Kyhv Peak formally known as Squaw Peak in Provo, Utah is the most difficult trail we have ever attempted with the Extreme Motus Adaptive Hiking Wheelchair. Sam and I, along with his caretaker/cousin Mason began this adventure without fully understanding how challenging it would be. No one in our group had ever attempted this hike before. We would be going in blind.
The Kyhv Peak Trail is a 7-mile hike, 3.5 up and 3.5 down. In that 3.5 miles up hikers will ascend 2,739 feet of elevation. That’steep!
The Most Difficult Adaptive Hiking Wheelchair Adventure We Have Attempted
Not only was Kyhv Peak the most difficult trail we have attempted with the Extreme Motus Adaptive Hiking Wheelchair, but we also had a small group of people working to get us up the trail.
With only Mason and I pushing Sam in his Adaptive Hiking Wheelchair, we were moving slowly, and wearing ourselves out quickly. Before this, our most difficult wheelchair adventure was the hike to Delicate Arch.
The beginning of the trail is very wide with plenty of room for the Extreme Motus Adaptive Hiking Wheelchair to go up while other hikers came down. Eventually, the trail makes a sharp turn becomes a steep single track, and has technical sections where large boulders and roots fill the trail.
These spots were so narrow we wouldn’t have been able to use the extra people even if we had them. Other than to spell each other out, the trail was just too narrow.
As I was pulling the Extreme Motus Adaptive Hiking Wheelchair up the trail I would look back as Mason and I sent the tires full force into large jagged rocks over and over. The large low-pressure absorbed and molded themselves around and over everything we threw at it.
I was very impressed by how durable they are. I know they can get flats, but after this trip, I don’t know what it takes to puncture one.
15 Second Intervals
Once we made it to the difficult sections Mason and I were pushing with maximum effort. Because of this, I needed to rest more often than Mason who is about 20 years younger than me and in much better shape.
So we would push, take a short break where I would attempt to catch my breath, and then carry on again. A few other hikers passed us along the trail and were very impressed to see a wheelchair so far up a difficult trail. None of them offered to jump in and help us on the adventure.
During one of my breaks Mason asked, “Do you realize we’re taking breaks like every 15 seconds?”
I honestly couldn’t believe it. I felt as though I was pushing for at least 15 minutes between breaks!
Face the Music
Mason, Sam, and I were slowing down. The steep trail was taking it’s toll. A couple that had passed us on the way up was now passing us on their way down.
They gave us some candy and let us know we were still 1 mile from the top, but that in only half of a mile, we would be able to see the valley below and get some cool pictures, and video.
We carried on for about 300 more feet when Mason let me know he had run out of water. I had a camel pack on but didn’t know how much was left.
We were going so slow that if we kept at it we might have been walking down that trail in the dark making things much more difficult with the Adaptive Hiking Wheelchair.
This was also our first big adventure of the season and both of us could feel blisters developing on our feet.
So we didn’t make it. We turned around and headed back down the mountain. But we did get to have an adventure, gain another story to tell, and make a fun video.
I came away with the knowledge that the Extreme Motus Adaptive Hiking Wheelchair is capable of going anywhere you are strong enough and determined enough to push it.
I have pushed this Adaptive Hiking Wheelchair more than just about anybody and attempting Squaw Peak trail I was impressed at how it held up to everything we threw at it.
I also learned it’s time to start saying no to the cookies and ice cream so Sam and I can visit more cool places together. Taking Sam on adventures in his Adaptive Hiking Wheelchair is a great motivator for me to stay in shape. We love making videos together and in order to do that I need to keep fit.
Kyhv Peak; Know Before You Go
The Kyhv Peak Trail is a popular hiking route located near Provo, Utah, in the Wasatch Mountain Range. Here are some key details about the trail:
Trail Information
- Length: Approximately 7.3 miles (11.7 kilometers) round trip.
- Elevation Gain: Around 2,775 feet (845 meters).
- Type: Out-and-back.
- Difficulty: Considered challenging due to steep ascents and rocky terrain.
- Scenery: Offers stunning views of the canyon, Utah Valley, and the city of Provo. The trail is mostly shaded, but some sections are exposed.
Trail Highlights
- Rock Canyon: The trail begins at Rock Canyon Trailhead Parking, which has restrooms and a medium-sized parking lot.
- Geological Features: The trail showcases impressive limestone and quartzite walls, making it a favorite among rock climbers.
- Wildlife and Nature: Hikers can enjoy diverse wildlife, wildflowers, and a refreshing creek near the main trail split.
- Dog-Friendly: Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Tips for Hikers
- Water: Bring plenty of water, as the rigorous ascent can be dehydrating.
- Timing: Early summer is a great time to hike due to the shaded and green environment. Weekdays or Sundays are less crowded.
- Gear: Hiking poles are recommended for stability, especially on steep sections.
- Weather: Be prepared for varying conditions, including snow and ice in higher elevations during winter.