It was a cool, windy, but sunny morning. This was my first opportunity to run the course that I had mapped out last winter. My strategy was to keep a steady pace, knowing that there was a long climb at the end. I chose not to wear my ipod in order to enjoy the sights and sounds of the high desert.
The starting line is on the road just above where you would enter the 2nd parking lot. I started down the road and turned onto the service road. The service road is a smooth fine gravel road almost like a cinder track; it was very nice to run on.
Upon approaching the Stamp Mill I moved onto the paved path for a short rise and then turned off onto another short dirt path.
After that I found myself on the main paved trail heading out towards Panorama Point.
It curved around a bit so I was careful not to twist my ankle. When I saw the sign for the point, I continued on the main trail which started sloping down. After a couple of switchbacks the route turned onto a dirt trail continuing downhill towards the ruts.
A jackrabbit shot out across the trail in front of me. I had to laugh thinking of the rabbit on our poster. This trail got progressively more “technical”. This is why my photographer, who thought she was on the wrong trail, turned back. 
The trail took a few dips and then dropped to the bottom after a very steep section. I have not run trails before so I did more of a “chucker hunt shuffle” down the hill than a run. It was here that I saw a marmot run across the trail. It also made me smile. From the bottom of the draw it was a climb back up to the Eagle Valley Railroad Grade Loop Trail. But it was not as bad as I thought it would be.
I would call the Eagle Valley Railroad Grade Loop Trail more of an old dirt road. I found it a little rough for switching from one side to the other, so I tried to look ahead to pick my lane. But then again, I don’t have any trail running experience. Once I left the Eagle Valley Railroad Grade Loop Trail I was on a short paved stretch down to the ruts again.
Then I met “the elephant”. The Accent Trail is a .8 mile dirt trail with a 370 foot elevation climb.
As hard as I tried not to, I must admit that I had to walk a time or two to catch my breath.
When I got to the top I came to this sign. Read it now, as you will be near the end and won’t want to stop.
I then had just a couple more switchbacks and ran past the wagons towards the exit road. I ran the short jaunt down the road, back to the 2nd parking lot and Finish.
Just for comparison, my average 5K time is around 25:00 min. I ran this 5K route in 29:20 min. I found this to be a very fun yet challenging run. Those who run trails will find it enjoyable. It is also a great route for those thinking about giving trail running a try.
But for whatever reason, I hope everyone signs up for Run to the Ruts being held on June 4th. It is going to be a fun time for all. But we need you in order to make it better. Yes, we even have room for those wishing to walk the route.
See you on the trail!
The pictures are great! So excited to run this!
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