Aid Stations & Cut Offs

All aid stations will have water and Gnarly Fuel₂O Endurance Drink (Limeaid Flavor).

All aid stations will also have a limited supply of Spring Energy gels. There will be a mix of Awesome Sauce and Speednut with Caffeine and Speednut with Hemp Oil gels.

https://myspringenergy.com/blogs/why/why-spring

We are excited to work with Gnarly and Spring Energy and hope you are too!

Most aid stations will have a variety of fruit, salty food, cookies, or soup, etc. If you have any specialty food or beverage needs, they should be placed in your drop bags or provided by your crew. This includes any pain meds (Ibuprofen or Tylenol). Please don’t ask the aid volunteers for some, they are not provided by the race due to the known damage they cause to kidneys and the liver (speaking from experience here).

The Bear 100 is now a “cupless” race. All participants are required to run with something to hold hydration products. Limited cups may be supplied for soup.

Most (crew accessible) aid stations can be accessed via 2-wheel drive cars. The most difficult to access is Beaver Creek Campground (Mile 85.6). There is some driving on rough dirt roads, so be careful. There is limited parking at most aid stations, so please time your arrival shortly before your runner will come in.

The parking situation at Right Hand Fork (aka RHF Aid ~Mile 37) & Temple Fork (Aid ~Mile 45) is extremely challenging.

We love providing an incredible ability to view and assist your runner by giving lots of crew access locations.

See BEAR 100 AID STATION SHEET

As you can see at the link above, we have 6 crew-accessible aid stations plus 2 that are listed as “Pass Required”. That is a LOT of access, not many races have that many. We want to continue to provide this access and this is how we will do it for this year.

** IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR 2023 **

Crews may access ONLY 1 of these aid stations (RHF or Temple Fork).  All other crew spots are open to all crews (1 crew vehicle per runner).

So, we are implementing the following process for this year:

And as always, all runners must finish the race by 6:00 PM on Saturday (sub 36 hours) to receive the finisher awards and an official finish.

AID STATION FOOD

Here is a list of food to expect at all the full aid stations. They may also have additional items that vary aid to aid but this will be provided at all aids:

Gels from Spring and hydration drink by Gnarly (Fuel2O)

Fruit (Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Grapes, Oranges, Bananas)

Salted and cooked Potatoes

PB&J Sandwiches

Cheese Quesadillas

Trail Mix

Saltines

Granola Bars

M&M’s Plain & Peanut Butter

Potato Chips & Fritos

Instant Coffee and Hot Chocolate

Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Mtn. Dew

Pickle Juice

Goldfish

Pretzels and Crackers

Swedish Fish

Chicken Noodle Soup (Start @ Temple Fork)

Chicken Broth (Start @ Temple Fork)

Vegetable Broth (Start @ Temple Fork)

Detailed Running Directions

Start to Aid Station 1, Logan Peak (10.5)

The race begins at Hyrum Gibbons Park, 1400 East, 350 South, in Logan, Utah. From downtown Logan (Highway 89 and Center Street), turn east at Center Street in Logan. In about a mile the road goes up a steep hill, and then curves to the left, heading north. At this point it has become Mountain Road. Continue until you reach 25 North, then turn right, heading east. Follow this road to 1400 East, and then turn right. The park and start area will be on your left (east) shortly after you turn. The race leaves the park to the north along 1400 East. It then turns east (right) on 25 North until it reaches pavement end at the mouth of Dry Canyon. This is a rocky dirt road, which turns into a trail about ¼ mile up. Follow this trail up the canyon about 3 miles. There will be a trail that cuts off to the right. Take it. This is the South Syncline Trail. It goes around Little Baldy Peak and then becomes an ATV trail. There is a piped spring on this trail at mile 9 with a trough if you need to refill (slightly) earlier than the aid station. The trail goes in and out of aspen and conifers and then, after a steep climb, reaches the first aid station, Logan Peak, at Mile 10.4.

Logan Peak (10.5) to Aid #2 Leatham Hollow (19.7)

From the aid station go south on the dirt road to Millville Pass, where you begin a gradual rocky descent toward Millville Canyon. Ferry Spring (Mile 12.8) provides reliable water along this stretch. Soon you will be overlooking the gorge of Leatham Hollow as you traverse its slopes. The relief is impressive. At 15.2 miles you will see a sign for the Leatham Hollow trail on your left. Take it. Descend through the conifers on this very runnable trail all the way to the next aid station.

Leatham Hollow (19.7) to Aid #3 Upper Richards Hollow (27.9)

Upper Richards Hollow is a new aid station (for 2022).  The previous aid station called Richards Hollow was at the Lower Trailhead. This new aid station is now at the upper trailhead at the junction with road #052. It is 8.2 miles from Leatham Hollow. Make note that Cowley Canyon Aid station is no longer needed as this aid replaces it (for 2022).

Leaving Leatham Hollow aid turn north out of the aid station and go up the road for just under 3 miles then turn left onto Richard Hollow Trail (#019). This trail follows the hollow and climbs 2,000 feet in 5.5 miles.

Stay on the main trail going up Richards Hollow for about 5 miles. 5 Miles from the bottom of the trail, you will see the trail split. You take a sharp right, and climb up just over a half-mile to a road. Turn right and the aid station is right in front of you.

Upper Richards Hollow (27.9) to Aid #4 Right Hand Fork (RHF) (36.9)

Leaving the aid station drops you down the dirt road 1 ½ miles to another spring on the left (not always reliable),  just 1/3 of a mile before a shallow pass called the 4-way at Cowley Canyon. Turn right at the junction then head southeast on a dirt road. In 1/10 of a mile the road splits. Go left. Follow this road up and over a ridge (800 foot climb) for about 2 ½ miles, then take a left onto the first trail (#127) you come to (about ½ mile past the ridge) This takes you down Ricks Canyon. Soon a trail cuts in from the right. Stay left, and cruise down the canyon for about 3 miles, where you see the Steel Hollow trail come in from the right. Continue straight down the canyon and in a little less than a mile you come to the main canyon, and a trail split. Go left, down the canyon ½ mile to the aid station. There is a good creek right before the aid station that is very handy to cool off at.

Right Hand Fork (36.9) to Aid #5 Temple Fork (45.1)

Go back up the canyon. Stay left at the trail junction ½ mile up and go up Willow Canyon. In 8/10 of a mile farther the main trail veers left, then you come to a gate in another 3/10. Continue on the main trail and within a mile you will see the Ephraim Trail to the right. Continue straight up the main trail (stay left), don’t head to Ephraim’s cutoff. Continue on the main trail and eventually you will come to a road. Take a left onto the road and in ½ mile you reach Mud Flat. Sometimes there is a volunteer providing water at this pass. Descend down the Temple Fork road (forest road 007) for about a mile until you see a distinct trail at a sharp angle to your right. (This will be right before you hit a hairpin turn and the road begins to climb). Take the trail straight east. It will take you to a bridge which you cross and immediately turn left. Stop and cool off at the beaver ponds then enjoy the single track trail down to a parking lot. Continue heading west, now on the Temple Fork road (gravel) to the aid station one mile away at the junction with Highway 89.

Temple Fork (45.1) to Aid #6 Tony Grove (52)

Continue past the aid station on parking lot entrance road and carefully (!) cross HWY 89. About 10 yards to your left you will see a trail climbing the embankment southwest. Take it. This cutoff climbs around a shoulder to the Blind Hollow Trail. Begin climbing this trail northwest. 3 1/2 miles up the trail you take a right at a post in a wet meadow and head up past Hansen Pond (mudhole). Soon you come to a T at a dirt road. Go Left at the doubletrack road (Bear Hollow) and continue to climb. This rolling uphill section takes you through some stellar aspen groves until you reach the top. At the top is a junction where you will turn right. This is a well-defined single track heading east around the ridge and through a small gate. It’s just a few switchbacks on some sweet trail until you hit the ‘backcountry trailhead’ where the aid will be waiting.

Tony Grove (52) to Aid #7 Franklin Trailhead (61.5)

This is a long stretch so plan ahead. Leave the aid station heading towards the lake on a trail parallel to the road. The trail will soon cross the paved road and continue towards the lake but now on the south side of the road. Cross the road carefully and continue to head west towards the lake.  Soon, you will arrive at on the main trail to White Pine or Mt. Naomi Peak. Keep right, heading north on the White Pine Trail. In 1/3 mile you will come to a sign. Stay right heading to White Pine Lake. In about 2 1/4 miles you come to a ridge, then drop down into White Pine Canyon. In about a mile you come to a bridge. Shortly after the bridge you take a right, heading down the canyon and NOT towards the lake (sorry that you miss this beautiful lake). In a little over 3 miles you come to a trail split. Turn left, heading down (east), eventually crossing a stream, and ascend northwest (left), up to a pass full of Mules Ear daisies. Cattle trails braid the trail in this area, but the trails rejoin after the meadow. This area will be heavily marked, but there may be more than one path between markings with all the braids. Run downhill to the north through a very large field of Mules Ear, and then through some aspen. You will run down hill through some trees. Just before the stream you will turn right and travel through some aspens for less than a quarter mile until you hit a gravel road.  Turn left and the aid station is within view.

Franklin Trailhead (61.5) to Aid #8 Logan River (68.8)

Head north-west out of the aid station on a dirt road. Soon you will reach a trail, which splits after leaving the undeveloped camp sites in about 100 yards. Go left. You will quickly cross the stream and continue west toward some trees. You will encounter a T, head left, up and into the trees. After about 0.3 miles the trail meets up with a better trail at a T. Stay right. You are now on the Steam Mill trail. The next mile is steep and rocky. Then the climb moderates as it goes to the north side of the ridge in big conifers. The trail soon crosses to the north side of the stream and follows the stream. 3.6 miles out of the aid station you reach a fainter trail coming in at 120 degrees from the northeast. Look for it—it’s 100 yards before the main trail crosses the stream again. This trail will be well marked on race day, BUT IS EXTREMELY HARD TO SEE. PAY ATTENTION!! (If you cross the stream from right to left and see the old rusty steam mill boiler, you have gone too far). Take this trail (Shorty’s Cutoff) northeast until it reaches a pass and heads N through sage and underbrush. The trail goes into conifers above a sink and skirts the sink. This pattern repeats, bowl and ridge, bowl and ridge, as you move N. At one point the trail splits—stay left and continue contouring at roughly the same elevation. Continue N until you reach the Steep Hollow road. Turn right, and go down this road, to the Franklin Basin road. At the junction of the road, turn right and follow the smooth gravel road a half mile to the Logan River Aid.

Logan River (68.8) to Aid #9 Beaver Mountain (75.9)

Leave the aid station and run down to the river crossing. The river crossing is easier during the race than in July—you should be able to keep your feet dry. Follow the Peterson Hollow trail north to a point about 2.6 miles from the river crossing. This trail is heavily braided by cattle; there may be more than one correct way to go. This area will be well marked, but be assured that the braids converge and reconverge; all ways lead to where you want to go. At 2.6 miles from the river, look right. If its not dark, you will see a very wide drainage coming in from your right, sage on the south face, conifers on the north. This is your route to take. A good trail follows the bottom of the drainage, but the junction is very faint. Bear for the drainage bottom and the trail will become apparent. Go over a distinct pass and descend a rocky and steep trail, skirting to the north of Beaver Mt ski area and Long Hollow. 3 miles from the top of the climb and about 200 yards before reaching the Sink Hollow road, turn right on a what will be a very well-marked cutoff trail through the woods on a meandering trail to the paved Beaver Mt access road. If you reach a dirt road, YOU HAVE GONE TOO FAR, EVEN IF YOU SEE MARKINGS. THOSE MARKINGS ARE TO GO UP SINK HOLLOW AFTER YOU LEAVE BEAVER MOUNTAIN. After reaching the paved Beaver Mountain access road, turn right and run up the paved road a few hundred yards until you reach a dirt road to your right. Take the dirt road on your right, which will climb to the yurt and the aid station is at the ski patrol lodge, just past the yurt and north of and above the main lodge.

Beaver Mountain (75.9) to Aid #10 Gibson Basin (81.3)

Leave the Beaver Mountain aid station and go west towards the ski lift, then to the right of the ski lodge. Go South towards a power pole then drop down a hill towards Little Beaver ski lift. Follow the drainage down about ⅓ of a mile and make a hard left at the bottom of the hill. Stay on the left side of the meadow and follow the markings parallel to the road. You will soon cross a paved road onto a dirt road heading to Sink Hollow. In just 2 tenths of a mile take the left fork, this is sink hollow trail. Follow this doubletrack trail for 4 miles to the Gibson Basin aid station.

Gibson Basin (81.3) to Aid #11 Beaver Creek CG (85.6)

Run along the right side of the Basin for over a mile, then take a right onto a trail that cuts up and into the trees in a southeasterly direction. You are in the mouth of the Bear! Try not to die as the trail swings south and goes up a steep hill. Once over the top of the hill it is mostly downhill to the next aid station, partly on smooth trail, and partly on rocky trail. Step lightly on the bears’ teeth (rocks) and you just might survive. After the trail swings to the east you come to Beaver Creek campground and the aid station.

Beaver Creek CG (85.6) to Aid #12 Ranger Dip Trail (92.2)

Head east on the dirt road for about 2 miles, then take a right onto a trail that cuts back up to the top of the ridge. Stay on the main trail and in a couple miles you will get your first glimpse of Bear Lake, off to the left. You will also see Beaver Mountain Ski Resort to the southwest, plus White Pine canyon and Logan Peak—everything you just ran through (if it’s daylight). In a couple more miles you are in the open sagebrush, and you will come to a road. Go left, heading east. Listen for bugling elk. You climb up over a hill and drop down to see the Fish Haven Trail take off to the left. You will not take this trail! You will veer right on the road and in about a mile come to the aid station.

Ranger Dip Trail (92.2) to THE FINISH near Bear Lake (~100)

You follow the Ranger dip trail for about 5 miles as it takes you up probably the steepest hill of the race, Ranger Dip Liftoff, to a nice windy trail for a while on top of the hill. You head northeast for a while, getting better and better glimpses of Bear Lake. Then you drop down, quite steeply, to the east toward Bear Lake. You will encounter many switchback extending the agony as you head down through maples into Fish Haven Canyon. Cross the stream at the bridge (so you don’t get wet), then head east [turn right] down the gravel Fish Haven road for a mile or so to the new finish line.  The finish line is at Bear Lake Lodge Rentals at 681 Fish Haven Canyon Road.  It is on your right as you run down Fish Haven Canyon Road heading towards Bear Lake.  It is about .75 miles before reaching HWY 89.