trail recently to see La Verkin Creek show off her Spring look. She did not disappoint.

Funny wildlife encounter story. Well, it’s not funny if you’re the frogs or me. While I was “Wim Hoffing” it in the creek (careful not to submerge my head), I sat on 2 frogs in the midst of a tryst. Unfortunately, it would be their final, though eternal, encounter. (Gives new meaning to “happy ending”, doesn’t it?) In the meantime, as I was exiting the delightful natural pool, I almost grabbed onto a snake. There’s bound to be one in paradise, right? Notes to self, look before sitting and before placing a handhold. The harmless snake was lying in wait for the plentiful frogs. Little did he know that I’d arranged a 2 for 1 for him. Back on shore, a frog eyed and ID’d me as the culprit.

Other than that, the play/day was uneventful and beautiful. And, yes I still feel guilty about the frogs.

Zebra Canyon Hike & Mini Slot Adventure, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Escalante, UT

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Distance: 5.3 miles 

Difficulty: Easy, with some deep sand walking in a wash, minimal elevation gain (~390ft). Trail is unmarked, but obvious. Great for trail running.

Colorful pink and white striations on the rock walls give this canyon its name, but you’ll earn your stripes for immersing yourself in the watery slot canyon at the end. The hike is quite pleasant, but 100% exposed so it’s a “no go” on hot days. It’s also a no-go in monsoon season.

The murky water in the slot can be knee to neck high depending on how much rain there’s been lately. While the slot is only about 200 yards long, memories of your mini slot adventure will be enduring.

Getting there:  From Escalante, take Utah 12 E for 4.9 miles and turn right on Hole in the Rock Road, 8 miles on dirt road to the first parking area on the right. Cross to the east side of the road and follow the path.

Note: if you’re claustrophobic, or have fuller body dimensions, you may want to opt out of the slot canyon immersion as it quickly narrows to about a foot of body wiggle room.

Happy Trails!