Brian Skibbe

Brian Skibbe

Syncline Loop in Canyonlands NP

05/19/17

I did this loop as a training run on Sunday, May 14, 2017. The temperature was around 80 degrees. When doing it as a tempo run as I did, you really have to keep your eyes open wide and on the trail at all times, as there are many hops, skips, slick rock sections, jumps, and terrain variations to navigate tempo speed. There are definitely a few sections where you are not running, but rock climbing and bouldering. In these sections there's also some exposure, with steep drop-offs, so if you have acrophobia these will be sections where you'll have to face that fear. ;) Also, since I was running tempo, I really had to pay attention to the cairns, as there are many places where you can go off trail, or in the wrong direction, as there are quite a few gullies and dry stream beds, especially in miles 4-6, that run into the trail route. I ran up a these from time to time when my mind wandered and had to backtrack. Some guides say to take a map, but if you keep your eyes peeled, you will always be able to spot a cairn, as there are hundreds of them, yes hundreds, along this loop. HYDRATION!! Even though it was only 80°, I went through my gallon of water very, very quickly. This arid climate it really sucks it out of you....fast. In Kansas where I live, an 80° run up to 10 miles or so usually doesn't require a water stop, whereas on this loop I'd consumed my gallon by the fifth mile (with 3+ miles and 1000+ feet of elevation gain to go!), and was completely parched by the time I finished. This is a trail where people get lost and off-trail often, so this makes having plenty of water even more important. All in all, this is a wonderful loop, with lots of variation and scenery. Don't expect to set an 8 mile tempo run PR here though...lol. I did this loop in 2:26, and I'd say I was pushing it at 80-90% of my physical ability. In addition, I would definitely recommend wearing a trail-oriented shoe. If you wear a road running shoe, your grip and stability will be greatly compromised without off-road tread and a footbed designed to absorb rock impacts. #getouside!

5.0