Shane's Favorite Running Routes - Crimson Trail

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul. ~~John Muir

The Crimson Trail - Logan Canyon, Utah

A lot of folks ask what and where I run.  To this end, I thought this would be a great way to demonstrate some of that information.  I will use Strava as a way to demonstrate the route and I will walk through the distance and route a little bit.

Links to Strava:

Crimson Trail
Crimson Trail
Crimson Trail - Scramble with Rufus

So the route details:

It is a loop basically.  You use highway 89 into Logan Canyon and turn off at the 3rd Dam road aka Spring Hollow Camp Ground.  It takes about 10 or so driving minutes from 1st Dam and has a parking lot of about 15 cars or so and no need to pay for parking in that lot.  If it is pretty busy, you can cross the bridge and the highway and park on the loop.  I have not needed to do that yet.



This has become a staple route of mine this summer.  I am grateful that Matthew Shoemaker twisted my arm and had me come run it with him while the snow was still on the trail.  I would say that you can either hike or run this.  Expect a steep 1st mile with ~ 750 ft of incline.  Once you leave the parking lot, head up to the campground gate and then keep heading up to the bridge that takes you to the trailhead.  The trailhead is about .2 miles from the bridge and the trailheads to the left

Junction on trail to The Crimson Trail.

Trailhead to the Crimson Trail

Ignore the cave face - trail head marker - Crimson Trail.

From this point expect the steep first mile and meandering switchbacks.  You start to get a glimpse of the glory of the wilderness as the local birds and ground animals quiet down as visitors enter their domain.  Take a few minutes to take in the views as you ascend.  A high view of Spring Hollow, 3rd dam and beginning to see the Wind Caves are all focal wonders.

After mile one things start to even out with a gentle set of rollers.  Keep your head straight and be present and mentally aware.  This is not so much a technical trail, but the features on trail can trip up even the most experienced runner.  I stumbled 3 times today introducing a friend to the trail.  A few lookouts are available both in the canopy of trees and you begin to see the great walls of fucoidal, limestone and other rock formations.  I like to run this at sunrise to capture the sun awakening the walls and tree and mountainscapes.  One of the benefits of this trail while running early is the solitude and being alone.  Logan Canyon is most known for this trail and at times it gets super busy.  I have been able to record a few vLogs on the trail and capture some 'zen moments'.

About 2 miles in there is a set of look offs that defy description.  So go get up there and take it in:

Once you have caught your vistas you are able to pretty much cruise down the steep grade down with a few moderate switchbacks and a lot of loose trails.  This is where I find I have to be the most aware and slip a bit and twist an ankle.  Be ready for a steep and prompt decline, but don't forget to stop and review the majestic walls that you were just on.  It is awe-inspiring if you let yourself take it in.

There is a space where you can take a right or left turn and you can see an open campground space below you.  Either way, you will loop back but I take the right option and head down to the riverside trail.  Turn left and follow the riverside trail back.  This is the fast part of the trail and you can just let your legs turn as you return back to your car.  Be careful through here.  I have been known to burn 15 minutes or so with other trail folks catching up or asking advice or route info.  Everyone has a story, so please take a moment and entertain, provide advice where relevant and help folks out.  IT goes a long way in ensuring folks return and treat our trails with respect and admiration.

Cautions on this route

Although a shortish 4.2-mile loop route - be ready for steep ascents and descents.  ~750 ft vertical climb in the first mile and ~900-foot descent in .5 mile on the backside.  Bring water if elevation or heat bothers you.  The trail follows a cliff span.  I think it is wise to run/hike it first before bringing kids.  Once you have completed the loop, then make your best decision on what age/maturity level is appropriate.  Some of the cliffs hold over 500 ft falls.  I am still nervous about taking my 11-year-old boy.  The plan is soon for a scramble/hike.  Also, it is single track so be ready for semi-technical and crowded sections.  UPDATE - THere has been a young moose scrambling around this area, so be aware in your adventures.

Be sure to bring a decent photo capturing tool.  You will not be disappointed in the run/scramble/hike or the beauty and scenery.  Below find some photos.  Happy running.  Give this one a go.  bend my ear and I may even come with you, even if I did the loop already and earlier in a day.  I'm a bit crazy like that.  Cheers.

Cheers!  Happy Running!