Crimson Trail September 12, 2012

Crimson Trail has been a favorite trail in Logan Canyon for generations.  This beautiful fall day brought out quite a crowd.  We even had out of town visitors.  It was a typical Autumn morning and a bit chilly so jackets were in order, but as with most hikes, once we got moving, we warmed up just fine.

 We took the Riverside Trail from Spring Hollow toward Guinevah Campground.  It is an easy walk and we did the first mile in about 28 minutes.  Soon we found the Y in the trail and took a right turn which headed up the mountain. 

 There are switchbacks up this mountain as you climb about a thousand feet.

 It's good to stop and take rests along this part of the trail.  The ascent is very steep.

 We all appreciated a break to stop and breathe, and tried to find level places to do that.

 Finally we came to the last steep spot going up to the top.  Can you see two people in the background laboring up that hill?  The last time the Likin' Hikin' Ladies did this trail, there was snow in this spot.  It was slick and difficult!  We were glad it was dry today.

We decided that anyone can climb a mountain if you just take it one step at a time and can do it at your own pace.  It reminded us of Shel Silverstein's poem from Where the Sidewalk Ends:
 

Melinda Mae

Have you heard of tiny Melinda Mae,

Who ate a monstrous whale?

She thought she could,

She said she would,

So she started in right at the tail.

And everyone said, “You’re much too small,”

But that didn’t bother Melinda at all.
She took little bites and she chewed very slow,

Just like a good girl should . . .

And in eighty-nine years she ate that whale

Because she said she would!

 When you reach the top, you walk along the "China Wall."  It's not a good hike for those with a fear of heights.

 This rock jutting out is always a good photo op, but nobody wants to go too close to the edge.

 It's a long way down.

 

The fall colors were just beginning and made it a lovely hike.

 Our friend Sharon always has a good yoga pose to show and it's really impressive when you're this high in the air.

 The view across the canyon is impressive. You can see the matching "China Wall" on the other side.  It's about the same height as where we are.

 And the views down into the canyon, including the river and the road, are unmatched.

 It was fun walking through the lovely trees up on top.

 After heading down the switchbacks, we came out on the upper Spring Hollow Road.  The spring starts here and is very lush and green.

 We have been unable to do this hike for about a year while this new bridge has been built.  It looks, and even smells new.  We were glad to see it.

 This lovely waterfall is a slight detour from the road, but is always worth a look. 

If you go:  This is a 4.73 mile hike if you park at Spring Hollow, travel up the river trail and then onto Crimson Trail and back to Spring Hollow. Crimson Trail has a total ascent of 1,292.65 ft and has a maximum elevation of 6,354.99 ft.  It took us just under three hours.  Drive up Logan Canyon, watch for the signs for Spring Hollow Campground.  Park in the parking area before the gate and follow the signs for the Riverside Nature Trail.