Went to the Kolob visitor center, and learned about weather conditions - possible snow on Saturday night and sunny weather on Sunday, a high of 36 and wind gusts. 50 mph wind gusts... hmm well at least, I will not be on my bike in the wind I thought to myself. They also told me all the springs were dried out. Oh boy, not a lot I could do now. I had to either go for it or hold off on the idea that would plague me for awhile. This trip would be a lot more isolated the Grand Canyon rim, and there would be no halfway visitor center store and no cell phone service. I stashed some water and gatorade at Hop Valley just in case I would miss my friend.
Then we traveled to the main Zion's entrance and watched the sunset.
We went to the east rim trailhead and saw two trail runners who went west to east and finished in 11.5 hours. They told me there was no snow, they were fine with shorts, and from Lava Point to the Grotto was a long stretch without water. I really wanted to run in shorts, but looking at the forecast, it looked like the day I chose to run would be the coldest day in the week, so decided I better stick to tights. My friend and I found a great place to camp just outside of the park entrance. It was a windy night, we were looking at the stars, and it started to snow so I put the fly over the tent. Oh boy was I in over my head, maybe. I decided to wait to see how much snow was on the ground in the morning. I did bring some spikes, but was worried about trail finding if it snowed too much..
When I woke up, it was cold however there was no snow on the ground! :) My memory foam pillow was hard as a rock so it was not very useful. The first thing I checked was to make sure I could drink out of the hydration pack, and it worked! I decided to wear tights, my wool hat, ski gloves, ear cover and a neck warmer, short sleeve shirt, long sleeve shirt jacket and my biking windproof jacket. The biking jacket was nice because I could use the pocket in the back for extra storage for my 13 hours worth of fuel. I did bring some water purifying pills. I used Vaseline to help with chaffing, but brought some body glide too. We packed up the tent and everything into the car, my hands were cold, man I should have brought hand warmers. Had half a tuna sandwich for breakfast and a pb and banana sandwich in the car, and drove to the trailhead. The car said it was 16 degrees outside! I only filled up half of the hydration pack figuring I could replenish my water at the grotto.
I left the trailhead around 6:30, so I only needed a headlamp briefly.
East Rim Trail to the Grotto 6730 feet. 10.8 miles
The trail gradually ascended up 1000 feet on a sandy trail to the rim with views into Jolley Gulch and the east side slickrock areas. On the rim ran through a ponderosa forest on flatter ground for a few miles. After hiking over the rim of the canyon you sharply descend 2,300 feet down to the floor of Zion Canyon ending at Weeping Rock. I loved running through echo canyon, although running on the sandstone was a little rough for me to move quickly and the trail was at times difficult to follow. I was happy to be in this section in daylight, so I was able to see the rock cairns to help me navigate.
I decided to drink water and have 100 calories every half hour, just like I do in my ironmans. So at the first half hour I tried sipping on some water but it was frozen. Oh boy I spent the next 10 min trying to decide to run the 11 miles without water, but finally decided I needed to force myself to hydrate. So I stopped took my hydration pack out. The water in the main compartment was not frozen so I tried to open up the pack and sip water without spilling. I decided I would continue this procedure every 30 minutes, even if I was feeling good. This trail is too beautiful to not take any pictures while running through, maybe next time I can go without taking as many picture. I didn't see anybody until I was close to weeping rock and I saw a few people. At the base of the canyon, I saw a shuttle and decided to jump on for a ride to the Grotto-really didn't feel like running on the road..
At the Grotto I drank a bunch of fluid and filled up my 2 liter hydration pack and the straw was still frozen. I used the bathroom at the Grotto, then headed up Angel's landing.
Grotto to Wildcat Canyon Trail (West Rim Trail). 14.2 miles 3000 feet of elevation gain
Started ascending up to Angels Landing. Just past angels landing around scout lookout I met my friend, where we were in the sun and I had her take a picture.
She decided to meet me in Hop Valley. I gave her my ski gloves, stocking cap and continued with some light weight gloves and my ear warmers. I was a little nervous about having enough water.... The trail continued upward through the sandstone until I reached a plateau. The rest of the trail was mostly a sandy level trail with some great views to the west. Up on the plateau I knew my hydration pack should be unfrozen. I finally figured out the connection wasn't tight to the main compartment. Ahh!!! So much better! I picked up my pace. At mile 25 I felt like there was a rock in my shoe I looked and it was a blister because of sand. I think the small gaiters helped with keeping some of the sand out, but should have emptied it a little earlier. Oh well, just keep going. I looked at my watch I was at 7hours 15 minutes, traveling much slower than anticipated. Too many pictures and trying to drink my water without spilling it.
Wildcat Canyon 4.7 miles 500 feet elevation loss
A mostly level section of a sandy trail that wanders through a pine forest, and an open meadow. I was hoping not to see a wild cat. The flat ground helped to continue a good pace, and the scenery did not have much to take pictures of, so I made pretty good time. The fall would be nice, because there would be leaves on the trees. I was trying to conserve my water, because I was running low.
Connector Trail 3.9 miles 500 feet elevation loss
Continued heading west on a faint trail, through a forested plateau and then descended to an open valley passing a few random rock formations. Near the end of the trail there was a short sandstone trail section that added variety. Finally crossed the Kolob Terrace Road and made it to the Hop Valley trailhead, were I met my friend! Yay :)
Hop Valley 6.6 miles
Had a PB and banana sandwich and a little coke, gatorade and refilled my hydration pack. I felt amazing. However the wind started picking up here... just like what the forecast said. I reached a cattle gate, hopped over and started a descent into a beautiful valley with wide open views of the surrounding rock formations.. The trail was very sandy. I think they named it Hop valley because you have to hop over the stream multiple times. I wanted to get through this section before it grew dark. There was no way to keep my feet dry. I was worried my feet would be cold, but the sand would quickly dry off my feet....If I ever do the trail the other way, then I should bring extra socks.
La Verkin Trail 6.5 miles
Gradual climb until the last few miles, where the trail steepens and my hydration froze.
Reached trail head in 13.5 hours. I was done! But my friend's car was not at the trailhead. It was cold and windy, so I put on my windbreaker. I noticed snow and ice on the road. I realized that she couldn't make it up. Mentally and physically I was drained. My legs were exhausted. I knew I had to quick moving to stay warm. I started walking down the road, portions were super icy and ended up falling 3-4 times, and spraining my finger on one of the falls. I swung my arms a lot to keep my upper body warm. I was thirsty and hungry. I had no water. I had no food. I reached another trailhead where I could see the city lights. I knew I could make it to the city, so I kept moving. After the bend, I saw some lights. It was the lights from my friend's car. Then I saw the gate... I couldn't bend my legs to go under the fence nor hop up the fence. I stayed there to rest for a bit.
Went to the side around the gate and hopped inside my friend's car with the heater on. So wonderful! She gave me something to drink, some yummy sandwich, salad.... apple pie. I felt so much better.
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