Squaw Peak with CraigL and NateY:
I've lived down in the bubble (Utah County) for 12 years now and I can't believe I have never summited Squaw Peak. I deserve a big kick in the nuggets for that one. Craig and I met Nate at 5:45 at the Rock Canyon trailhead. The first half mile was a sheet of pure ice, so it is a good thing we brought spikes. The boys had a pretty good pace running up the steep hill and I tucked in behind them while they chatted away. After about 1.5 miles we took a left turn and wound our way up the back side of the mountain on a very steep, but well packed trail. Spikes were pretty essential and Je10 we saw cougar tracks. :)
About 3 miles in the full moon came into view as we popped out into an incredible meadow. We could see Timp, Cascade and Provo Peaks behind us and the valley floor below and everything was lit up by the bright moon in the northern sky. The last half mile we wound our way up the back side of the peak and topped out in about 1:10. Wow! That is a fantastic view. If you live down in the bubble you need to hit this one.
We picked up the pace and had a really fun run back to the cars. The spikes gave me more confidence and I ran faster than I normally would on the slick snow. As it got light the views of the canyon were sweet. I really enjoyed that trail and I will definitely be back.
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