8th Street - Road Running

Review

Run up a constant grade on the firm gravel surface of 8th Street / Sunset Peak Rd. for steady training miles. The road is often used by runners or bikers, but is open to vehicles as well; most drivers take it pretty easy and are generally courteous to non-motorized traffic.

Views of the upper foothills provide a good backdrop for the steady climb. For a “rest” of quads and calves, run backwards and take in the valley view behind you. The road cuts through the exposed foothills, and vegetation alongside the road consists of mostly shade-less sage so carry water if you’re going long distance.

From the Hulls Gulch Trailhead run 2.5 miles up to the 8th Street Motorcycle Trail parking area. Turning around here makes it a 5-mile out-and-back. You can also drop down the motorcycle trail, and return on Lower Hulls Gulch adding an additional ½ mile. Or, continue uphill another 2.7 miles to the Upper Interpretive Trail parking area. Return on the road for a 10 mile round trip, or cut over to run Scott’s Trail to Corrals, connecting to the 8th Street Motorcycle Trail and ending on Lower Hulls Gulch. This last road / trail option makes it about a 12 mile loop.