This week we're going smaller but don't mistake smaller for easier.
Porcupine Ridge is one of those routes that gets slept on. Runners walk past the trailhead, chasing bigger objectives and never look back. It's small by Rockies standards, sure. A little guy. But don't let that fool you.
It's steep out of the gate, then rhythm changes as you gain the ridge. It's beautiful up high in a way that will briefly make you forget how much your legs hurt.
Short also means you can go again. If your first effort leaves something on the table, there's still time to embarrass yourself a second time.
This week, we find out who the fastest small mountain runners in the West are.
Getting there
Park at the Porcupine Ridge trailhead.
Alternatively, you can park at the Wasootch Day Use Area and run a few minutes on the Porcupine Trail until you reach the metal bridge over Porcupine Creek.
From the Porcupine Ridge parking lot, follow the main trail for 1km to the bridge over the creek. Do not cross the bridge. Water levels are too high right now to let you cross back to the start of the challenge. Instead, stay on the same (east) side of the creek and follow the small trail to the water.
Along the creek, you'll pass two short rock bumps in succession where the trail disappears. After the second one, you'll hit an intersection where a small, clear freshwater creek flows into the larger murky one. This is your crossing point. Hop across the small freshwater creek and you're at the start of Porcupine Ridge. You never need to cross the big creek at all.
It sounds like more than it is. The main hazard is wet feet if you miss your footing.
In yellow is the trail on the East side of the creek. In red are the two rock shelves/bumps, in purple is the small clearwater creek crossing. The star indicates the start of the challenge.
The Challenge
Porcupine Ridge climbs 670m over 3.2km. The first section is steep and direct. Expect to work hard out of the gate for roughly 300m of elevation before the trail mellows out and opens up as you gain the ridge.
Start your watch as soon as you pass the tree stump before the firepit. It is flagged with blue and orange ribbon.
The bottom of the trail is a little braided but it's flagged throughout. When in doubt, follow the most travelled line. There's no other trail up there, so you're not going to get lost.
At 425m of elevation gain you'll hit a short hands-on section; nothing technical, just a short chimney to hike/scramble up. It's marked with orange polka dot tape so you won't miss it.
Stop your watch when you reach the small summit cairn. It is located right at treeline where the views open up 360 degrees.
- Distance: 3.25km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 670 meters +-
- Where to Park: Porcupine Ridge Trailhead
- Surface: A bit of everything
