This one, well... was definitely unplanned. I had originally intended to run out the Upper Loop and explore the un-marked trail off the top of the Upper Upper. Which I did. The rest of my run was going to be over to Cement Creek via 409 in order to get a solid 22+ miles in. Instead, the sun was shining and I was curious as to how long it would take to summit Mt CB from the back side. Or at the very least, connect to the resort trails.
When I started out, the sun was shining over the valley, my legs were feeling pretty good, and I was in high spirits. I cruised down through town, hopping over slushy puddles, excited to run on the soft, snow covered trails. Without training for anything specific, I had no need to rush, so I took my time. Taking some photos along the way, I tried to capture the feeling of the day.
When I started out, the sun was shining over the valley, my legs were feeling pretty good, and I was in high spirits. I cruised down through town, hopping over slushy puddles, excited to run on the soft, snow covered trails. Without training for anything specific, I had no need to rush, so I took my time. Taking some photos along the way, I tried to capture the feeling of the day.
The pines on the Upper held a light coating of snow and the air was still along the trail. Until I reached the Upper Upper, there were no other footprints to be seen. I was alone in this winter wonderland. As I neared the un-marked trail, I began to get excited. Where does it lead? is it an actual trail? How far will it go? All of these questions had to be answered, and with a little exploration, they would.
So the photo above, on the far right, with the dark log down across the trail... that's the one. The one I have passed by nearly a hundred times and had no idea it existed. (thanks Jake Jones for informing me) That trail is a hidden gem. It was not very long, maybe a mile at most, but it makes a great addition to the trails accessible from town. I'm still amazed that I have been running past it nearly every week for almost two years and was completely unaware of its existence.
Anyway, after about a mile it fizzles out and appears to turn into a game trail. Man made trail, game trail... whats the difference. I decided to push on. After jumping over many fallen trees, and trying to stay to the "trail", I finally gave up. I wasn't even sure if I was following it anymore or just running through the woods. I just stopped, stood there, and looked around. It was decision time. Do I turn back, run out Brush Creek Rd and up over 409? Or, should I just start going up and see if I can find the resort trails or even summit Mt CB for the 2nd time this week? The sun was shining, and I had never explored the back side of the mountain, so for me it was an obvious choice. Go up.
Anyway, after about a mile it fizzles out and appears to turn into a game trail. Man made trail, game trail... whats the difference. I decided to push on. After jumping over many fallen trees, and trying to stay to the "trail", I finally gave up. I wasn't even sure if I was following it anymore or just running through the woods. I just stopped, stood there, and looked around. It was decision time. Do I turn back, run out Brush Creek Rd and up over 409? Or, should I just start going up and see if I can find the resort trails or even summit Mt CB for the 2nd time this week? The sun was shining, and I had never explored the back side of the mountain, so for me it was an obvious choice. Go up.
Initially the climb was steep, so much so, I had to grab onto trees and fallen logs just to keep from slipping. (which, I really did not want to do since I already hurt my shoulder enough on Thursday's run) After climbing for a while, I started to get some good views of the south valley. The sky looked bright still, and I was excited to get to the top and see how much snow was on the surrounding mountains. It was hard to gauge how far I had to go, the entire back side of the mountain was thick with pine. Before long though, the trees opened up, and the summit was in sight!
There it was. But before I could get there, I would have to navigate some cliffs, loose scree, and some deeper snow. Not to mention, without the protection of the pines and the mountain, the wind became a major factor. With it came what looked to be a snowstorm. Regardless, I was close and at this point, determined to tag the peak for what "could be" the final time on foot. (there are no guarantees this year, I keep thinking my chances are running out just to find new opportunities and warmer than average weather)
As I got closer to the peak trail, the snow really started to roll in. The wind picked up some more and before long, it was near whiteout conditions. I stopped behind some trees one last time and pulled out my arm sleeves and put them over my hands for an extra barrier against the wind and snow. I had a feeling that this was going to be cold, and I still had a good 8 or 9 miles to go.
The scree on the final ridge was covered with snow, and with many of the rocks being loose, took much longer then my normal 5 minute scramble to the top. Nonetheless, I made it. Unlike Wednesday morning (see report & photos here) when I was up here watching the sunrise, today I could not see a thing. Visibility was down to about 25 feet. Squatting down to hide from the wind, I quickly pulled out my camera, snapped one photo, and was on my way. My 37th mountain summit of the year was in the bag, and my only objective now was to go down. As quickly and safely as possible.
Once I was past the more technical scree section, and back to the service roads, I was able to start moving. My legs warmed up and running felt easy. My face on the other hand, was starting to build up snow and ice. The wind was blowing the snow up the mountain, and depending on which direction I was running both numbed my face and blew snow and cold air up my under my coat and shirt. Even my eyelids were starting to freeze shut. I was ready to get be at the base already. If the snow and wind kept up, I might even consider jumping on the warm bus and getting a ride back to town.
The scree on the final ridge was covered with snow, and with many of the rocks being loose, took much longer then my normal 5 minute scramble to the top. Nonetheless, I made it. Unlike Wednesday morning (see report & photos here) when I was up here watching the sunrise, today I could not see a thing. Visibility was down to about 25 feet. Squatting down to hide from the wind, I quickly pulled out my camera, snapped one photo, and was on my way. My 37th mountain summit of the year was in the bag, and my only objective now was to go down. As quickly and safely as possible.
Once I was past the more technical scree section, and back to the service roads, I was able to start moving. My legs warmed up and running felt easy. My face on the other hand, was starting to build up snow and ice. The wind was blowing the snow up the mountain, and depending on which direction I was running both numbed my face and blew snow and cold air up my under my coat and shirt. Even my eyelids were starting to freeze shut. I was ready to get be at the base already. If the snow and wind kept up, I might even consider jumping on the warm bus and getting a ride back to town.
Eventually though, I made it far enough down and back onto some trails where I was sheltered from the wind. And like usual, the snow did not last. The sun came back out as I reached the base area and I could look all the way back up to the peak. Go figure.. I just happen to summit during the stormiest hour of the day. With the snow subsided (for the time being), and my Garmin only reading 13 miles, I decided I would take the road back to town. It would give me another 3 miles, but get me back quick enough to hopefully avoid another dose of mother natures fury.
In all, the run was just over 16 miles, had 4,000 ft elevation gain, and took 4 hours. With tagging the summit, it marked my 4th mountain summit of the week, two of which were Mt CB, and my 37th mountain summit of the year. My face did eventually thaw out. No frostbite, which is good. Just a story to tell and some photos to share. In all, a very enjoyable adventure for the most part.
In all, the run was just over 16 miles, had 4,000 ft elevation gain, and took 4 hours. With tagging the summit, it marked my 4th mountain summit of the week, two of which were Mt CB, and my 37th mountain summit of the year. My face did eventually thaw out. No frostbite, which is good. Just a story to tell and some photos to share. In all, a very enjoyable adventure for the most part.
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