The trail running scene in and around Salt Lake City is blowing up. And, given that Utah has been one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S. since 2010 and the state has a stunning array of trails, the growth boom and enthusiastic energy around trail and ultra running extend throughout the entire state to its amazing collection of great trail running races.
While the Wasatch 100 was one of the earliest 100-mile races in the country when it got started in 1980, the first modern trail running race in Utah was Crazy Bob’s Bair Gutsman, an 11-mile mountain race held in the steep foothills above Fruit Heights and Kaysville in northern Utah. Founded in 1974 by local running legend Bob Grover—he was affectionately known as “Crazy Bob”—the event is still one of the state’s most iconic grassroots endurance events.
The trail racing scene has mushroomed in Utah since those early years, especially over the past 10 years. Trail racing in Utah spans an incredibly diverse mix of terrain, including rugged alpine singletrack, steep mountain ridgelines, forested canyon trails, rocky technical descents, slickrock mesas, sandy desert washes, rolling foothill paths, and remote backcountry wilderness routes.
Are you ready to test your mettle on the stunning terrain of the Beehive State? The following is a rundown of some of the best trail races in Utah this summer and fall, as well as into early 2027.
In addition to the events highlighted below, also check out Connor’s Claims Ultra (May 30, Stockton, Utah), Coldwater in Your Veins Last Person Standing Event, (May 30, North Ogden, Utah), Rose Canyon Ultra (June 6, Herriman, Utah), Endless Day Backyard Ultra (June 27, Richfield, Utah), Follow the Flag 5K Trail Race (July 11, Pleasant Grove, Utah), Kat’cina Mosa 100K Mountain Run (Aug. 8, Springville, Utah), Skyline Mountain Trail Runs (Aug. 8, Eden, Utah), Butterfield Canyon Marathon (Aug. 8, Herriman, Utah), Uinta Wilderness Ultra (Aug. 22, Kamas, Utah), Dimple Dell Half Marathon (Oct. 10, Sandy, Utah), Cedar City Uphill Ultra (Oct. 10, Cedar City, Utah), Jordan River Blitz Backyard (Oct. 17, South Jordan, Utah), and The Wasatch Yard (Oct. 23, Park City, Utah).
Also, be sure to mark your calendars because UltraSignup’s Dirt Circus community trail running event is scheduled for August 22 in Park City.
Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races
May 30, Salt Lake City
50 miles, 50K, 13.1 miles, 10K
The Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races unfold on the rugged terrain above Salt Lake City, largely tracing sections of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and offering a true “urban-meets-mountain” experience with expansive views of the Wasatch Range and the city below. The event includes a range of distances—from a 10K and half marathon to a 50K and 50-mile race—each packing in substantial elevation gain, from roughly 1,300 feet to more than 10,000 feet, making them tougher than they might appear on paper.
Runners tackle primarily singletrack and dirt trails, with rocky sections, rutted paths, and sustained climbs that create a consistently hilly, technical challenge requiring both strength and agility. Altogether, the races blend scenic foothills landscapes with relentless ups and downs, delivering a demanding yet accessible experience that underscores why Salt Lake City is a top-tier destination for trail running.
More information and registration: Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races
El Oso Loco Trail Running Series
June 3-July 29, Logan, Utah
3-5 miles, 7-10 miles
The 2026 El Oso Loco Trail Race Series is a six-race summer trail running series held on Wednesday evenings throughout June and July in the Bear River Range near Logan, Utah. Organized by the Cache Trails Alliance, the grassroots series highlights the scenic trails of Cache Valley while promoting trail stewardship and community involvement through the Adopt-a-Trail program in partnership with the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
The series features six midweek races on mountainous singletrack terrain in Logan Canyon and the surrounding foothills, with both short-course options of roughly 3 to 5 miles and long-course routes stretching 7 to 10 miles. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and community-driven spirit, El Oso Loco combines competitive racing with social trail running culture while raising funds for local trail maintenance, programming, and future trail development projects throughout the Cache Valley region.
More information and registration: El Oso Loco Trail Running Series
Marsh Peak Madness
June 6, Lapoint, Utah
2 hours, 6 hours, 5 miles
The 2026 Marsh Peak Madness trail races offer runners a rugged mountain running experience in the scenic Uintah Mountains. Organized by Mad Man Races, the event includes a 12-hour endurance race, a 6-hour endurance race, and a 5.25-mile speed run, all centered around a demanding alpine loop featuring about 1,244 feet of elevation gain per lap. The courses wind through wildflower-filled mountain meadows near Gull Lake and offers expansive views of Marsh Peak, Dry Fork Canyon, and the High Uintas. Endurance runners complete as many laps as possible within their time limit, while the speed run rewards the fastest single-loop finishers.
Known for its challenging terrain and remote backcountry scenery, Marsh Peak Madness combines competitive trail racing with a rugged grassroots atmosphere, complete with aid stations, course-record prize money, and a distinctly adventurous mountain vibe.
More information and registration: Marsh Peak Madness
Logan Peak Trail Run
June 20, Logan, Utah
26.2 miles
The Logan Peak Trail Run, held near Logan, is a rugged mountain race that sends runners deep into the Bear River Range on a challenging out-and-back course to the summit of Logan Peak. The route climbs steeply from lower-elevation singletrack through dense pine forests before breaking above treeline into alpine terrain, with sustained ascents, loose rocks, and high-altitude exposure testing both fitness and footing. Along the way, runners are treated to sweeping views of Cache Valley, wildflower-filled meadows in early summer, and expansive ridgelines that showcase the raw beauty of northern Utah. Known for its demanding vertical gain and remote feel, the race delivers a true mountain running experience that blends technical trails, big scenery, and a rewarding summit turnaround.
More information and registration: Logan Peak Trail Run
Snow Peaks 50-Mile Trail Run
June 13, Provo, Utah
50 miles
The Snow Peaks 50-Mile Trail Run is one of Utah’s oldest and most respected ultramarathons, guiding runners through a demanding loop in the rugged Wasatch Mountains above Provo. Held annually in June, the race combines steep singletrack climbs, dirt roads, and high-altitude mountain terrain with more than 10,000 feet of elevation gain and loss. The challenging course climbs above 9,000 feet and rewards runners with expansive views of Provo Canyon, surrounding valleys, and the alpine peaks of the Wasatch Range.
Originally known as the Squaw Peak 50 before being renamed Snow Peaks, the event has earned a longtime reputation for its grassroots atmosphere and strong ultrarunning tradition. Starting and finishing at Vivian Park in Provo Canyon, the race features five major climbs, rugged backcountry sections, and fast descents that make it one of the toughest 50-mile trail races in the region. Despite its difficulty, Snow Peaks is celebrated for its welcoming community, experienced race organization, and loyal group of returning runners who consider it a classic Utah mountain ultra.
More information and registration: Snow Peaks 50-Mile Trail Run
Dude Peak Derby Trail Running Race
June 20, Salt Lake City, Utah
16 miles
The Dude Peak Derby Trail Running Race is a challenging 16-mile mountain running race that starts at Memory Grove Park in Salt Lake City and sends runners climbing into City Creek Canyon and the Salt Lake foothills along the iconic Dude Benchmark Trail. Featuring nearly 4,000 feet of elevation gain, the race combines steep climbs, technical singletrack, ridgeline running, and fast descents with expansive views of the city and surrounding Wasatch Mountains.
Known for its grassroots atmosphere and adventurous mountain-running spirit, the Dude Peak Derby offers a demanding yet community-focused race experience just minutes from downtown. With rugged terrain, scenic foothill access, prize money for top finishers, and a summer-solstice setting, the race has quickly become a standout event on Utah’s growing trail running calendar.
More information and registration: Dude Peak Derby Trail Running Race
White Pine Solstice Runs
June 20, Tooele, Utah
55K, 13.1 miles, 8.5 miles
The White Pine Solstice Runs celebrate the summer solstice with a mix of mountain trail races that showcase the flowing singletrack, forested terrain, and high-country scenery of the White Pine trail system. Organized by local trail running advocates, the event welcomes runners of varying abilities with multiple race distances designed to balance competitive racing with an approachable community atmosphere.
The courses wind through rolling alpine terrain filled with aspen groves, pine forests, and open mountain meadows while offering cool temperatures and expansive views of the surrounding Wasatch Mountains. Known for its laid-back vibe and beautiful early-summer conditions, the White Pine Solstice Runs combine spirited competition with the celebratory energy of one of the longest days of the year, making it a popular seasonal gathering for Utah’s trail running community.
More information and registration: White Pine Solstice Runs
Bears Ears Ultra
June 20, Monticello, Utah
50 miles, 50K, 30K, 13K
The Bears Ears Ultra takes place in the remote desert landscapes of southeastern Utah, with courses that wind through the culturally and geologically rich terrain surrounding Bears Ears National Monument. Runners can choose from distances including a 50K, 50-mile, and 100K, each featuring significant elevation gain, sandy washes, slickrock, and rugged singletrack that demand strength and careful navigation.
The terrain is varied and often technical, with steep climbs, exposed mesas, and rolling desert sections that highlight the raw, untamed nature of the region. Along the way, runners are immersed in striking high-desert scenery—towering sandstone buttes, ancient cliff dwellings, and vast, open horizons—creating a uniquely challenging and visually unforgettable ultrarunning experience.
More information and registration: Bears Ears Ultra
Trippen Through the Timber
June 27, Payson, Utah
50K, 25K
The Trippen Through the Timber trail race takes place in the high country near Brian Head within the scenic Dixie National Forest, offering a mix of distances that wind through cool, forested terrain. The courses feature rolling to moderately steep elevation changes at altitude, combining smooth singletrack with sections of dirt road and occasional rocky patches. Runners move through dense stands of pine and aspen, across open meadows, and along ridgelines with expansive mountain views. With its relatively runnable terrain, crisp mountain air, and steady elevation gain and loss, the event delivers a classic high-elevation trail running experience that balances challenge and flow.
More information and registration: Trippen Through the Timber
Deer Creek Half Marathon
July 11, Midway Utah
13.1 miles
The Deer Creek Half Marathon takes place near Deer Creek Reservoir in the scenic mountains outside Heber City, offering a picturesque course with views of both water and surrounding peaks. The route is primarily on paved roads with a net downhill profile, making it a fast and accessible race for a wide range of runners. Gentle rolling sections and gradual descents shape the terrain, with minimal technical challenges and smooth footing throughout. Runners are treated to sweeping vistas of the reservoir, open valleys, and the Wasatch Mountains, creating a visually rewarding and enjoyable race experience.
More information and registration: Deer Creek Half Marathon
Tushars Ultras
August 1, Beaver, Utah
100K, 70K, 26.2 Miles, 13.1 miles
The Tushars Ultra held in the remote Tushar Mountains, features a marquee 70K distance along with shorter options like a half marathon and marathon, all set at high elevation. The courses are known for relentless climbing and descending, with over 10,000 feet of vertical gain in the 70K as runners traverse alpine ridgelines, forested singletrack, and rugged jeep roads.
Much of the terrain sits above 10,000 feet, including sections near Delano Peak, the highest point in the range, making altitude a major factor in the race’s difficulty. Runners are rewarded with sweeping views of jagged peaks, wildflower-filled meadows, and expansive high-country vistas that define one of Utah’s most scenic and demanding trail ultras.
More information and registration: Tushars Ultras
Salt and Suffer 420
Aug. 5, Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone, Montana
420 miles
The Salt and Sulfur 420 is an extreme 420-mile ultradistance run that sends runners across remote highways, dirt roads, mountain valleys, and wilderness corridors in a grueling test of endurance, self-sufficiency, and mental resilience. More than a traditional race, the event emphasizes adventure and the challenge of covering 420 miles with limited support over several days.
Now in its third year, the Salt and Sulfur 420 is known for its grassroots ethos and offers both crew-supported and fully self-supported divisions for experienced endurance athletes. The mostly paved route includes about 50 miles of dirt terrain and passes through dramatic landscapes ranging from desert scenery to mountain wilderness near Yellowstone. Proceeds from the event benefit the Geraldine E. King Women’s Resource Center in Salt Lake City.
More information and registration: Salt and Suffer 420
Elephant Rock Trail Run
Aug. 8, Bountiful, Utah
50K, 26.8 miles, 13.8 miles, 7 miles
The Elephant Rock Trail Run is a rugged mountain trail race event that features four distances ranging from 7 miles to a demanding 50K ultramarathon. Set in the scenic Mueller Park area of the Wasatch Mountains, the race takes runners across steep singletrack trails, dirt roads, and remote mountain terrain with expansive views of the surrounding foothills.
Widely regarded as one of Utah’s more “gnarly” grassroots trail races, Elephant Rock has earned a reputation for its tough terrain, adventurous atmosphere, and strong trail running community. The 50K course is especially known for its difficulty, featuring roughly 8,600 feet of climbing and challenging backcountry sections.
More information and registration: Elephant Rock Trail Run
Ute 100 & 50 Mile
Aug. 8-9, La Sal Mountains, Utah
100 miles, 50 miles
The Ute 100 & 50 take place in the remote high country of the Uinta Mountains near Kamas, featuring rugged, high-elevation courses that test endurance and mountain savvy. Both distances cover a mix of alpine singletrack, rocky jeep roads, and forested trails, with the 100-mile race climbing roughly 21,000 feet and the 50-mile option still packing in substantial vertical gain. Much of the terrain sits above 9,000 feet, with runners navigating technical sections, creek crossings, and long, exposed stretches along ridgelines and remote basins. The scenery is quintessential Uintas—granite peaks, alpine lakes, dense pine forests, and expansive wilderness vistas—making it a demanding yet deeply rewarding mountain ultrarunning experience.
More information and registration: Ute 100 & 50 Mile
White Pine 50 Backcountry Run
Aug. 15, Garden City, Utah
50 miles
The White Pine 50 Backcountry Run takes place in the high country of the Uinta Mountains near Park City, following a classic point-to-point route that traces remote sections of the historic Uinta Highline Trail. The 50-mile course features substantial elevation gain and loss—much of it above 9,000 feet—as runners navigate alpine singletrack, rocky terrain, creek crossings, and long stretches of rugged wilderness. The race has a grassroots, backcountry feel rooted in Utah ultrarunning tradition, emphasizing self-reliance and respect for the mountains. Along the way, runners experience expansive alpine scenery, including granite peaks, high mountain passes, and pristine lakes, making it a demanding and immersive mountain running adventure.
More information and registration: White Pine 50 Backcountry Run
Old Ephraim 200
Aug. 24, Logan, Utah
200 miles
The Old Ephraim 200 is one of Utah’s most demanding ultradistance trail races, sending runners on a rugged 200-mile point-to-point journey through the mountains and remote backcountry trails of northern Utah and southeastern Idaho. Named after the legendary grizzly bear “Old Ephraim,” the race features massive elevation gain, alpine singletrack, wilderness terrain, and long stretches of isolation that challenge runners’ endurance, navigation skills, and mental toughness over several days of racing.
The course traverses the scenic Bear River Range with sweeping views, forested ridgelines, and high-elevation terrain while offering a supportive trail community, well-stocked aid stations, and a rugged point-to-point experience that has become a standout event in the growing 200-mile ultrarunning scene.
More information and registration: Old Ephraim 200
Wasatch 100
Sept. 11-12, Kaysville, Utah
100 miles
The Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run, commonly known as the Wasatch 100, is one of the oldest and most respected 100-mile trail races in the United States, first held in 1980 and long regarded as a cornerstone event in the sport of ultrarunning. The list of winners is a who’s who of trail running, including Karl Meltzer and Betsy Nye, who are both six-time winners, Ann Trason, Jeff Browning, Gediminas Grinius, Darcy Piceu, Jose Cruz (two-time winner and five-time podium finisher), Bethany Lewis (women’s course record holder of 22:21:47, set in 2014) and Geoff Roes, who set the still-standing course record of 18:30:55 in 2009 during one of the greatest ultrarunning seasons ever.
The point-to-point course runs along the spine of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains from near Kaysville to Midway, featuring roughly 24,000 feet of climbing and descending over its full distance. Runners navigate a demanding mix of rugged singletrack, steep mountain passes, rocky ridgelines, and high-elevation terrain that often tops 10,000 feet. Along the way, the race delivers sweeping alpine vistas, dense forests, and dramatic canyon views, combining scenic beauty with a notoriously tough and technical course that has defined its legacy for decades.
More information and registration: Wasatch 100
Goat Rattler 100
Sept. 18-19, North Ogden, Utah
100 miles
The Goat Rattler 100 features sends runners on a 100-mile course with more than 22,000 feet of elevation gain through the Wasatch Mountains above Ogden. With nearly the entire route consisting of technical singletrack, runners tackle exposed ridgelines, forested climbs, rocky descents, and several major mountain peaks across demanding alpine terrain.
Known for relentless climbing and punishing terrain, the Goat Rattler has quickly developed a reputation as one of Utah’s toughest mountain ultras, with some runners comparing its difficulty to legendary races like the Wasatch Front 100 and Bear 100. Along the way, runners are rewarded with sweeping views of the Wasatch Range and northern Utah valleys in a true high-vert mountain endurance challenge.
More information and registration: Goat Rattler 100
Bryce Canyon Ultras
Sept. 19, Bryce Canyon, Utah
100 miles, 50 miles, 60K, 50K, 30K, 13.1 miles
The Bryce Canyon Ultra takes place around Bryce Canyon National Park and the surrounding Dixie National Forest, offering distances that typically include a 50-mile, 50K, marathon, and half marathon. The courses wind along a mix of smooth dirt trails, forested singletrack, and sections of rim-side terrain, with moderate but steady elevation gain that becomes more taxing at elevations between roughly 7,500 and 9,000 feet. Runners are treated to otherworldly scenery featuring towering hoodoos, red rock amphitheaters, and sweeping canyon vistas that shift dramatically with the light. While less technical than some mountain ultras, the race combines altitude, rolling terrain, and sustained climbs to create a deceptively challenging and visually unforgettable experience.
More information and registration: Bryce Canyon Ultras
Gaspin Through the Aspens
Sept. 19, American Fork, Utah
50 miles, 50K, 25K
The Gaspin Through the Aspens trail running event includes three scenic mountain races that lead runners through cool aspen groves, pine forests, alpine meadows, and rolling mountain terrain for a classic late-summer trail running experience filled with colorful scenery. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and scenic backcountry setting, Gaspin Through the Aspens combines flowing singletrack, moderate climbs, and runnable terrain with a fun, community-driven race environment. The peaceful forested trails and beautiful mountain landscapes make the event appealing to both newer trail runners and experienced mountain athletes alike.
More information and registration: Gaspin Through the Aspens
The Bear
Sept. 25, Logan Utah to Fish Haven, Idaho
102 miles
The Bear 100 Mile Endurance Run is a long-standing point-to-point race that traverses the rugged mountains of northern Utah and southeastern Idaho, earning a reputation as one of the West’s classic 100-milers since its inception in 1999. The course covers roughly 100 miles with about 20,000 feet of climbing and descending, weaving through the Bear River Range on a mix of alpine singletrack, forest roads, and high ridgelines. Runners encounter varied terrain—from smooth dirt trails to rocky, rooty sections—along with long climbs and descents that test endurance and pacing. The scenery ranges from dense pine forests and open meadows to sweeping mountain vistas, creating a demanding yet scenic journey that reflects the race’s enduring place in ultrarunning lore.
The Bear adopted a lottery entry system for this year’s race and will continue that for the 2027 race. The Bear fills up quickly, but in recent years runners have been able to earn an entry by getting a Bear Tag through several other Utah races.
More information and registration: The Bear
DC Peaks 50 and 100
Oct. 2-3, North Salt Lake City, Utah and Kaysville, Utah
100 miles, 50 miles, 55K, 25K
The DC Peaks 50 and DC Peaks 100 are challenging mountain ultramarathons held along the Wasatch Front in northern Utah. The DC Peaks 50 begins in Kaysville, while the DC Peaks 100 starts farther south in North Salt Lake, with both races traversing rugged mountain terrain through the Wasatch Range before finishing near Farmington. The courses feature steep climbs, technical singletrack, exposed ridgelines, rocky descents, and sweeping views of the Great Salt Lake and surrounding valleys.
The DC Peaks 50 offers runners a demanding single-day mountain ultra experience, while the DC Peaks 100 expands the challenge into a grueling overnight endurance test with substantial elevation gain and long stretches of remote ridgeline running. Known for their tough terrain, scenic mountain vistas, and grassroots trail running atmosphere, both races have become standout events for ultrarunners seeking a rugged Wasatch mountain challenge close to Salt Lake City.
More information and registration: DC Peaks 50 and DC Peaks 100
Arches Marathon
Oct. 3, Moab Utah
50K, 26.2 miles, 13.1 miles, 15K
The Arches Marathon is a scenic desert trail running event held each October near Moab in the rugged Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area. The courses wind across sandy doubletrack, jeep roads, desert meadows, and technical trails surrounded by towering red rock formations and expansive canyon views. Runners are also treated to stunning views of the La Sal Mountains and iconic landmarks like Picture Frame Arch, creating a quintessential Moab trail running experience.
More information and registration: Arches Marathon
Moab 240 Endurance Run
Oct. 9-14, Moab, Utah
241.8 miles
The Moab 240 Endurance Run is a groundbreaking 240-mile race that loops through the vast desert and mountain landscapes surrounding Moab, first launched in 2017 and quickly becoming one of the most iconic multi-day ultras in the world. The course features roughly 30,000 feet of elevation gain as runners traverse an ever-changing mix of terrain, including slickrock, sandy washes, jeep roads, and high-alpine trails in the La Sal Mountains.
Runners experience dramatic contrasts in scenery—from red rock canyons and towering mesas to cooler, forested mountain terrain at elevations above 10,000 feet. Known for its extreme distance, self-reliant ethos, and immersive wilderness experience, the race challenges runners to manage sleep, pacing, and environmental conditions over several days in one of the most visually striking regions of the American West.
This is where Courtney Dauwalter made a splash by winning the race outright in 2017—by more than 10 hours!—and where David Goggins has DNF’d (2019) and finished twice (2nd overall in 2020, 19th in 2025). Is it where you will finish your next-level endurance feat?
More information and registration: Moab 240 Endurance Run
RELATED: The Rise of 200-mile+ Ultra-Distance Races in the U.S.
Bear Trap Trail Races
Oct. 10, Tooele, Utah
26.2 miles, 23K, 10K
The Bear Trap Trail Races take place in the mountains near Ephraim on the scenic Manti-La Sal National Forest, offering a range of distances that typically include a 50K, marathon, half marathon, and shorter options. The courses climb steadily into high-elevation terrain, featuring a mix of forested singletrack, alpine meadows, and rugged dirt roads with significant elevation gain that challenges runners throughout. Underfoot conditions vary from smooth, flowing trails to more technical, rocky sections, with long climbs and descents that demand both endurance and careful pacing. Runners are rewarded with sweeping mountain views, dense pine forests, and open ridgelines, creating a classic Utah mountain running experience that balances beauty with difficulty.
More information and registration: Bear Trap Trail Races
Pony Express Trail Run
Oct. 16, West of Faust, Utah
100 miles, 50 miles
The Pony Express Trail Run takes place in Utah’s West Desert near Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, following remote sections of the historic Pony Express route that once connected Missouri to California. The event offers distances ranging from shorter trail races to a 100-mile option, with courses set primarily on dirt roads, jeep tracks, and rugged desert doubletrack that feature rolling elevation gain rather than steep, sustained climbs.
Runners traverse wide-open terrain with long, exposed stretches, where heat, wind, and isolation add to the challenge more than technical footing. The stark desert scenery—salt flats, distant mountain ranges, and expansive horizons—combined with the historical significance of retracing a legendary mail route, gives the race a uniquely immersive and meaningful ultrarunning experience.
More information and registration: Pony Express Trail Run
Canyonlands Ultra
Oct. 24, Moab, Utah
100K, 50 miles, 50K, 26.2 miles, 13.1 miles, 15K
The Canyonlands Ultra takes place in the rugged desert terrain surrounding Canyonlands National Park near Moab, offering distances that typically include a 50-mile, 50K, marathon, and shorter options. The courses traverse a mix of dirt roads, jeep tracks, and stretches of slickrock, with rolling elevation gain that accumulates through frequent climbs and descents rather than sustained mountain ascents.
Course conditions can vary from smooth, runnable sections to sandy patches and uneven rock, requiring steady pacing and attentive footing. Runners are rewarded with expansive desert vistas, dramatic canyon overlooks, and sweeping views of mesas and buttes, delivering a scenic and moderately challenging ultrarunning experience in Utah’s red rock country.
More information and registration: Canyonlands Ultra
Cryin’ on the Climb Vert Challenge
Nov. 7, Provo, Utah
12-hour vertical race
The Cryin’ on the Climb Vert Challenge is a simple but potentially brutal endurance event held in Slate Canyon that gives runners 12 hours to complete as many laps as possible on a steep out-and-back course featuring 1 mile up, 1 mile down, and roughly 1,000 feet of vertical gain and loss per lap.
Designed as a pure test of climbing strength, endurance, and mental toughness, the race focuses on relentless vertical gain rather than long-distance mileage. Its rugged singletrack terrain, repetitive steep ascents, and minimalist grassroots format create an intense mountain-running challenge for runners looking to push their limits in Utah’s foothills.
More information and registration: Cryin’ on the Climb
Dead Horse Ultra
Nov. 14, Moab, Utah
50 miles, 50K, 30K, 15K
The Dead Horse Ultra takes place near Dead Horse Point State Park just outside Moab, featuring distances that typically include a 50-mile, 50K, marathon, and half marathon. The courses follow a mix of rolling singletrack and dirt trails along the mesa tops, with moderate but constant elevation changes that add up over the course of each race. It’s one of the most competitive fall races in the West, with top runners like Jonathan Rea, Alex Nichols, Anne Flower, Kyle Pietari, Lucie Rathbun and
Kristina Trygstad-Saari among the past winners.
Photo Courtesy of Dead Horse Ultra
Runners encounter mostly smooth and runnable terrain with occasional rocky sections and short, punchy climbs that keep the effort honest. The scenery is a standout, with dramatic overlooks of the Colorado River, sheer canyon walls, and expansive red rock vistas that create one of the most visually striking race settings in the Southwest.
More information and registration: Dead Horse Ultra
2027 Races
Arches Ultra
Jan. 30, Moab, Utah
50 miles, 50K, 13.1 miles, 9K
The Arches Ultra is a winter trail running event on the Bar M, Klonzo, and Klondike trail systems along the edge of Arches National Park, combining smooth singletrack, technical slickrock, sandy stretches, and rolling desert terrain. Known for its dramatic scenery, the event offers sweeping views of Moab’s red rock cliffs, the snow-covered La Sal Mountains, and quiet desert landscapes rarely experienced during peak tourist season. The lower-elevation course delivers a fast yet adventurous desert running experience, making the Arches Ultra one of Utah’s premier winter trail races and a key event in the popular Triple Crown of Moab series.
More information and registration: Arches Ultra
Moab Red Hot Ultra
Feb. 27, Moab, Utah
50 miles, 50K, 30K, 15K
The Moab Red Hot Ultra takes place in the desert terrain just outside Moab, offering distances that typically include a 50-mile, 50K, marathon, and half marathon. The courses wind through a mix of jeep roads, slickrock sections, sandy washes, and flowing singletrack, with rolling elevation gain that accumulates through frequent climbs and descents rather than long sustained ascents. The 55K race has long one of the top early season races in the West, but the 50-miler, 30K and 15K all have a range of fast runners and first-timers.
Trail conditions vary widely, requiring runners to adapt to everything from smooth dirt to uneven rock and soft sand. Runners are treated to classic red rock scenery—towering sandstone formations, wide-open desert expanses, and sweeping views of surrounding mesas—creating a fast, runnable yet deceptively challenging early-season ultrarunning experience.
More information and registration: Moab Red Hot Ultra
Zion Ultras
April 10, Apple Valley, Utah
100 miles, 100K, 60K, 30K, 13.1 miles
The Zion Ultras take place on the rugged trails surrounding Zion National Park near Springdale, offering a range of distances that typically include a 100-mile, 100K, 60K, 50K, and shorter options. The courses traverse a mix of desert singletrack, sandy washes, slickrock, and high desert plateaus, with significant elevation gain and loss that make even the shorter distances physically demanding. Runners experience a striking variety of terrain and geography, from towering sandstone cliffs and narrow canyons to open mesas and pine-dotted ridgelines at higher elevations. Known for its dramatic scenery and challenging profiles, the event delivers a true desert mountain running experience that blends technical footing, sustained climbs, and iconic Southwestern landscapes.
More information and registration: Zion Ultras
Thelma and Louise Marathon and Half
April 24, Moab, Utah
50K, 26.2 miles, 13.1 miles, 15K
The Thelma & Louise Marathon and Half take place near Moab, with point-to-point courses that follow scenic desert roads along the Colorado River corridor. The routes are primarily on paved surfaces with gently rolling terrain, making them accessible and runnable while still offering enough elevation change to stay engaging. Runners are surrounded by classic red rock scenery, including towering canyon walls, expansive mesas, and wide-open desert views that create a visually immersive experience. With their combination of smooth footing, stunning landscapes, and a fun, themed atmosphere inspired by the iconic film Thelma & Louise, the races offer a memorable destination running experience.
More information and registration: Thelma and Louise Marathon and Half
Sand Flats Endurance Runs
April 30-May 1, Wendover, Utah
100 miles, 100K, 50 miles, 50K, 10K, 5K
The Salt Flats Endurance Runs are a unique desert ultrarunning event held on the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats. Known for its otherworldly scenery and demanding conditions, the event offers a vastly different experience from traditional mountain ultras. The races begin on the historic Bonneville Speedway before traversing miles of white salt crust, mud flats, remote desert roads, and isolated mountain terrain rising from the desert floor. Runners face exposed terrain, dramatic temperature swings, rolling desert climbs, and sweeping views across the Great Salt Lake Desert.
More information and registration: Sand Flats Endurance Runs
Utah 115 by Grand to Grand Ultra
Mid-May, Kanab, Utah
115 miles, 50 miles, 50K
The Utah 115 by Grand to Grand Ultra is a multi-day stage race covering roughly 115 miles across southern Utah, with runners completing six stages over seven days in a largely self-supported format. The course traverses a wide variety of terrain—including sandy desert, slickrock, jeep tracks, and rugged singletrack—with cumulative elevation gain and loss adding to the physical demands of racing day after day. Participants carry their own gear and food between checkpoints and camps, making strategy, pacing, and resource management just as important as running fitness. Along the way, runners experience a constantly changing landscape of red rock canyons, mesas, hoodoos, and open desert vistas, creating a challenging and immersive expedition-style ultrarunning adventure.
More information and registration: Utah 115 by Grand to Grand Ultra
Butterfield Blitz Backyard
Mid-May, Herriman, Utah
4-hour, 8-hour, 12-hour
The Butterfield Blitz Backyard races in Herriman, Utah, are built around a classic “backyard ultra” format, where runners tackle a 4.167-mile loop every hour on the hour, continuing for 4, 8, or 12 hours until they either stop or fail to complete a lap in time. The course itself is mostly singletrack trail with about 500 feet of climbing per loop, gradually ascending for the first half before descending through scenic foothill terrain with wide-open views. What makes the “Blitz” version unique is that every lap is timed and cumulative time is used as a tiebreaker, adding a competitive, strategy-heavy twist beyond simply surviving each hour. With a central start/finish area that doubles as a social hub—complete with food, crew access, and a festival-like atmosphere—the event blends endurance racing, pacing strategy, and community into a uniquely engaging trail running experience.
More information and registration: Butterfield Blitz Backyard
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