Teasing it out

Checking on the local secret stash

Puking. The good kind.

Bryce Canyon Turkey Traverse

Popping like a turkey timer

Counterclockwise.

Full disclosure: I don’t care for dams. You shouldn’t either. Recreate on wild rivers. Not fake lakes. Thought I’d try this anyway. First few miles were on splendid single track to a campground. That was that. Picked up pavement at a campsite and had delusions I’d finish this in 5 hrs. Hopped a guard rail and began a long descent through thick oak brush toward the Beaver Fork. It was steep and rather heinous. 

I anticipated low water levels with it being mid Oct. instead it was pretty full pool. So I had to trace the shoreline. But it was steeply cambered, rocky and strangely had thick foliage. More bushwhacking. Had to go uphill to get around a few cliffs eventually reaching a crossing a ways upstream.

The other side of the fork was no better so I went straight uphill to the ridge. Considered bushwhacking downhill to the next fork (Plateau Creek) but the ridge was open so instead I ran toward the reservoir. Eventually it cliffed out. Picked my way down a crack. And descended to the water. Once again, the stream crossing was a couple miles up. I decided to swim the 100 yds across (I know that’s tough for you Summit folks to comprehend in mid-Oct).

Dried off on the other side and started ascending to the last ridge to access the last fork on the other side. Mercifully the ascent had plenty of cow trails to follow. But the other side had some of the sharpest, densest shrubbery I’ve ever encountered. Somehow it had oak brush throughout, sage and cacti up top, and willows closer to the water. It was relentless. I contoured so I wouldn’t have to swim again. Hopped to the other side of the dry stream bed (Dry Creek) and ran up shore toward a pit toilet I’d seen on the map. Took a break here to remove cactus burrs that had burrowed through the sole of my shoe. 

Considered taking the road up here and just adding on an additional ~5 miles and 500ft of elevation but opted to trace the shoreline. It was a combination of slabs, talus and heavy water washed deadfall. Rocks are more stable than wood. Every time.

Eventually reached the salvation of the dam and promise of trails. Took some switchbacks to the top of a hill and ran south ~6mi on double track where I hit the highway. Had to finish out with about 5miles along there.

Scenic loop but good grief.🥴 I really underestimated this.

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Brent H

McPhee Res Circumnav

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Teasing it out

Checking on the local secret stash

Puking. The good kind.

Bryce Canyon Turkey Traverse

Popping like a turkey timer

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