Wellsville "Hikerog"

The Wellsville Mountain Range

Since we've moved to the valley I've heard many people talk about hiking this range and have always wanted to experience it myself.  My dear friend Lee encouraged a bunch of us to make a bucket list of trails we wanted to run and this was on many of our lists.  

Four of us were able to make it and had an early start before sunrise to beat the heat of the day.

The steepest part of the trail took us about two hours.  The trail was steep and thick with lush, green summer foliage.  When we got to the top we were treated with a beautiful sunrise looking over Cache Valley

View of Sardine Canyon from the top

Our first overlook stop for a group picture.

another great view of Cache Valley - at the top this was the view in front of me

and this has what was behind me.

It was pretty incredible to be up top and have Box Elder county on one side and Cache County on the other.  It was also quite the challenge for someone who has a slight fear of heights.  The strong wind made feeling balanced a challenge at times - but so worth it!

forgot what direction this was, but another beautiful view

We all wondered if this was here in memory of someone, or if someone was actually buried : )

The tallest peak of the Wellsville Range, Box Elder Peak

Where we'd been after making it about half way

The wildflowers were still in full bloom and were SO BEAUTIFUL!

on top of the world!

At one point as we were taking in the incredible scenery JoLynn said, "See, this is why we exercise and work to stay in shape.  Not to be perfect, or sexy or whatever.  It's to be able to do this!"  

Looking over the patch work of Box Elder County
Our fearless, motivating leader, Lee

Namaste!

Perfect place to hold the "mountain pose"

Heading down the other end of the range through Deep Canyon.  

Again, the wildflowers were in full bloom.

This was such a beautiful morning - perfect for the 13+ mile hike/run.  This little adventure put a whole new twist to runner's high.  I am so addicted to trail running and this was definitely a highlight of my summer trail runs!  How lucky are we to live in such a beautiful valley surrounded by all of these amazing places to explore.