The setting sun has elongated my shadow into something unfamiliar. It is beyond the shadow you would expect from a tall man, and something more alien. As I walk, it effortlessly floats across trail, sage brush, and late blooming wild flowers. It follows me silently and unwearied as I breath heavily with each stride. I have ascended nearly 3,500 vertical feet and still have 1,000 to go. My destination is Box Elder Peak, the highest point on Northern Utah's Wellsville Mountain Range (9,372 feet).
The Wellsville Range is one of the narrowest and steepest ranges in the country. The base averages a mere five miles wide while jutting nearly a vertical mile into the sky. The area is classified as Wilderness and enjoys protection from overgrazing which once devastated the hillside. This year's long winter has delayed the scorch of summer and I enjoy green fields and picturesque meadows of wildflowers along the trail.
At the beginning of the hike I leave my vehicle on the shoulder of Highway 89 and walk alone through the thick canopy of lower Rattle Snake Canyon. This section of trail is heavily shaded and resembles nothing one might expect in Utah. The scene could easily pass as being semi-tropical. The over-story is thick and broadcasts only small patches of light that swirl on the ground cover as the wind touches the canopy above. Vines and huge ferns cover the ground in every direction, a banana plant would not look out of place. The shade of this tropical paradise is short lived as the trail ascends above the treeline and the ground becomes infested with less hospitable plant life. Sagebrush and other prickly vegetation commit to scrubbing flesh of my bare legs. I withstand the torture as long as I can before digging a pair of long pants from my pack. It is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the decision is not easily received.
The weather service has promised me lightning-free skies so my plan is to camp alone on the highest summit. I enjoy solo camping for a few reasons. The lack of conversation clears my mind and allows me to remember that I am a part of something bigger than my daily routines. The fear of physical injury, improbable animal attack, and looming darkness remind me that I am alive and fragile. Lastly, I have always been good at entertaining myself and don't let a lack of company stop me from experiencing life. I do enjoy sharing experiences with others, but sometimes it is easier to plan around a single schedule, especially on short notice. Everyone is very busy with what life deals them.
I have packed minimally: No pad, no tent, no excessive liquids, minimal food, sleeping bag, a light jacket. I think back to last years Wellsville trip and my knees begin to shake under the remembered load they endured. The pack was a hefty 50+ lbs, comprised mostly of 11 liters of water. This time, though tired, there is a spring in my step as I grace the summit. The sun is now gone and I quickly scan the surrounding 50 yards for a suitable spot to sleep. After determining that there is not a single body sized patch of stoneless terra firma on the entire mountain I decide to curl up adjacent to the cairn that majestically declares the high point of Box Elder Peak.
Wind howls the entire night and will not cease until I climb off the summit the following day. Its company is welcome and keeps the healthy mosquito population at bay (I did curse it once when my empty sleeping bag was nearly blown off the mountain in the middle of the night). Morning comes quickly and I enjoy the sunrise. It is unfortunate that those who live in Cache Valley do not experience an actual sunrise. Living in the shadows of tall mountain peaks rob us of that experience, which makes this moment even more stunning.
After meeting a few hikers and doing some exploring of surrounding peaks I descend to my vehicle and feel renewed. The Rattle Snake Canyon trail is a must-do for those who live in the area. A very small percentage of those who live here ever climb the very mountains that make Cache Valley such a cool place. The trail is moderate/difficult, 4.4 miles long, over 4k feet of vertical gain, and at a walking pace (with a few short breaks) can be tackled in a little over 3 hours.
Jul 26, 2008
Wellsville Range Solo Camp
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4 comments:
So just today I stumble on your post. Yesterday I did a similar climb only we went up to Stewart pass from the Cold Water trail. I have been to the summit of the Wellsville cone many times but age caught up with me and we stopped at the pass, ate lunch and then hobbled down again! Great story and great images on your blog. Thanks.
I just hiked the rattlesnake trail on Saturday for the first time. Like yourself, I was alone. It was an interesting experience. I waxed poetic as well. :) All the way up I thought of how I could write about the experience and the view.
(and what a view!!) Thanks for sharing your trip with us in cyperspace-Becca
I just hiked the rattlesnake trail on Saturday for the first time. Like yourself, I was alone. It was an interesting experience. I waxed poetic as well. :) All the way up I thought of how I could write about the experience and the view.
(and what a view!!) Thanks for sharing your trip with us in cyperspace-Becca
My husband and I hiked from Deep Canyon trail head to Rattlesnake gate just north of Sherwood Hills. We are older and it took us much longer, in fact losing the trail several times, was time and energy costly. We came down unprepared for the dark, on the steep Rattlesnake side. I would like to know where the other trails intercept from up on top. Are you sitting on the marker (rocks)for where Stewart's pass comes up? Do you know how many miles the full journey across is? Felt like many!!! I'd like to try it again in full daylight and start from the Sardine Canyon side!Breathtaking in many ways:)
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