I had Saturday afternoon all to myself and decided that I needed some trail time near Sun Valley.
I have wanted to do Adams Gulch trail for a while, but last summer, the high water levels had made some of the water crossings where you would have to get wet. So last year, I wussed out and did not do any of that. This year, the water is low and the trees are starting to change color, so with a little encouragement from the Elephants Perch instagram account earlier this year, I decided to hit up this trail.
The directions to the trail posted on the Blane County Rec site was spot on. It was easy to find using the directions posted. Turn on Adams Gulch road from Highway 75. I came from the north.
 |
| Adams Gulch Road driving from the north. |
There was a little road construction on the bridge leading to the trailhead. No biggie. The trailhead was packed with vehicles. This place really is happening!
 |
| Parking area |
There is a pit potty and a picnic table to the left of the photo which I didn’t get in the shot.
The trail was gravel, rocks and dirt. I walked quickly the first 3 miles and ran/walked the way back. I could have continued on, but it was cloudy, getting dark and threatening rain, so today’s trot was only a smidge over 6 miles.
The trail starts out wide but narrows to a skinny single track that is very brushy with bushes and trees and grasses.
I went right and stayed on the AG trail. The trails here are very well marked with signs at every trail spur.
The creek was a little too wide to long jump, so I crossed using the downed log. I felt like I’m ready to join American Ninja Warrior after doing that. My balance, and the log was a little shaky, but I made it WITHOUT getting wet feet! I’m proud of myself! 🙂
There was a fire that affected this area a few (11) years ago and there are lots of burned trees still visible. Since it was getting dark with the rain clouds above me and I was wearing a hat to contain my hair, my visibility wasn’t as good as it normally is. I would see a dark shadow out of the corner of my eye and was thinking it was a little bear or a person hiding in the trees, but nope, it was a burnt tree stump. It was a little freaky because I am a wuss, and on a quiet trail all by myself!
I turned around just after 3 miles. The trail was getting thicker and the tree cover was making it darker. Next trip I will start out sooner so I can explore more of the trail! Look at all of that gorgeous green!
 |
| post-trot |
This 6 miles was pretty easy. Just watch your footing for tree roots and rocks in the trail. I kicked one rock walking because I didn’t pick my feet up high enough.
 |
| Garmin info |
I wasn’t trying to be fast on this jaunt. I just wanted to get near the dirt trail and trees. Running back, my legs had the energy, but my back and lungs did not. I have not done much running lately. It was a very gentle climb for these 3 miles, although if I would have continued on, it is supposed to get really steep! I can’t wait to get back on this trail again to go longer then 3 miles up!
What have you been up to lately? Any good runs or trails?