Upper Wild Rose Junction

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Features Fall Colors · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

My favorite part of this run is just after the major hill/ridge crux where it flattens out into a few clearings before reaching the grand junction.

I recommend wearing ankle gaiters on this run to keep pokey weeds out of your shoes and socks.

Also note that, unfortunately, this run does not have clean air all year round. For the most part, it does, but there are times in winter when the nearby mining and refinery operations can be smelled here, especially if the wind is not in your favor.

From Wild Rose Park, there are several ways (ridges) that take you to the major junction overlooking City Creek Canyon and Ensign Peak. All are steep enough that I have to walk portions of them, except for the path featured in this run! Yes, it is still steep, but you can run the whole thing without stopping, if you train for it. Remember to keep your stride-lengths small and your effort low, and you won't have to walk a bit of it.

From Wild Rose Park, there are several ways (ridges) that take you to the major junction overlooking City Creek Canyon and Ensign Peak. All are steep but the path featured in this run is the most manageable. Yes, it is still steep, but you can run the whole thing without stopping.

From the junction, I recommend returning to Wild Rose Park via the ridge to the north (North Ridge to Wild Rose Junction) or the one to the south (South Ridge to Wild Rose Junction) of this one (the one you came up). This gives more variety to your run, and these descents are easier, because the trails are well worn.

Also from the junction, you could drop into City Creek Canyon, but as given by the line on the map, I prefer to run along the North Ridge of City Creek Canyon. The path shown stops at a T-junction. Going straight takes you further up the ridge on the Grandview Route towards Rudy's Flat while going left takes you to the trailhead at Woodbriar Way.

Lots of deer. I have spotted a few porcupines. I can also tell you that the most disgusting bugs only come out at night, well after the sun has gone down. Moths are attracted to your headlamp, so try not to eat them as you huff and puff down the trail.