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June Run of the Month – New Happy Face Loop

May 24, 2021 by Renee Jacobs Leave a Comment

The USFS has big plans for the Sawtooth area – constructing new trails, making trails to be more conducive to all users, decommissioning unofficial trails… Trail construction has kicked into full swing now that the forest thinning project is essentially complete. It seems like new trail is being added on a daily basis. The Run of the Month highlights the new Happy Face Loop, which offers some fun, flowy running that is rarely technical, and not too much climbing. It’s a 4 mile loop with about 500 ft of elevation gain that includes a visit to Bald Mountain, one of the 2021 Truckee Tahoe Peak Project peaks. This route is described below, and a map is available on Caltopo.com: https://caltopo.com/m/70V7. To export a gpx file from this map, click on “Export” on the top of the left side bar. 

Happy Face Map (printed from Caltopo.com)

Start at the Sawtooth Trailhead on the 06 fire road at 39.3101, -120.1915 (note the new bathroom and parking lot expansion to the south). Directly across from the new parking lot is the start of the Happy Face uphill trail, heading south, running parallel to and not far from the 06 fire road. 

The sign at the start of the Happy Face Uphill Trail

In about 0.2 miles this trail crosses an unnamed logging road and then forks. Take the right fork, following signs for the Happy Face Uphill Route.

Signage helps you find the Happy Face Uphill Route

Shortly before hitting the 06-04 spur (at 0.5 miles), the trail forks again. Take the left fork. The right fork is an incomplete trail that currently ends at the dirt road visible just a bit beyond. From the 06-04 spur, you continue on fluffy, freshly-constructed trail through fun little rock features and banked turns. You eventually merge with the old Happy Face Trail then hit the 06-06 spur at the 1 mile mark. More fluffy dirt and fun rock features await until you cross an old trail at about the 1.35 mile mark that might be familiar – this was a common route for accessing the top of the old Happy Face trail. If you want to extend your run, this is a good spot to do so – heading south will lead to the old Bald Mountain moto trail, which can get you to the Sawtooth, the Martis Camp Perimeter Trail, and even all the way to the TRT via the Big Chief Trail! Otherwise, continue across, curving to the east as you begin to ascend the south side of Bald Mountain. The impact of the forest thinning operations are very apparent here. The trail currently ends at about the 1.6 mile mark as of this writing, but might go farther when you are out there. Eventually it will continue to the top of Bald Mountain. For now, at the end of the new single track trail, look to the east and you will see an old road/double-track trail that heads straight up to the top of Bald Mountain. Navigate a short distance cross-country to the road, and head north to the top of Bald Mountain. Open your Eventzee app and log your peakbag for the Truckee Tahoe Peaks Project at the top!

A little hunting is required to find the start of the Happy Face Descent Trail, but eventually this should not be the case. About 200 feet west of the fenced equipment near the top of Bald Mountaint, look for faint footprints and bike tracks heading to the start of the trail on the north side of the slope. Obviously, gpx will help here! There is a sign marking the start of the trail.

This sign marks the start of the Happy Face Descent Trail

Or, simply follow the old moto trail that runs due west and catch the Happy Face Descent Trail when it crosses this old moto trail in about 0.15 mile (500 feet or so). This flow trail has steep banked turns and takes you to the old Happy Face trail. Turn right when you hit Happy Face, following the old, familiar flow trail with banked turns. Shortly before the 06-06, take the right fork. The left fork is the old Happy Face Trail that will take you back to the new Happy Face Uphill Route that you started on.  This section was constructed last fall and is a really fun ride for beginning and intermediate mountain bike riders. Open up your stride a little bit and enjoy the banked turns, occasional rock gardens, and jumps. 

One of the jumps on the new Happy Face Descent Trail
Rock Garden on the Happy Face Descent Trail
One of the jumps and banked turns on the new Happy Face Descent Trail

Eventually you merge onto the trail you started on, just before hitting the unnamed logging road, about 0.25 miles from your car. 

Filed Under: Run of the Month

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2023 Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon

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Join us on Aug 5, 2023!
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Oct
3
Tue
6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Oct 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
Oct
5
Thu
5:30 pm Evening Speed-work with Martin @ Coldstream Canyon Truckee
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ Coldstream Canyon Truckee
Oct 5 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ Coldstream Canyon Truckee
Join us for for Thursday evening speedwork for runner’s of all levels in Coldstream Canyon, Truckee. Run starts at 6pm.  Workout will be about an hour and can be adjusted to your level. Keep an[...]
Oct
10
Tue
6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Oct 10 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
Oct
12
Thu
5:30 pm Evening Speed-work with Martin @ Coldstream Canyon Truckee
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ Coldstream Canyon Truckee
Oct 12 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ Coldstream Canyon Truckee
Join us for for Thursday evening speedwork for runner’s of all levels in Coldstream Canyon, Truckee. Run starts at 6pm.  Workout will be about an hour and can be adjusted to your level. Keep an[...]
Oct
17
Tue
6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Oct 17 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
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dpmrunners

Join @healdsburgrunningcompany for a run (and plen Join @healdsburgrunningcompany for a run (and plenty of fun)!

📍 : @donnerskiranch 
⏰ : Saturday September 16th, 8am
🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♂️ : Judah Loop and continue on the PCT.
Run the Judah loop for ~6 miles, continue to Anderson peak for ~13miles (or further on the PCT if you want to go longer)
🗺️ : https://www.strava.com/routes/3135724872218937730
🎉 : Rejoin at the Donner Ski Ranch Old 40 Bar & Grill after the run (and there may be some sweeeeet giveaways...).
🙋‍♀️ : The Judah Loop is a trail adopted and actively maintained by DPMR as part of @truckeetrails' Adopt a Trail program

#unafraid #trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #lakesonoma #lakesonoma100k
Who's psyched for the Pt Mariah Trail Marathon TOM Who's psyched for the Pt Mariah Trail Marathon TOMORROW?!! DPMR is so excited to bring you this second edition of the race that promises to be bigger and better than last year! RD Chris Cloyd and team have been working so hard all week with final prep. The course is in great shape with some beautiful fun flowy singletrack. He said he'd love a few more volunteers so checkout the signup genius on our volunteer page, but otherwise wants everyone to please come hang out, cheer, and join the party! 
Unique to this race is the 5 segment course that utilizes a central aid station and can be done as a 2 person or 5 person relay, in addition to challenging yourself to run the whole thing solo!
Registration is still OPEN in person until 6pm tonight with bib pick-up at @tahoemountainsports with reg remaining open online til 1159pm. Race day bib pickup available in the morning 6-730am. No Race Day Reg. 

Thanks to our amazing sponsors this year, every participant will be eligible for a prize giveaway and get a pair of @darntoughvermont socks and @drinklmnt hydration.

#unafraid #trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #trailmarathon #trailrace #pointmariah #pointmariahtrailmarathon
Hey DPMRers!  We’ve got something special in th Hey DPMRers!  We’ve got something special in the works.  We’ve been collaborating with Alibi Ale Works to release a co-branded beer (YES!).   Join us for a social run next Tuesday, where we'll have the pleasure of running alongside Alibi's head brewer, Matt Garcia! We'll hit the trails together, and afterward, we'll gather at Alibi to brainstorm the perfect brew that represents our club.  And since the DPMR Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon is just around the corner, we're adding some extra fun to the mix. We'll also be assembling course markings during the event. It's going to be an unforgettable night! Hope to see you there!
🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Calling All Running Ent 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Calling All Running Enthusiasts! Join Us in Supporting the DPMR Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️
The Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon is just around the corner, and we need YOUR help to make it a roaring success! 🌟 This incredible event brings together the running community and showcases the determination and passion of athletes from all walks of life. Now, we are seeking volunteers to be an essential part of this memorable experience!
📅 Event Date: August 5th
⏰ Volunteer Dates: Several different shifts available from August 2nd - August 6th
🤝 We firmly believe that it takes a village to organize events like these, and YOU can be a crucial part of this vibrant community effort! No prior experience is required—just bring your enthusiastic spirit, and we'll guide you every step of the way.
📍 Positions Available:
1️⃣ Course Marking: Help ensure that the runners stay on track and have a smooth route to follow.
2️⃣ Finish Line Support: Cheer on our amazing athletes as they cross the finish line and celebrate their achievements.
3️⃣ Course Marshals: Guide and assist participants at key points along the trail, offering encouragement and direction.
4️⃣ Timing Assistance: Play a vital role in accurately recording race times and ensuring accurate results.
... and more! There are plenty of opportunities to contribute to the success of the marathon.
🌟 Not only will you have a fantastic time being part of this incredible event, but you'll also have the chance to bond with fellow running enthusiasts, make new friends, and create lasting memories.
💪 Together, let's show the world the power of community and support in making this marathon an unforgettable experience for everyone involved!
And remember, volunteering for a full shift earns you Volunt(HERO) credit towards the drawing for a YEAR OF FREE RACING (up to $1000) from DPMR!
Sign up here for a volunteer shift today! Link in bio.
Thanks to everyone who came out and volunteered at Thanks to everyone who came out and volunteered at the Diamond Peak aid station this weekend at the Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs.  Everyone out on the course really appreciated all of the support!!! Stay tuned, we will be posting the Volunt(hero) leaderboard soon!  In the meantime, we're seeking more incredible volunteers to join our team at the upcoming Pt. Mariah trail marathon, and we promise it'll be an experience you won't forget! 😄
Sign up today! No experience needed. Link in bio.
The heat is on! Our Volunt(hero) program is going The heat is on! Our Volunt(hero) program is going strong with more than 60 volunteers out helping runners get through our various aid stations this year. What is the Volunt(hero) program? The top 10 DPMR volunteers with the most hours logged in 2023 will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win free race entries for a year, up to $1000. We will be posting our leaderboard soon but only a few hours separate those at the top.  Adding a shift can catapult you in to one of the coveted top 10 spots to be included in the raffle.  So come and join us THIS WEEKEND out at TRT! There are still openings overnight, morning clean up Sunday, and sweeps for TRT (Double points for morning clean up).
All volunteers that work at least one 6 hour shift will be entered in to our lottery for a race entry in to the 2024 TRTER race. You get one entry for each 6 hour shift you work. Overnight shifts get a bonus with two entries! Winners of the lottery can choose the distance but 100 milers still must have a qualifying race.
And remember, volunteering for a full shift earns you Volunt(HERO) credit towards the drawing for a YEAR OF FREE RACING (up to $1000) from DPMR! 🔥🔥🔥
Sign up here for a volunteer shift today! 🙏🏻 Link in bio for more info!
Meet DPMR Board President, Diane Frederic! Diane h Meet DPMR Board President, Diane Frederic! Diane has been a DPMR member since the inaugural year (2014).  She has been a board member for 5 years with the last 3 at the helm. Diane loves a good joke and believes life is a whole lot better if you don’t take things too seriously.  She also believes that trail time is best shared with dogs and friends. And friends with dogs.  Diane is a recovering graphic designer but will come out of retirement for a good race logo opportunity (thank the cosmic forces for that!). Diane will be out on the course for the TRT100 next weekend - so if you see her out there, give her a big hello and high-five! Good luck Diane! #unafraid #dpmr #girlboss #100miler #paincave #yougotthis
Hey friends! DPMR is on the hunt for a trail-runni Hey friends! DPMR is on the hunt for a trail-running-obsessed artist extraordinaire to transform our boring old 3D foam sign for Pt. Mariah into a mind-blowing piece of art. Picture this: foam sculpture meets artistic genius equals immortalizing Pt. Mariah in your artistry.  The project consists of 30” letters, which are 4” thick, and spell Pt. Mariah.  The letters can be picked up in Truckee after Jul 3rd and need to be complete by August 3rd. This is a commissioned project with a budget of $500. 

Are you ready to unleash your creative beast? Then don't hesitate! Slide into our DMs faster than a trail runner chasing a PR. Don't miss out on this opportunity to create something truly legendary.
The Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs are almost here The Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs are almost here!!  Please consider volunteering with us.  We have many shifts available from Friday, July 14th through Sunday, July 16th! 
All volunteers that work at least one 6 hour shift will be entered in to our lottery for a race entry in to the 2024 TRTER race. You get one entry for each 6 hour shift you work. Overnight shifts get a bonus with two entries! Winners of the lottery can choose the distance but 100 milers still must have a qualifying race.
And remember, volunteering for a full shift earns you Volunt(HERO) credit towards the drawing for a YEAR OF FREE RACING (up to $1000) from DPMR! 🔥🔥🔥

Sign up here for a volunteer shift today! 🙏🏻
Link in bio for more information. 

P.S. If you are racing, let us know so we can cheer you on!!
What are you waiting for? Register today to take p What are you waiting for? Register today to take part in a unique, fun, multi-loop style course with five segments that tour different parts of the Royal Gorge land. Race solo, with a partner, or as a 5-person team!  There is something for everyone! Register today! Link in bio.
Congratulations to Courtney Dauwalter on absolutel Congratulations to Courtney Dauwalter on absolutely shattering the women’s course record at Western States 100 today! Such an inspiration to all. We know you are the GOAT but tell us the truth Courtney… is your secret weapon the DPMR pancakes?!?
Huge congrats to Tom Evans for his win at Western Huge congrats to Tom Evans for his win at Western States 100 just now. Incredible performance landing him the 4th fastest time in the history of the event!  Well done Tom!
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