I'm not sure what inspired me to try this trail, though I have been to the top of Grandeur Peak before I did it via Church Fork in Millcreek Canyon. This approach is from the west ridge, right off the benches viewing the valley below. My friend Rob & I hiked half way up before having to turn around as the sun was about to set, so the next day I gave it another go. The trail was pretty good, though I was quite fortunate to pack my Yaktrax to help with the snow packed sections on the upper half.
The trail is only 2.35 miles(one way) but gains about 3,300', needless to say in the upper half of the trail feels more like an endless staircase than a trail.
From dirt, to mud, to snow & mud, to snow. Lovely.
I don't know why I bothered packing a hat & jacket, I always seem to forget you heat up quite rapidly when you work this hard.
Almost to the summit.
The view from the top, Mount Olympus.
I-80 & downtown Salt Lake City(till I die!).
I felt better than it showed, I promise...
The view down into Millcreek Canyon. All in all it took me 1hr52min to do this round trip. My time & timing were good considering it snowed the next day.
Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteFWIW, the more traditional runners route ascends the ridge just to the south of the gully. Look for a small foot trail ascending very steeply just to the south of the trail you took up the gully. Take that route and you'll be up on the spine looking down at the foot trail in the gully to your left. Here is a link that shows the turnoff and the climb up the spine:
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2504163
I vastly prefer it over the route up the gully because it climbs much faster and has more stable footing. It's also the route of the MRC-ultra Fun Run in May.
Keep it up!
-mp
the direct route is much steeper initially, a definite beast. i think i prefer the easier way and so do my legs....
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