Running In Orem, Utah

While staying in Provo (50 miles south of Salt Lake City) on a business trip, I had the privilege of getting in contact with the Sojourners running club in Orem (just north of Provo). They showed me what a great trail system they have in the city, as well as a section that is easy to get to, offers great scenery and isolation while still being close to civilization.

The run in question is a five mile section of the extensive path system that leads up Provo Canyon starting at the mouth of the canyon, up to Bridal Veil Falls and back, approximately ten miles in total.

The trail is a paved pathway with no significant hill sections but a fairly constant 2-3% grade. This part of the trail runs between the towering cliffs of the canyon, set off from the highway that runs there as well. In most places there is a generous buffer between the trail and the road, so the impact of highway traffic and noise is minimized. There were a number of small parks strung along the trail that offered parking as well as washroom facilities. Along with the parks there are woods and small fields that if you are lucky as I was, you might see some of the local wildlife. I managed to catch a herd of ten white tail deer grazing in one of the small meadows during my run up the canyon. There are a number of "unofficial" side trails off into the hills surrounding the trail that would give the runner not only a great hill climbing workout but a number of spectacular views as well.

The Provo Creek trail is used by local walkers, runners, cyclists and in-line skaters year round and is well maintained. I was surprised to see that the asphalt was plowed the day after a small snowstorm. A unique feature of the trail is the trail markers painted on the pavement. The local running club (the Orem Sojourners) has accurately measured the distances and painted a series of small triangular markers on the path indicating each quarter mile, for those that want to run intervals or just want to measure a timed distance.

I started the uphill run at a very slow pace, in the late afternoon with the temperature about 38f. The mountains that tower over the canyon where spectacular, and I was in tourist mode. I'm sure that I was weaving all over the trail as I craned my neck back and forth, taking in the scenery, looking for wildlife and runners on the trails above me. Shortly after I made the first turn into the canyon, the warming sun was blocked by the mountain walls surrounding me and the temperature made a definite drop.

The trail was clear and dry for the first two miles but as I ascended further up the canyon the temperature had fell to the freezing mark and the path became icy with snow covered sections. By the time I hit the three-mile mark the ploughed trail had a covering of hard packed snow and it was cold enough to make me slip on my headband to warm my ears. The last mile was through another park area that was not ploughed, so I slogged through ankle to foot deep snow on my way to Bridal Veil Falls.

I passed a sign indicating a possible "avalanche hazard" posted on the fence where the final section of trail went. It added a little extra excitement to the run, but as there was little snow so far this year, the actual danger was negligible.

I ploughed through the final snowdrifts as I arrived at the base of the falls. The alpine cable car here can take you to the top of the mountain spring through fall, but it was now closed for the season. I stopped for a few minutes to take in the sights and re-hydrate. There wasn't a lot of water running over the falls at this time of the year, but it was still spectacular. I didn't dare stay too long as the trail is not lit, and it would be after dusk before I got back to the parking lot. Besides, it was just too darn cold to be standing around in just my shirtsleeves.

I retraced my steps on the return trip, enjoying the view from the different perspective. As soon as I got back to the ploughed section of the trail, I increased my pace, taking advantage of the down hill grade. I slowed on the icy sections fearing a twisted ankle, but picked it up again on the dry sections. A faint but full moon was peeking over the mountain tops as I attempted to catch a runner that appeared through the trees ahead.

I never did catch him on the trail but we chatted and shared some water while stretching out in the parking lot. By the time we finished socializing in the parking lot night had wrapped its chill cloak over the world, reminding me to get out of my damp running clothes and into a hot shower.

Needless to say, if I ever get the chance to return to the Provo/Orem area, this will definitely be a "Do Again!" run.

If you want more info on this and other trails in the Orem/Provo area, contact the friendly people at the "Runners Corner" in Orem.

By Mark G. Collis

Revised: April 13, 2004.