Bear Saddle - Ida Canyon

I threw my lower back out about ten days ago - during my Spring Break. That stunk! I had just got in my first 70 mile week and had big plans for the break to continue with high mileage and some great runs on the trails. Maybe it was the 70 mile week but the back went out when I bent over to take something away from my daughter before she threw it at my son - "Daddy has to go lie on the floor now." The back is better now - I couldn't wait to get out for a longer trail run.

Friday morning I got out for a 15 mile run and managed to complete a loop down Ida Canyon and up Oversite Canyon. Last time I attempted this I ran face-to-face with a large group of illegals and decided to turn around and go back. Great run - I am going to include this loop in longer training runs as it makes for a tough climb 2800 feet up to the Carr Peak Saddle. This was my first time running Ida Canyon and I was surprised to find the trail in great condition. On one section the trail was a bit overgrown and faint - this is where the illegal cut a long switch back and go straight up the ridge.

There is a spring about a half a mile down from the saddle. It was flowing but unfortunately there was trash littered in the waters and around the area. If there are enough volunteers next weekend - I hope to clean this area up along with the area at Bear Saddle. This spring is the headwaters for a favorite swimming area in the valley below. I take my children swimming there in late summer when the water is flowing after the summer monsoons.

Bear Springs