Blog: Trail Adventure Stories

50 Miles in 4 Days As a kid I was part of a well organized Boy Scout troop. Our leader was an experienced outdoorsman (more like mountain man) and we learned a ton from every campout and outing. One Summer we planned a 50-miler to achieve one of the patches Scouting offers. We earmarked 4 days where we could travel along a route in southwestern Montana. The route included mountain terrain, rolling hills, forested sections, grassy knolls, and water features. We prepared for weeks before the packpacking adventure. We did pack checks to make sure we brought the right gear, we planned light weigh food and water rations, we planned for blisters and other first aid needs.We set out on the trail. Each day the column of boys would stretch out as some boys would pace ahead and others would lag behind. As we reached the pre-designated camp sites each day we'd stop, get a fire started and wait for everyone to arrive. We'd explore our new site, rest from the day's travels, repair blisters, cook food and more. It ... Read More

Polar Bear Plunge In college we lived in Provo, UT. There is a large mountain called Mount Timpanogos located on the Wasatch Front that you can see for miles. It has a trail system with one of the routes leading to the highest peak of the mountain which is just shy of 12,000 feet above sea level. The hike is 14 miles long round trip and has 5,300 feet of elevation gain. It's a considerable challenge.One summer, a bunch of us decided to take on the challenge. We set out early in the morning with day packs and a lot of enthusiasm. The scenery is beautiful and there is plenty of wildlife. We saw a moose munching in the willows along the stream. The trail has a lot of switchbacks because of the significant elevation gain: 5,300 feet over a 7 mile distance. We strongly recommend being in great shape to make the ascent.Around mid day we summitted the mountain and looked out over the Utah valley. It was a stunning sight! As we looked around the other direction we noticed the well traveled glacier on the oth... Read More

Flasher at the Hot Pots In college, we lived in Provo, UT. Near neighboring Spanish Fork there is a trailhead that takes you to a hotsprings destination we used to call the hot pots. I think they call it Fifth Water Hot Springs now. You park at a trailhead and hike in 2 and a half miles or so. The hike is along the Fifth Water Creek. When you get there you see some large (wide) pools where the hot water pours into the creek.We had gone to the springs a few times over the years. We would hike in during the winter in the snow. We only ever went in the dark but I hear the surrounding scenery is fantastic. One evening my roommates and a few other guys set out on a group date. All of us invited first dates who we thought could brave the cold and be OK swimming in the winter. We reached the trailhead and started the hike. We goofed around and tried to impress our dates as we got to know them. We arrived at the hot pots in the dark with a near-full moon. We started to shed layers in the cold to get to our swim su... Read More