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SALT LAKE CITY — While Utah might be most well-known for its snow, the absence of it provides an additional draw and allure to another group of people who share a similar passion for the mountains.
Trail and ultra-runners begin to flock to the upper elevations as snow levels recede and avalanche dangers disappear. The trails dry up and the foliage grows. High- mountain flowers — Indian Paintbrush, Larkspur and Balsamroot — dot the mountain landscape, welcoming the footed traveler as they make their way to stark summits above 10,000 feet.
Runners are capable of covering distances and summiting mountain peaks in quicker times than the normal hiker. Often done before work, dedicated trail and ultra-runners return day after day, week after week, “bagging” peaks in an almost addictive manner.
The question is often asked, “what draws a person to return to the mountains nearly every day, to suffer and work that hard just to stand on top of a peak?” Five local runners share the reasons that drive their passion for spending so much time in the Wasatch and Uinta mountain ranges.
Matthew Van Horn, a local elite mountain and ultra-runner, has been exploring the mountains of northern Utah for more than 20 years. His experience and knowledge of the peaks in the Wasatch and Uinta ranges is matched by few others.
“I return to the same trails and peaks because I see something new there every time," he said. "There are mysteries there waiting to be discovered."
Van Horn’s experiences, often shared with close friend and running companion, Scott Wesemann, of American Fork, Utah, goes beyond the physical challenge associated with climbing a mountain.
"I have climbed our local mountain peaks over and over again and each time I have a different experience," Wesemann said. "There is nothing quite like the pristine beauty that exists in our local mountains. The Wasatch offers lush forests, mountain meadows littered with wild flowers, thrilling ridge scrambles and incredible summit views."
Wesemann may have a better appreciation for the beauty and allure of the Wasatch and Uinta mountains than just about anyone. Spending up to five days a weeks, often times early in the morning before work, Wesemann has never lost the childlike wonder of being among the bigger peaks.
The mountains of the Wasatch and Uinta ranges bring out the most basic, pure aspects within each visitor.
“Spending time in the mountains speaks to an almost primal part of our human nature," said Matt Williams of Fruit Heights, Utah. "It's a place you feel like you were meant to be. Everything has a flow and a reason — the way a creek moves, a tree bends, or a rock sits. You simply get to be a part of it - not fighting or conquering a mountain summit, but moving with it, as a part of the ever-changing landscape."
As editor for an online running publication, http://trailandult rarunning.com, Williams has experienced trails all over the western United States. Yet, he will state that nothing quite compares to the Utah mountains.
On a recent trip to run up a mountain, Jennilyn Eaton, a local elite mountain and ultra-runner and mother of two boys, was asked if she ever becomes immune to the beauty and allure of being in the mountains.
“I never lose the wonder associated with being in the mountains," she said. "Instead of becoming immune to it I find that the wonder is magnified each time I return.”
Even with the demands of being a mother, wife and part- time employee, Eaton has set some of the fastest times in the northern Utah mountains than any other woman.
Josh Greenwell, of Taylorsville, Utah, takes a more practical approach in his outlook regarding the Wasatch.
"The main draw to the local mountains is the trail interconnectivity," he said. "I can start at the same trailhead every day of the week and end up with different routes, different distances, and different scenery each outing.
In the Wasatch you can't really get lost; head downward and you'll eventually hit a road. Since I'm constantly seeking variation in my training, sometimes I'll purposely go off-route just to find a new way back to my car."
Greenwell has used running as a trade for previous addictions. Pushing his body to new limits high in the mountains has allowed him to overcome personally weaknesses and replace them with positive influences.
The Wasatch offers a reprieve from daily stresses of work and family life, a sanctuary for those who find purpose in connecting with nature.
"I am not content with just admiring the peaks, ridges and canyons from the valley. I am compelled to wander and experience them firsthand," Van Horn said.
The wonder in children can be rekindled as adults through the glory that is the northern Utah Mountains. The trails, peaks, flora and fauna offer an immutable opportunity for rebirth for all those who choose to visit. Running the trails isn’t a requirement, simply making the effort to be a part of nature is all that is required.
Craig Lloyd is a local mountain runner and head of operations for Trailandultrarunning.com.
