Olmstead Loop

The longest trail run I’ve completed. It kicked my butt. The trail itself was fantastic. Varying between large rolling meadows, steep rocky tree-studded terrain, and four creek crossings (two are small enough that they’re probably seasonal) this loop has a little of everything. While crossing the biggest creek, I almost stepped on a salamander. I wish I had my camera, I’ve never seen one like it in the Sierra Foothills.

Unlike the map direction below, I ran the loop counter-clockwise. I think my time would be reduced by running this trail clockwise. If you plan to run this loop, expect to share it with mountain bikers and equestrians too. Though during my two-hour Sunday morning run, I just came across one hiker, two riders on horseback and a group of three guys on mountain bikes.

Distance: 8.45 miles
Type: More hilly than I’m used to, two killer stretches
Surface: Trail