The Bryce Canyon Ultras feature scenic, mountain courses running along the western edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, offering spectacular views above and below the hoodoos. The race is run at high elevation, with most of the miles on this rugged course between 8,000 – 9,000 ft.
The 50 miler starts at the Lucky 7 Ranch pond and climbs 700 ft. over 2 ½ miles on doubletrack up to Proctor Canyon aid station (mile 2.5).
From there the route follows the Grandview trail south for 3 miles on singletrack, climbing an additional 1,000 ft. to an unmanned water station (mile 5.5), where the route then breaks off the Grandview trail and doubles back, heading north to the Blue Fly aid station (mile 8.5) up onto the rim of the plateau. There is approximately 800 ft. of vertical gain and loss over this section through a gorgeous hoodoo amphitheater (a new addition to the 50 mile route.)
After Blue Fly aid, the route heads inland on a doubletrack that heads northeast on a gradual downhill slope to an aid station near the East Fork of the Sevier River in the center of the plateau.
From East Fork aid (mile 16.5), you’ll continue northwest on doubletrack that takes you back towards the edge of the plateau.
After the aid station at Coyote Hollow trailhead (mile 24.5), runners hop on the famous Thunder Mountain trail. The first 4 miles of this trail climbs up and down a series of about a dozen small ridges, each with about a hundred feet of climb and descent. It then steeply drops through a series of hoodoos on what is likely the most photographed section of the course. This section of trail can also be a bit slippery on the steeper sections, as there is often a tiny gravel layer that sits on top of the hard pack trail and can cause runners to lose their footing.
When the Thunder Mountain trail T’s into the Grandview trail (approximately mile 30.5), take a right and head north to the Red Canyon aid station (mile 32). From here runners will head out for a 5 mile loop on the spectacular Golden Wall trail, also a new addition to the 50 mile route. There is about 1,400 ft. of climbing and descent on this section.
After passing through Red Canyon aid station a second time (mile 37), the route heads south along the Grandview trail 5 miles to an aid station in Hilsdale Canyon (mile 42). Although this appears to be a comparatively mild section along the bottom of the plateau, this terrain is relentless with constant ups and downs- there is still over 800 ft. of climbing!
The next section is similar, climbing over a series of small ridges in the foothills that ends up being more than a thousand feet of climbing over 7 miles to Proctor Canyon aid station (mile 49).
From here, it is all downhill on the finish line at the pond at the bottom of the canyon.
The 60K starts at the mouth of Proctor Canyon and climbs 700 ft. over 2 ½ miles on doubletrack up to Proctor Canyon aid station (mile 2.1).
From there the route will continue on for 1.6 miles to the Blue Fly Aid Station. (mile 3.7)
After Blue Fly aid, the route heads inland on a doubletrack that heads northeast on a gradual downhill slope to an aid station near the East Fork of the Sevier River in the center of the plateau.
From East Fork aid (mile 13.1), you’ll continue northwest on doubletrack that takes you back towards the edge of the plateau.
After the aid station at Coyote Hollow trailhead (mile 19.4), runners hop on the famous Thunder Mountain trail. The first 4 miles of this trail climbs up and down a series of about a dozen small ridges, each with about a hundred feet of climb and descent. It then steeply drops through a series of hoodoos on what is likely the most photographed section of the course. This section of trail can also be a bit slippery on the steeper sections, as there is often a tiny gravel layer that sits on top of the hard pack trail and can cause runners to lose their footing.
When the Thunder Mountain trail T’s into the Grandview trail (approximately mile 25.7), take a left and head south to the Thunder Mountain Water Station (mile 27.6) about 2 miles.
After the Thunder Mountain Water Station you will continue on for another 2 miles to the Hillsdale Canyon Aid Station (mile 29.6). Although this appears to be a comparatively mild section along the bottom of the plateau, this terrain is relentless with constant ups and downs- there is still over 800 ft. of climbing!
The next section is similar, climbing over a series of small ridges in the foothills that ends up being more than a thousand feet of climbing over 7 miles to Proctor Canyon aid station (mile 35.4).
From here, it is all downhill on the finish line at the pond at the bottom of the canyon.
The 50K starts at the Lucky 7 Ranch pond and climbs 700 ft. over 2 ½ miles on doubletrack up to Proctor Canyon aid station (mile 2.5).
From there the route follows the Grandview trail south for 3 miles on singletrack to an unmanned water station and then continues on for nearly 7 miles and over 3,000 ft. of climbing through one of the most remote and rugged sections of the course to Blubber Creek aid station (mile 12), offering runners their first views from the rim of the Paunsaugunt Plateau.
The route then continues south along the Grandview trail, staying above the rim to the turnaround point 3.5 miles out from Blubber Creek aid station.
After passing through Blubber Creek aid a second time (mile 19), the route runs in reverse direction past the water station and Proctor Canyon aid (mile 28.5) on the way back down to the finish at Lucky 7 Ranch pond.
The 30K starts at the mouth of Proctor Canyon and climbs 700 ft. over 2 miles on doubletrack up to Proctor Canyon Aid Station (mile 2.1).
From there, the route heads southeast for 1.6 miles toward Blue Fly Aid Station (mile 3.7). After Blue Fly Aid, the course will head west on a rugged double track road. This will be mostly downhill for a little over 4 miles before coming to the next aid station called 30k Aid Station (mile 8.2).
From there you will take a right running along FS road 109. This will be a nice double track road for the next 4 miles. It will be a nice steady climb with about 1500 feet of elevation gain. You will peak out around mile 12 where it will begin the nice steady downhill for the remainder of the course. We will have a water only station set up at the (601 junction) at about mile 13.2.
You will jump onto a nice downhill single track section for the next 3 miles bringing you into the Proctor Canyon Aid Station one last time (mile 16.2). From there you will have a nice 2.1 miles of double track remaining down Proctor Canyon to the Finish Line.
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Awesome Race!
Such a great experience being able to run by one of my favorite national parks. Vacation Races always sets up a great course. Definitely plan to do another one this … MORE
Such a great experience being able to run by one of my favorite national parks. Vacation Races always sets up a great course. Definitely plan to do another one this year!
Excellent and difficult race
This race is gorgeous and challenging. There is over 7,600 feet of elevation gain during this course, including a very challenging 800’ climb around mile 49. Be prepared! The race … MORE
This race is gorgeous and challenging. There is over 7,600 feet of elevation gain during this course, including a very challenging 800’ climb around mile 49. Be prepared!
The race is so very well organized. Aid stations are well stocked and everyone is so kind. I cannot recommend this race enough! Do it – you won’t regret it.
Broken: A Breathtaking DNF Story
This course starts at an elevation of 8,000 ft and is held in the desert. Be prepared! Arrive with a few days, if not weeks, to acclimatize to the attitude … MORE
This course starts at an elevation of 8,000 ft and is held in the desert. Be prepared! Arrive with a few days, if not weeks, to acclimatize to the attitude if you’re to used to it, and make sure you stay hydrated at all times. I learned my lesson the hard way. This is truly a vacation race destination. So many great areas to visit nearby. Check out my video below.
Tough course, but I did it and I’m proud
If you’re looking for a tough run at a gorgeous location put on by people who really know what they’re doing in order to make things go smoothly, then this … MORE
If you’re looking for a tough run at a gorgeous location put on by people who really know what they’re doing in order to make things go smoothly, then this is the run for you! This is the second vacation races run I’ve done and I’m still impressed with how they think of just about everything in order for you to have a great run. Great aid stations, clearly marked trails, lots of helpful volunteers, and great medals! Well done race!
Very disappointed
Poorly organized and poor communication. Will not return for another event from this organization. I’m so bummed! I’ve done a couple other events but after this event will not be … MORE
Poorly organized and poor communication. Will not return for another event from this organization. I’m so bummed! I’ve done a couple other events but after this event will not be going back.
Amazing Life-long Experience
Absolutely amazing. The most mentally and physically demanding race I've ever accomplished. The terrain was gorgeous and tested everything you had near the end. Planning on running a 60k next … MORE
Absolutely amazing. The most mentally and physically demanding race I’ve ever accomplished. The terrain was gorgeous and tested everything you had near the end. Planning on running a 60k next year!
Aid stations and crew were phenomenal. On long races sometimes it gets questionable if you’re on the right path. Not once did I question the direction during this race. Extremely well organized.
Awesome experience!
This event was so well organized and supported. The course was beautiful, the change in scenery was amazing. This was one of my favorite race experiences. MORE
This event was so well organized and supported. The course was beautiful, the change in scenery was amazing. This was one of my favorite race experiences.
Elevation early on, then a cruise down!
Many different terrains to experience! A sandy climb, single track meadow, quiet forest, dirt road, and a few peaks to cap it off! Great energy and many first-timers to Bryce … MORE
Many different terrains to experience! A sandy climb, single track meadow, quiet forest, dirt road, and a few peaks to cap it off! Great energy and many first-timers to Bryce Canyon at this race. Enjoy the aid stations since they come with the pickle juice right when you need it, and love the leap-frogging with other runners and you make the second ascent!
Beautifully Brutal with A+ Aid Stations
What a stunning race! The scenery is beautiful, and the production of the event is top notch. This race is definitely tougher than it is on paper… tough climbs, sneaky … MORE
What a stunning race! The scenery is beautiful, and the production of the event is top notch. This race is definitely tougher than it is on paper… tough climbs, sneaky high altitude, and it gets hot!
The volunteers and aid stations are as good as any race I’ve been to. Everyone was extremely kind and helpful, and there were all sorts of real (and hot) food options, along with the standard drinks, snacks, and “ultra-nutrition” options. I ran the event without crew or a pacer, which means I relied heavily on the support of the aid stations. Again, I’m not sure I could have been successful without the assortment of nutrition and help from the volunteers at these aid stations (e.g., grilled cheese, hot soup, turkey sandwiches with avocado, quesadillas, Coca Cola, etc.).
Simply put, if you’re looking for a beautiful but brutal challenge, Bryce Canyon (and Vacation Races) will set you up for success and the experience of a lifetime.
Now that was an adventure!
Vacation Races put on one hell of a race. The 30k course was tough and technical but amazingly beautiful. High altitudes, big climbs and descents. It was all so incredible! … MORE
Vacation Races put on one hell of a race. The 30k course was tough and technical but amazingly beautiful. High altitudes, big climbs and descents. It was all so incredible!
The race was well organized. There was lots of variety at the aid stations and the finish. Unfortunately, the strong winds made it difficult for everyone to enjoy the post race party but that didn’t stop people from sticking around the cheering on all the runners.
I will be back next year to tackle the 50 miler!
Don't underestimate this one
This course looks like it's probably a moderately difficult course on paper, but it is deceptively difficult. Very run-able first 30 miles can lull you into euphoric confidence while the … MORE
This course looks like it’s probably a moderately difficult course on paper, but it is deceptively difficult. Very run-able first 30 miles can lull you into euphoric confidence while the back 70+ (total ends up being 102+ miles) is a rollercoaster of differing terrain/conditions, making finding a rhythm very difficult. The altitude, dry air, wind, heat, and cold night make proper preparation/planning essential. We camped on site and dealt with some major wind/dust. The start/finish venue was good (not great, but I think that had a lot to do with the wind and dust), the aid stations were phenomenal, and the unique finisher buckles are super cool. I really enjoyed my weekend and will definitely be looking into more opportunities to run Vacation Races events.
The best people. So smooth. Crazy tough.
All the staff and RD are great. I can’t say enough about them. So helpful. The 100miles course is very tough and often incredibly underestimated. MORE
All the staff and RD are great. I can’t say enough about them. So helpful. The 100miles course is very tough and often incredibly underestimated.
Amazingly beautiful and difficult
Beautiful scenery and fantastic aid stations. The 100 mile course has some tough technical sections. The terrain ranged from dirt forest road, loose rocks, sand, and technical sections. Nice handmade … MORE
Beautiful scenery and fantastic aid stations. The 100 mile course has some tough technical sections. The terrain ranged from dirt forest road, loose rocks, sand, and technical sections. Nice handmade buckle when you finish. Loved that the race organizers used re-useable cups for drinks to cut down on waste.
Great Experience
Run was well organized. The swag, medal, and merchandise were great. Lots of variety at the aid stations and the finish. The course was tough but beautiful. Will for sure … MORE
Run was well organized. The swag, medal, and merchandise were great. Lots of variety at the aid stations and the finish. The course was tough but beautiful. Will for sure do more races.
Unmatched Scenery and Organization
This is the first ultramarathon I've done, and it set sky high expectations for all future races. I'm already looking at other VR races for my next one! -The course … MORE
This is the first ultramarathon I’ve done, and it set sky high expectations for all future races. I’m already looking at other VR races for my next one!
-The course goes through hoodoos!
-Directions to staging and camping area were clear
-Bib pickup was fast and seamless
-Bibs were small compared to other races, which is a huge plus, no one wants to run with a poster on their chest
-Drop bag drop-off and pickup were very well coordinated
-Aid stations were well placed and well stocked despite the remoteness of portions of the course
-Course was well marked throughout, never any doubt about if I was on course or not
-Course was tough, but not excruciating
-There were a couple long stretches of loose sand/silt that were very challenging
-Solid technical section along Thunder Mountain and returning to Proctor Canyon, but all runnable
-Volunteers were enthusiastic and helpful
-Race swag is sweet
-Announcer did an incredible job of calling runners into the finish
-Food truck had solid options for a warm meal post-race
-Did I say you run through hoodoos?
Great Experience loved the views
Awesome race, great views of bryce canyon area. Difficult terrain but so worth it. I registered through Wander Project an amazing experience with them also. The actual race was so … MORE
Awesome race, great views of bryce canyon area. Difficult terrain but so worth it. I registered through Wander Project an amazing experience with them also. The actual race was so much fun, great aid stations and the views were breathtaking. Intensity level 5/5 for race though, took me about 2 more hours than I had planned on.
Bryce Canyon 60k
There’s a reason this course is rated high in the difficulty scale. High altitude, big climbs and descents, plus the constant distraction of gorgeous scenery. It was honestly difficult not … MORE
There’s a reason this course is rated high in the difficulty scale. High altitude, big climbs and descents, plus the constant distraction of gorgeous scenery. It was honestly difficult not to stop every few minutes to admire the view and take pictures. This course felt medium difficult to me. Varied terrain including maintenance roads, single track dirt, a few technical sections, and even a couple of hop over water crossings. Vacation races always has extremely friendly and helpful volunteers. Having well stocked aid stations always helps boost morale and minimize the amount of stuff I have to carry. I highly recommend any races put on by vacation races.
Loved the Scenic Course
I loved this course. It's so beautiful and was in the trees most of the time. Yes, there were some hot and exposed areas, namely the last drop into the … MORE
I loved this course. It’s so beautiful and was in the trees most of the time. Yes, there were some hot and exposed areas, namely the last drop into the finish line. No, that hot spot didn’t wreck me.
I had a lot of fun and was happy to finish.
Beautiful Course
This course was so challenging but worth the views. My favorite section was mile 20-25ish on Thunder Mtn. I had a lot more gain than the website said but I'm … MORE
This course was so challenging but worth the views. My favorite section was mile 20-25ish on Thunder Mtn. I had a lot more gain than the website said but I’m not complaining! Thankfully it wasn’t too warm but I did get close to running out of water and I carried over 60 ounces on me so recommend having as much on you as possible. I loved the finisher mug also. I didn’t stay after because it was so windy so I can’t speak to what the after party is like.
Brutal But Worth it!
This was my first ultra marathon. With more than 5,000 feet in elevation change ranging from 6-9k feet, it was tough. I’m glad I did it. It was the most … MORE
This was my first ultra marathon. With more than 5,000 feet in elevation change ranging from 6-9k feet, it was tough.
I’m glad I did it. It was the most difficult run I’ve ever done! The scenery and aid stations were amazing!
What set this race apart though were the other runners and volunteers! Everyone was positive, encouraging and helpful! I can’t wait to do another Vacation Races event!
I loved that there was an option to camp at the start/finish line!