Sunday, August 28, 2016

Adams Canyon Hike - Layton Utah


Introduction


This past winter, on my way to the Strider's Winter Race Circuit up at Weber University, I'd always pass by a certain hiking spot and see a ton of cars parked there and wonder, "Gee, what is there?"  

Today, I looked up on Google Maps and discovered the Adam's Canyon Trail was there.  This trail is easily accessible and can be found here.  It is less than 30 minutes from Salt Lake City and was completely easy to find.

The Hike


I parked my car and found the trail head next to the reservoir.  The first half mile or so is a decent climb.  It is also sandy.  The trail is well marked at this point and you just have to grunt through it.  It is also exposed, so expect to be hit by sun.

However, once you reach the top of the switch backs, the major climbing is over.  You'll go through some more exposed area before drifting into the canyon.  Luckily it is a lot cooler in there as the trees provide ample shade.

The trail isn't super well marked, but easy enough to follow if you remember one rule: stay near the creek.  Even if the trail veers off, just keep heading into the canyon and follow the river.

It is a pretty mild hike to the first mini-set of falls.  Don't be fooled -- the major falls are about another 15 minutes past the initial set of them.  Still, it was nice to take a break and watch the water trickle down the canyon.

You'll have to do some scrambling for the last 15 minutes.  The trail again isn't well marked, and some ways are harder than others.  But with some faith, you'll reach the final falls.  

The trail pretty much ends at the falls (about 2 miles from the parking lot), but I did see some people scramble up a makeshift trail to the left of the falls.  Beyond there, I think the trail continues but making that climb would be risky and isn't for the faint of heart.  

The trail is busy and largely family-friendly.  There are some sketchy parts of the trail and an accident can easily turn "bad".  There were several spots where a misstep could lead to a fall.  I have heard of accidents happening there so take your time on the technical spots.

Finally, be sure to bring hiking shoes or shoes you don't mind getting wet.  Granted, you probably could get by without getting wet, but for optimal photo shoots it was necessary for me to wade in the water.

Enjoy the photos!

With just a bit of effort you can get a view like this.

The trail head is near this reservoir


Heading into the canyon
















First set of falls














The payoff at the end -- Adams Canyon Falls













Part of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail



This Week in Running 8/21 - 8/27




DayMileage / WorkoutComments
Sunday57K Race at La Caille Restaurant
Monday1110 Miles at a very good pace. Surprised by this run
Tuesday7Just an plain old run.
Wednesday8Meant to go for a short run, but actually ran strong and further
Thursday7All easy. Just burning some calories. Kind of tired.
Friday4Just a 4 mile easy run.
Saturday20.5Long run. Went pretty well. 
Total miles for the week: 62.5 YTD: 1513.5

Week's Summary


Section of the Jordan River Bike trail where I do all my runs

I finally did it!  I hit 60 miles for the week with a long run.  And, most importantly, I felt prettygood all week.

After the previous week's races I felt like I wasn't going to be able to accomplish too much.  With the days getting shorter, it means that at night time, it is a little cooler and enables me to get a little further -- and faster.

The week's goal, however, was to get at least 60 miles in.  I have found that if I can have an "overload" week or two a month or so before a marathon of 60+ miles, I have better success at the marathon.  While massive miles don't make you faster, per say, but they do improve endurance and give you the confidence and muscle memory when you cross the 20 mile barrier.


Section of the Jordan River Bike trail where I do all my runs
I haven't decided if I am racing Labor Day weekend, so we shall see what the week holds.  I'd still like one more "overload" week before the Lake Tahoe Marathon.  Hopefully everything comes together.

Upcoming Races

09/03: Midway Swiss Days 10K - Midway UT (Confirmed)
09/10: Race to the Angel Half Marathon - Wells, NV (Probable but leaning towards doubtful)
09/17: Take it to the Lake Half Marathon -  Ely, NV (Probable but leaning to very probable)
10/09: Lake Tahoe Marathon Lake Tahoe CA / NV (Confirmed)
11/13: Las Vegas Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)
04/15: Salt Lake City Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed) (2017)