Category: Running

Trail Running in Sedona

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Back in mid-February we did a trail run in Sedona using a combination of both designated and social trails. Early in the run we crossed these beautiful carved channels in the sandstone bed of Dry Creek. It had been a dry winter up until that point so there was no running water but still enough for a few pools that included reflections of the blue sky.

Channels carved into the sandstone of Dry Creek, Sedona, AZ.
Channels carved into the sandstone of Dry Creek, Sedona, AZ.
This is a composite of two photos. We each took a photo of the other then combined them. It works...
This is a composite of two photos. We each took a photo of the other then combined them. It works…

Farther along we passed this small reflecting pool. Since there were only the two of us the best we could do was to each take a photograph of the other running past the pool. A little bit of work in a photo app composited the two images and it looks like a real photograph!

Kahtoola Uphill Race

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Every year in February, Kahtoola sponsors the Kahtoola Uphill Race. The proceeds from this fun event go to Friends of Camp Colton. The race has several distances (1 mile, 600′ vertical; 3 miles, 1550′ vertical; 3.5 miles, 2200′ vertical) and categories (foot traction, skis, and splitboard). And, of course, costumes are encouraged.

Here are a few images taken of both the start of the race and as finishers return to the start.

The start of the Kahtoola Uphill Race.
The start of the Kahtoola Uphill Race.
Racers head up the ski runs of Arizona Snowbowl as part of the Kahtoola Uphill Race. Lack of snow resulted in some changes to the course.
Racers head up the ski runs of Arizona Snowbowl as part of the Kahtoola Uphill Race. Lack of snow resulted in some changes to the course.
Costumes encouraged.
Costumes encouraged.

Trail Run in Kelly Canyon

A few days ago we did a trail run down Kelly Pocket to the confluence with Pumphouse Wash. This is about 6 miles round trip. We started from the upper end and ran downhill to the confluence then turned around and ran back up to our starting point. It was interesting that my running times were about 1 minute per mile faster on the uphill.

Water flows through erorded channels in the sandstone in Kelly Canyon.
Water flows through erorded channels in the sandstone in Kelly Canyon.
Trees and sky are reflected in the narrow and shallow pool.
Trees and sky are reflected in the narrow and shallow pool.
A shallow pool in Kelly Canyon.
A shallow pool in Kelly Canyon.
Several larger pools can be found at the confluence of Kelly Canyon and Pumphouse Wash
Several larger pools can be found at the confluence of Kelly Canyon and Pumphouse Wash

We stopped to take some photos (maybe that was why the downhill was slower) of the canyon. It was nice to see that there remained some water in several pools and these were very pretty in the morning light.

The trail in Kelly Canyon.
The trail in Kelly Canyon.
This used to be a fun ramp for mountain bikes up and over the downed tree. But time has taken its toll and both the ramp and tree .
This used to be a fun ramp for mountain bikes up and over the downed tree. But time has taken its toll and both the ramp and tree .

In just a few more weeks the leaves will be changing color and this small canyon will be worth another visit.

 

Run, Bike, Ski

It’s great that one can do all three of these in the winter. Ski in Flagstaff; run and mountain bike in the deserts. We have done all three this winter with the emphasis on running. Here are a collection of photos from this winter.

Group of runners stand around pools of water (01/20/2024).
Group of runners stand around pools of water (01/20/2024).
X-C skiing at Fort Tuthill (02/09/2024).
X-C skiing at Fort Tuthill (02/09/2024).
X-C skiing at Fort Tuthill (02/09/2024).
X-C skiing at Fort Tuthill (02/09/2024).
Trail run on Sketch Trail, Sedona (02/13/2024).
Trail run on Sketch Trail, Sedona (02/13/2024).
Snowy run on Schultz Pass Road (02/15/2024).
Snowy run on Schultz Pass Road (02/15/2024).
Trail run on Margs Draw, Sedona (02/17/2024).
Trail run on Margs Draw, Sedona (02/17/2024).
Mountain biking on Little Rock Trail, Sedona (02/20/2024).
Mountain biking on Little Rock Trail, Sedona (02/20/2024).
Trail run on Lower Chimney Trail, Flagstaff (02/22/2024).
Trail run on Lower Chimney Trail, Flagstaff (02/22/2024).
Trail run on Woods Canyon Trail, Sedona (03/02/2024).
Trail run on Woods Canyon Trail, Sedona (03/02/2024).
Trail run on Woods Canyon Trail, Sedona (03/02/2024).
Trail run on Woods Canyon Trail, Sedona (03/02/2024).

Bonus photo from last year’s epic winter. Yeah, untracked powder!

Preparing to descend Flying Dutchman chute, Mt. Humphreys (01/18/2023).
Preparing to descend Flying Dutchman chute, Mt. Humphreys (01/18/2023).

 

 

Trail Run on Scheurman Mountain in Sedona

Last week we did a trail run on Scheurman Mountain using several trails to create a loop of the mountain. Along the way, the trail crosses a shallow canyon which often has running water.

Pano image of water flowing down the shallow canyon on Scheurman Mountain.
Pano image of water flowing down the shallow canyon on Scheurman Mountain.
Running on slickrock on Scheurman Mountain.
Running on slickrock on Scheurman Mountain.
GPS track of the Scheurman Mtn trail run.
GPS track of the Scheurman Mtn trail run.

With warmer temperatures it won’t be long until this running water is only a memory.