Trip Report: Camping and Trail Running at the Wedge
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Camping and Trail Running at the Wedge By Elly Campbell |
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| HIKE | 03/20/2026 | MSD |
| Participants: Kerry Regan, Frank Bouchard, Steph Stamm, Nathan Chaffee, Bryan Mason, Caroline Pickett, Caroline Pickett, Mike Redd, Elly Campbell, Danette Carleson, and Mary Friedman On an unusually warm weekend in March, ten WMC members headed south for the San Rafael Swell. On Friday, they parked the cars, and a few pitched tents at the Wedge Overlook Campsite #9. That night, the stars were especially bright with the moon appearing as just a sliver. In the morning, the full beauty of The Wedge could be appreciated as the overlook into The Little Grand Canyon was only a stone's throw away from the campsite. After breakfasting together, the members broke into separate groups. Danette and Maria were already on the trail, having started early to avoid the hottest part of the day. Frank and Nathan eyed a hike on Frank's map and set off on four wheels. Sharon brought her mountain bike and explored the area on two wheels. Caroline arrived just in time to join the other trail runners: Kerry, Bryan, Mike, and Elly. Kerry led the charge, and together they jogged a few hundred yards to the trailhead with Steph and the cutest dogs ever hiking behind. The main event was the run on The Wedge and Goodwater Canyon Rim Trail. As the crow flies, this trail could seem meager in miles, but thanks to erratic bends, it stretches approximately 16 miles. Mountain bikers, hikers, and other trail runners can be encountered along the narrow path. The trail runs mostly flat, with large rocks poking through the loose sand, making it best suited for intermediates. The route often runs parallel to the ridge, offering several gorgeous stopping points. If you're lucky, you may get a cool breeze to offset the hot sun. Bryan and Steph beat the worst of the heat by arriving at the shuttle at the nine-mile mark. Thanks to Kerry's thoughtful organization, everyone was able to fill up on water and eat snacks. Kerry, Caroline, and Elly ran on, with Mike hiking at the rear. The heat really started to crank up as the three women hit the half-mile mark. They finished the trail and began on the dirt road for the extra mileage. Steph and Bryan came as a mobile aid station providing more water. Elly rode back with them as Kerry and Caroline continued to pursue their marathon mileage. As the hottest part of the day finally cooled under cloud cover, Kerry and Caroline finished their marathon after getting creative on those last three miles. They found Mike, and everyone finished the route together. Nathan and Frank returned just in time as well, and everyone inhaled chips and a layered dip before starting the real potluck dinner. Kerry slept through most of the potluck she organized, but everyone made it to the sunset just in time. Actually, they all gathered at the rim almost two hours early, but the real view was gazing down into the Little Grand Canyon and trying to spot The San Rafael River. The next day, cars were buttoned up, and everyone followed Nathan towards a mysterious canyon. In said mystery canyon, there were fun scrambles and good conversation; however, at a natural amphitheater, it became apparent that some climbing would be required to continue. As an alternative, everyone drove up the road and ended the trip leisurely, hiking a few miles along the Calf Canyon trail. Hugs and goodbyes were said in the parking lot, and naturally, more WMC plans were hatched. |
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