Bergen Peak is a small mountain in Evergreen, CO that sits at the back of Elk Meadow Open Space. In spite of the fact that the summit is only 2 linear miles from the trailhead, the switchbacks on the trail stretch the actual distance to over 10 miles. I don't usually have time to do this after work, not that many people are on this trail during the week, and honestly it gets a little spooky when I don't see anyone for an hour on wooded trails. I usually run it on a busy day like the weekend.
Total run length is 10.5 miles, starting elevation is 7,600 feet, the top is 9,700 feet, with a total gain of 2,330 including ups/downs. Time today was 1:21 to the top, and 2:34 total. It was a particularly relaxed run with lots of stops for photos and just enjoying the day, since the afternoon was beautiful.
As you can see from the GPS track, the trail passes from meadow to forest and back. A good deal of the trail is soft-surfaced pine woods and is great for running:
The weather was looking a bit shaky early on, and this mountain often gets weather in the afternoon. Blessedly, the rain seemed to be everywhere else but this mountain. This view is from just below the summit looking southeast towards the western and southern parts of Evergreen. A good name for the town, I think:
During the descent around mile 8, the weather cleared up and the sun took the chill out of the air. After a cloudy and slightly breezy summit, it felt really good. My car awaits me at the very back of the brown meadow in the middle.
This shot is from the home stretch in the meadow, around mile 9.5, at the front of the park:
After I finished I went back down some trails to take some pictures. Some flowers are on the way out at this time of year, but there are always others filling in. These flowers were barely an inch around:
Monday, September 14, 2009
Bergen Peak Trail Run
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Hi Jeff,
ReplyDeleteYour site is a treat! I just came across it upon seeing your comment on NoodleFood.
I like the clear descriptions and spectacular pictures of your runs through the mountains.
What kind of shoes do you wear for these runs, and what kind of camera do you lug around for such extended runs? And do you run alone?
Your approximately 9-minute miles are impressive, given the terrain and altitude. I'm jealous!
I hope you'll keep on posting these Fun With Gravity reports.
--Ken Barclay
Thanks! I wish I ran 9-minute miles on the high peaks! In the name of honesty, I can do 8:30 downhill on rough trails, but uphill on steep high trails I go at about fast hiking speed, i.e. 12:00-15:00, even 20:00 when I get real high up. Bergen Peak is lower than some, so I can do better there. 10:00-11:00 average represents a fast run for me in the "hills".
ReplyDeleteI run in Brooks Cascadias, which I've used for years, and the cameras used to be Canon SD series (various models) but I've had trouble finding new ones that are sharp enough in the last year. I now have a Panasonic Lumix DX-FXC-150 which was OK until I dropped it; now, the left edge is a bit blurry. I'm looking for something better. I run "alone", but on established trails and most are pretty busy, so that means I may not see someone on trail for 10-20 minutes max. I'm pretty much a hermit anyway so solo runs suit my personality :) As long as the run will be safe I do it. There is always the risk of wildlife encounter, but I do what I can to minimize it.
I posted a shoe review on REI's web site as mtnrunner2: http://www.rei.com/product/764057
Here's my post on the camera woes: http://funwithgravity.blogspot.com/2009/06/canon-sd1200-is-blurry-images.html
And as long as I still have legs, I'll be out there doing something and taking photos!
Correction: My current camera is a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150. Boy, I really hacked that model number up on my first try.
ReplyDeleteHi Jeff,
ReplyDeleteI just noticed you map from Bergen Peak and I wonder what type of GSP did you use? I am trying to find model that provides tracking maps and altitude gain.........
I appreciate if you'll have a moment to respond.
Thanks!
Oana
Oana Cora - I wear a Garmin Forerunner 405.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I know, all Garmin GPS units record elevation data. When you upload this data to the Garmin web site, it will compute the total gain and you can view the maps, export data, etc.
The 405 is intended for running and does not have maps visible on the watch, however any of the handhelds such as the eTrex Vista Hcx do allow you to see maps while you are out on trail. High-resolution topo maps cost extra.
I recommend going to some place like REI where you can try the units out, because there's nothing like actually seeing it first hand.
Thank you for the info provided! In the past week, I've been using a Garmin Runner 305 and I must say that I am impressed....Indeed the Runner doesn't have maps visible on display, but I as soon as I installed a free software from Garmin website it showed the correct elevation gain and mileages from the hike I did last Sat @ Deer Mtn in RMNP.
ReplyDeleteI was going to return the 'runner' it as soon as I will get my Garmin ETrex Vista HCx from Amazon, but I am extremely happy with it and I plan on keeping it :) (especially that I need to get back on track as far as running goes)
I cannot wait to play with the new handheld GPS in couple of days (too bad that I won't have it tomorrow at Bergen Peak), but I will take the runner...
I appreciate the time you took to respond.
Take care,
Oana
Oana Cora - Great, have fun! It's also good to have a handheld GPS for the longer battery life, on a long outing.
ReplyDelete