Bryce Canyon Ultras
Hatch, UT
- 50 Miler, 60K, 50K, 30K
- Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
The Bryce Canyon Ultras feature scenic, mountain courses running around the northern half and 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 7,000 – 9,000 ft. The … MORE
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Bryce Canyon 60k: Tough and Scenic run
I recently completed my first 60k at Bryce Canyon, located in Hatch, UT, and it was an incredible experience. The race began promptly, with the first 4.3 miles featuring a … MORE
I recently completed my first 60k at Bryce Canyon, located in Hatch, UT, and it was an incredible experience. The race began promptly, with the first 4.3 miles featuring a steady climb. Starting at an elevation of over 7,200 feet, the challenge is significant, so be sure to prepare for the altitude. This course is demanding and not for the faint of heart, but every mile is worth it.
After reaching the 13.6-mile mark, the course offers some welcome gradual downhill sections and rollers. The aid stations were exceptional, providing a wide range of hydration options, snacks, pickle juice, fruit, and more substantial food like PB&J, ramen, and quesadillas. The support from the crowd and crew was phenomenal.
The stunning views make the distance fly by. After the Hillsdale station, prepare for a steep and technical climb; it’s crucial to refuel before tackling this last challenge. The final stretch features a downhill finish, leading to a welcoming tent with snacks, food, and chairs for runners to rest. Additionally, there’s a food ticket for options like pizza or tacos. The medal is also fantastic!
Overall, Bryce Canyon 60k is a race that tests your limits but rewards you with breathtaking scenery and excellent support, making it an unforgettable experience.
Ultra Fun Ultra
This was my first Ultra anything run. I have done countless half marathons but never more. I knew doing one with Vacation Races was the safest way to go. They … MORE
This was my first Ultra anything run. I have done countless half marathons but never more. I knew doing one with Vacation Races was the safest way to go. They are always well organized and have runners of all levels and skills welcomed. This proved great, I didn’t have to be some ultra athlete to run this race. However this corse is not easy, the altitude and elevation gains are killer here! Be prepared but it’s doable 100%. It’s Vacation Races so the course is beautiful. The camping at the starting line is my favorite, no need to worry about expense race weekend lodging. I am ready to do my first 50k now!
Love this ultra, it was awesome
The first 30k was service road and atv road, the second 30k was all trail with a lot of accents except for the last 3K which was back on service … MORE
The first 30k was service road and atv road, the second 30k was all trail with a lot of accents except for the last 3K which was back on service road. The aid stations had exceptional volunteers and were well stocked and plenty of them, enough to cut down on your carrying capacity.
Run thru hoodoo and killer climbs
Well organized race with plenty of aid stations and food. 2-3 very steep climbs across the race. Nice run through Red Canyon through the hoodoos. MORE
Well organized race with plenty of aid stations and food. 2-3 very steep climbs across the race. Nice run through Red Canyon through the hoodoos.
Welcoming race for all ability levels
This race is for everyone - elite to first time distance race runners. The communication is top-notch and the overall experience is so seamless it puts everyone at ease. It … MORE
This race is for everyone – elite to first time distance race runners. The communication is top-notch and the overall experience is so seamless it puts everyone at ease. It was my brother and dad’s first distance race and they felt that the number of aid stations and course markings were well spaced and well marked. My second race with Vacation Races, and I guarantee there will be more on the calendar soon.
Stunning course, perfectly hard
If you gather one thing from my review let it be this: If you’re thinking about doing the 50k, don’t, just do the gosh darn 60k. The 60k course is … MORE
If you gather one thing from my review let it be this: If you’re thinking about doing the 50k, don’t, just do the gosh darn 60k. The 60k course is beautiful, relatively mild when it comes to terrain (but not easy by any means) and a loop. You do almost the whole 50k course within it and that’s the worse part. No joke, during that section I was thinking “they really have to do this twice?”. And I’m not just talking difficulty all the highlights of the race for me aren’t a part of the 50k. So please just do the extra 10k. I’m begging you.
As for the 60k course, I will say my watch (and other runners agreed) told me the course totaled over 5900 ft of gain as opposed to 4600 it said it would be. Fine by me, it didn’t ruin my day but something to keep in mind for training and maybe throughout the race if you’re not a great uphiller. Otherwise, an amazing course that I would do again in a heartbeat. The up and downs are in fact very prevalent but I loved that aspect of the course over an all up then all down. Stunning views for most of the race, but even the “boring” sections were very peaceful and nice with some gorgeous far off scenery. 10/10
Killer altitude , Killer views!
Definitely not an easy race, difficult course and technical downhills. Coming from sea level the altitude made it hard to breath, but all that said, it was a beautiful course … MORE
Definitely not an easy race, difficult course and technical downhills. Coming from sea level the altitude made it hard to breath, but all that said, it was a beautiful course with great volunteers and aid stations! I definitely would come back for round 2!
Extraordinary experience
This was my first 50 Miler, and I can’t imagine any 50 miler being more stunning or challenging! Hats off to Vacation Races for an incredible event! So much fun! MORE
This was my first 50 Miler, and I can’t imagine any 50 miler being more stunning or challenging! Hats off to Vacation Races for an incredible event! So much fun!
Hard, but so worth it
There was great scenery. You do get a glimpse of the red rocks and hoodoos. For the 30k, I wouldn’t say you are running in/at the bottom of hoodoos, though. … MORE
There was great scenery. You do get a glimpse of the red rocks and hoodoos. For the 30k, I wouldn’t say you are running in/at the bottom of hoodoos, though. Uphill, downhill, you’re hiking and booking it down a mountain all in one race.
50k of sweat, grit, and tears
This 50k course is not for the faint of heart! Beautiful views, grueling climbs, and great company on the trail. I wish I wore gaiters to keep the sand out … MORE
This 50k course is not for the faint of heart! Beautiful views, grueling climbs, and great company on the trail. I wish I wore gaiters to keep the sand out of my shoes. I highly recommend having poles as there are steep declines into washes.
Beautiful course! Super fun race
Absolutely beautiful course. Super fun and flowy sections through the hoodoos was my favorite! Aid stations were well stocked, and volunteers were AWESOME! Very friendly and helpful! Would definitely run … MORE
Absolutely beautiful course. Super fun and flowy sections through the hoodoos was my favorite! Aid stations were well stocked, and volunteers were AWESOME! Very friendly and helpful! Would definitely run this race again! Finisher medals were really nice as well.
Wish I had signed up for the 50 miler
The elevation made the course difficult for all of us flat-landers, but the trail was not too technical, and there were only two areas with serious inclines, Red Canyon being … MORE
The elevation made the course difficult for all of us flat-landers, but the trail was not too technical, and there were only two areas with serious inclines, Red Canyon being the more challenging of the two. I enjoyed the single track the most and I was thrilled with the Thunder Mountain and Red Canyon scenery. My lack of training due to recent injuries and calorie intake struggles prevented me from finishing the 100-miler, and I stopped at 50 miles, knowing I wouldn’t make the cutoffs through the night. I am happy that I was able to experience every part of the course, since it consisted of two repeat loops this year due to residual snow at higher elevations. I didn’t receive any swag, but the t-shirt was awesome. In nearly all of the other ultras I have run, aid station volunteers assisted with refilling runners’ empty containers, but this practice doesn’t seem to be part of the process for Vacation races. I wish I had known because it means more time spent in aid stations if you lack a crew like I did. The course was extremely well-marked with only one exception: the return from Red Canyon, at the bottom of Thunder Mountain. There was a sign for 60k runners, but nothing for the 100- and 50-mile runners returning from Red Canyon. At least there was a “wrong way” sign leading back up Thunder Mountain, which left only one option, which was to take the 60k route. This is my first experience running with Vacation races, but I loved it and I will be back for more races in the future.
Super tough race!
Vacation races does a great job of putting on races - clear and specific info up front, great swag and awesome volunteers and support. My watch measured a significant higher … MORE
Vacation races does a great job of putting on races – clear and specific info up front, great swag and awesome volunteers and support. My watch measured a significant higher elevation gain than they reported / 4400 vs 5500 feet. The climbs were tough! Especially at the end of the race, they really kicked my butt. Being from a flat land state (Ohio) even though I run quite a bit (60-70 miles a week) I wasn’t prepared for those climbs. The scenery of the hoodoos was beautiful, but most of the run was spent in pine forest. Which is nice, but not necessarily what I expected. Trail is mostly nontechnical, with some rocky parts.
Top Notch Production with Scenery
Despite stepping down from the 60K to the 30K due to injury, I was pleasantly surprised with the 30K course. It had diverse landscape, challenging yet manageable terrain and raving … MORE
Despite stepping down from the 60K to the 30K due to injury, I was pleasantly surprised with the 30K course. It had diverse landscape, challenging yet manageable terrain and raving aid stations. I was so happy with my choice as I finished rewarded but not wrecked. The finish line camping was icing on the cake. What a community this race production creates. If you are looking for the overall trail experience, this is it! Look forward to returning next year to actually run the 60K 🙂
Outstanding in scenery and difficulty!
This race was exceptionally beautiful and exceptionally difficult! The Golden Wall Loop was unforgettable, becoming seemingly more awe-inspiring with every steep switchback. This race is not for the faint of … MORE
This race was exceptionally beautiful and exceptionally difficult! The Golden Wall Loop was unforgettable, becoming seemingly more awe-inspiring with every steep switchback.
This race is not for the faint of heart (or the faint of toenails). There are constant climbs, and some of the descents are just as difficult as the climbs. That said-it was all worth it and makes you feel even more triumphant when you cross the finish line!
AMAZING IN ALL WAYS POSSSIBLE
Route - Incredible (extremely hard for me, but still a great route.) The only thing I would suggest is a little bit bigger signs for wrong way, and a few … MORE
Route – Incredible (extremely hard for me, but still a great route.) The only thing I would suggest is a little bit bigger signs for wrong way, and a few extra pink ribbons
Aid Stations – amazing volunteers + great food (good tasting and well selected)
Race Coordination – extraordinary
I would repeat!
Incredible Views
This race was spectacular! The views were incredible, aid stations were tasty, and the pre and post race celebrations were perfect! I’ll definitely choose another Vacation Race in the future. … MORE
This race was spectacular! The views were incredible, aid stations were tasty, and the pre and post race celebrations were perfect! I’ll definitely choose another Vacation Race in the future. I’ve done Antelope Canyon and now Bryce. Planning on Zion next!
Incredible experience
First 30k and first trail run. Course was tough but a ton of fun - I trained at sea level so set my expectations accordingly on the course. Volunteers are … MORE
First 30k and first trail run. Course was tough but a ton of fun – I trained at sea level so set my expectations accordingly on the course. Volunteers are phenomenal, well stocked aid stations – overall a very smooth production. Can’t wait for my next Vacation Race!
Coming from Florida, all the vert I want
Fantastic course, although a beast, especially if you are coming from lower altitudes and not able to train on the race terrain. Would highly recommend, the VR and RD set … MORE
Fantastic course, although a beast, especially if you are coming from lower altitudes and not able to train on the race terrain. Would highly recommend, the VR and RD set up for a smooth race, check in was simply, little but of swag and excellently executed race. The aid stages, despite the challenging locations, were well stocked and I was in the back of the pack, yet they all still had cold watermelon, pineapple and swedish fish. Couldn’t have asked for more.
Top-notch 50 miler
This was a really well supported and coordinated event by Vacation Races. It’s undoubtedly a challenging 50-mile course (or 53-ish), largely due to the altitude, but is almost unparalleled in … MORE
This was a really well supported and coordinated event by Vacation Races. It’s undoubtedly a challenging 50-mile course (or 53-ish), largely due to the altitude, but is almost unparalleled in scenery and is certainly one of the most memorable ultras I’ve completed.