The Stansbury Traverse
The explores attitude is a natural feel.
For as long as I can remember I’ve been drawn to places that drive me away from feelings of comfort. Im not sure what caused this anomaly but I’m happy to have learned it.
In June of 2022 my friends Zack and I attempted to traverse the Stansbury Mountain Skyline as seen from Grantsville, Utah. Zack and I met roughly one year earlier at the Connor’s Claim 29miler & ran into each other at the Logan Peak 28miler one week prior to attempting this route.
The skyline can be seen below.
The goal was to follow the ridge north to south and start/end in the same place.
In total 9 peaks, 16 miles & 8,200’ of vert. A relatively mellow day in the grand scheme of Wasatch trail running.
To start the day we needed to run up North Willow/Pass Canyon Trail to South Pass Canyon Peak. This was an eventful route find as the trails are badly maintained and mostly used by animals these days.
From there we kept traveling south to Little Pole Canyon Peak, it’s submissive summit can be seen below via picture right.
Heading south on the ridge we topped Little Pole Canyon Peak & received views of North & South Medina showing their faces in the Utah sun.
Below is photo of Zack taking pace on the ridge as my stomach continued to have issues.
From this vantage point I knew I was doomed for the remainder of the day. My stomach had knots, my water supply was getting dry, and my patience for the sun was low. Zack kept strong and pulled me up and over the Medina’s to bail. This guy has some stumps for legs honestly.
Below you can see the view of South Medina from summit of North Medina, and our exit ridge lower right.
South Medina picture left.
Straight down the ridge and to the left was the Stansbury Crest Trail exit.
Overall the trail back was gorgeous. Just what I wantted. An opportunity to run on and below a skyline ridge.
Zack taking off down the crest trail and back to the car. We had 5 peaks remaining but left feeling knowing we’ll be back.
