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Manti Sheep Trail 2011
It is with deep regret that we have been slacking on our trail runs this year. You want excuses? I have a full collection of them, (I watch the news and learn from the leadership of our country). But never fear, we are back on track. The Sheep trail was the first in a series of trips planned for the next few months.
Every time I consider a trip up the Sheep trail I go into the, “this trail is nice, but really easy” mode. Then we run the trail and it all comes back to me. What an amazing area, views off ledges and mountaintops that make you say “Really?” Overlooks that cover hundreds of miles, rocky meadows covered with flowers, the scent of Christmas whisking through the air from the majestic pines; I’m not helping my case am I. Did I mention that the trail had been washed out, and that the ruts were deep enough to swallow 38’s? That the trail leader became wedged in a rut and rock stacking was required? Ya, that was a little embarrassing, not really the best line on that section, but it made for a good adventure. Sometimes taking the “Hard” line will bite you in the ____ (fill in your body part choice)
The trailhead is a few hundred yards outside of Manti, to the south. The climb from the highway is steep and long. It winds through trees and eventually pops out to some open areas with staggering views. The high altitude point of the trail was on Skyline drive where we reached 10950 feet. With that kind of altitude comes the accompanying bizarre weather. We took a hard hit for about 30 min. Hail, rain, and some very nice wind and then it was gone. Hellooo mud! Really it wasn’t too bad mud wise; it was only a $6 car wash.
The route we used this year was from Manti to skyline drive then to Ferrin reservoir, down 12mile/ Mayfield canyon on what the GPS calls E Canyon Rd., and finished up down town Mayfield. We had a small but varied group of Jeeps this year. Link Hebrew brought his scrambler and a box of maps. (Thank goodness) There were 3 JK’s and one TJ. We made good time and were back in the SL valley by about 5pm.
You know how I always say how great the trip was, don’t miss it next time blah blah blah? Well it was, and you shouldn’t we all had a great time and escaped any and all damage, be it mechanical, sheet metal or mental.
Stay tune for our next adventure:
What about a nice night run out to the snakes, Rattlesnake then on to Black rock Canyon to Little Moab then home on Redwood Road. We can see what the time looks like after Rattlesnake and go from there. How about Sept 10th Sat night? I’m thinking we leave around 6pm and go till we drop.
Next up will be our annual Moab trip Oct 14th and 15th. It looks like there is a 5k run or something in Moab that weekend so get a room ASAP. We will use the Portal RV Resort as our headquarters again. Give Doug or his highly qualified staff a call if you would like to stay at the park. Tell him you are with Teraflex and he will take care of you.
435-259-6108. “take care of you?” hummm!
Wood Out
Moab Trail Run
We’ll post more details later but for now just plan on coming to Moab with us for our last trail run of the year. We’ll be headed down October 14-15th.
Drive onSeptember Trail Run
For our trail run in September we’ll be headed by Utah lake to run Rattlesnake. We’re going to make this a night run. More detail will be posted later, but for now save the date for September 10th.
Drive onTeraFlex Plus Trail Run THIS WEEK!
But wait, all is not lost, lets hit Manti instead. Same bat time same bat station, only we will head the other way. The trail is very similar to Providence, not that hard at all, but very scenic. The area is one to behold, if you haven’t been there you owe it to yourself. We will wind up on Skyline Drive, then drop down another canyon to come out. (yes it has a name, I just can’t remember it right now, give me a break).
So lets review, August 27th, we leave Teraflex at, 6:30 AM. We then head for Manti the trail starts just outside of town. If you are meeting us in Manti, meet at the Top Stop at 8:30 AM. Bring your own food/lunches whatever you’ll need that day. We will be back in town, SLC, by 7 or 8pm.
Lets do this
Wood out
