Beus Canyon Take I

About a year and a half ago when we first started running trails we hit the Beus Canyon trail. It was summer and a rain storm had passed through the previous night. The first two miles of the trail were covered in large overgrown ferns. It wasn't long before we were soaked to the bone and turned back. We have called this trail Fern Valley ever since. However, we didn't encounter any ferns this time. But we did get to traverse about 8-10 inches of fresh power.

Stats.

Steve, running up the Winter Wonderland.

Beus Canyon Trail is one of the few ways to access Mt. Ogden from the west side. It's about 5.6 miles to the summit. We were prepared to get farther up the trail with snowshoes and since we didn't have any enormous wet ferns to block our path we were optimistic. About two miles up we decided to put on the snowshoes for more traction. The snow was not deep but it was climbing and the added traction would help. It did, for about 50 yards. Then we lost the trail. We bushwhacked (literally, a few times) for a small distance. I was determined to find a way through the trees and brush but luckily Steve was the voice of reason and he convinced me to turn back to look for a switchback we probably missed.

Steve, chomping on some Bloks.

Sam, passing by the small waterfall and the small stream.

When we got back down to where the trail stopped we ditched the snow shoes and turned back up looking for possible switchbacks. We wasted a lot of time and had a lot of fun but didn't find the trail. When we once again hooked our snowshoes to our packs to prepare for the run down Steve spotted where the trail crosses the stream and switches up the other side. Beus had gotten the best of us again, even without the ferns. We vowed to return next weekend and finish the trail, now that we know where it goes.

I understand why people don't hike in the winter. It's relatively new for me as well. One might think, it's too cold or it's too dangerous or whatever else. However, once you've got the right gear it's extremely rewarding. The stillness and beauty is unmatched.