Running to the Provo Peak Summit

Provo Peak is one of the ‘Seven Peaks’ in Utah County along with (S. to N.) Nebo, Santaquin, Spanish Fork, Cascade, Timp, and Lone Peak. While peaks such as Timp and Nebo are often climbed, Provo Peak is quite neglected and rarely climbed, so much so that there is no actual trail to the top. The trail is very runnable up to about the 9,000 foot level, where you hook on to the West ridge and ride it (very steeply) all the way to top.
On this particular day, Danny Moody and I (Golden Harper) decided to start from rock canyon down in the valley. We knew this would give us over 6,000 feet of elevation gain and take quite a while (and also be relatively painful). We ran up rock canyon (trail 60) and followed it up to Squaw Peak road and took it to the big bend in the road just above 8,300 feet. At this point we started up the trail that led us to the West Ridge and eventually the top. We took some pictures on top amid the incredible views and the excellent visibility we had (the Uintah’s were easily visible to the east).
We made a decision to go down the North Ridge (knowing that we had never read any account of anyone actually trying this). Now we know why! It was quite the ‘experience’ to say the least and was the kicker in turning this run into a true adventure. That said, the views were incredible on the way down and also in the cirque between Provo and Lightning Peaks. After bushwacking our way down to Squaw Peak Road, we cruised back to the car and called it a day. Pictures coming soon.