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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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.
Nice race
It was a well organized race. Aid stations people are so nice and the entire course are well marked with a true heart. But it is not a easy course … MORE
It was a well organized race. Aid stations people are so nice and the entire course are well marked with a true heart. But it is not a easy course and it was hard to get help when I couldn’t go on. Luckily I finished it with some damages.
Beautiful weather and scenery!
Definitely a difficult hill at mile 5 but that was the hardest part. Pretty smooth sailing from there (the up hills between miles 9-12 were nothing compared to that first hill). Downhill mostly … MORE
Definitely a difficult hill at mile 5 but that was the hardest part. Pretty smooth sailing from there (the up hills between miles 9-12 were nothing compared to that first hill). Downhill mostly after mile 12. Tracked 19.5 miles. Good trail marking and food along the way.
Tough 50k for a newbie
Great course just harder than I expected! It's a looong climb on the way back with very little running (at least for a newbie like me). Lots of elevation gain, … MORE
Great course just harder than I expected! It’s a looong climb on the way back with very little running (at least for a newbie like me). Lots of elevation gain, (5,600 ft) and they don’t tell you its actually a 55k (34 miles)! Otherwise its super pretty, especially the red canyon loop area, everyone was very positive and encouraging, the signage was great, and I loved the pottery mug and t-shirt as my reward. The only thing they could work on is the post-race meal was not very good at all – everything was fried and gross (sorry!). Hard race for a newbie but hey – I did it! Check out my video: https://youtu.be/H98JDouBeCk
Newbie
So impressed on how amazing this race experience was. Information leading up to the race was super helpful. I loved the energy of the volunteers and race staff. Sponsors were … MORE
So impressed on how amazing this race experience was. Information leading up to the race was super helpful. I loved the energy of the volunteers and race staff. Sponsors were great as well. I cannot say enough good about my whole experience. I was fortunate enough to run with my son. I know he could have finished way ahead of me, but he stayed with me the whole time and we finished together. It was amazing. I am so happy to feel like part of the trail race community and would love to volunteer at an upcoming race so I may give back. Thanks for amazing memories.
This was the most amazing race I have ru
The 60k race and Adventure Races gets an A +- The course is tough , but the views and running through the Hoodoos was so worth it! The volunteers, aid … MORE
The 60k race and Adventure Races gets an A +-
The course is tough , but the views and running through the Hoodoos was so worth it! The volunteers, aid stations, course markings, race expo, and finisher award (hand painted coffee mug) were the best I have ever experienced at any race. FYI- I ran at 11 last year and volunteered at 9, so I have been to a bunch of races! After that many events you expect something to be disappointing, lack of food, water 💦, etc., but not at this race. 🙏🙏🙏
Steep ass climbs and descents with epic
This is the second time I’ve done this race, but it was a completely different course and longer. The race is run so well with super stocked in stations even … MORE
This is the second time I’ve done this race, but it was a completely different course and longer.
The race is run so well with super stocked in stations even for an average/slow runner. Lots of salty and sweet options. Course varies between clean single track, super technical rock and root filled single track and dirt road. I don’t think there was anywhere near as much dirt road in 2017 and it got annoying with all of the big trucks. The Red Canyon section is so epic it makes the race but if you are someone who is worried about exposure beware there is some high single track with big drops. I didn’t really study the elevation profile, which is my fault. I saw that it was 8600 feet over 50 miles and tried to make my 20 and 25 mile runs between 4 and 5000 feet of climbing. The problem is the climbing, here is deeper and more concentrated with lots of runnable trail in between. The steep up FRIED my hip flexors and some of the rocky steep down was too steep to run at all. Oh and there is a long climb at mile 46 with a very steep descent. My last 12 miles were very slow. My quads were done. I would train different next time and get those puppies in top top shape.
Amazing!
The 60k course was challenging but runable for most of it. The 5.3 miles through Proctor Canyon near the end were really challenging in climbing and technicality. I had to … MORE
The 60k course was challenging but runable for most of it. The 5.3 miles through Proctor Canyon near the end were really challenging in climbing and technicality. I had to dig deep. The aid stations were AMAZING! The spread of food was great and I was very happy that there were porta-potties at every aid station. The finisher swag and race shirt were great. It was extremely well organized. Thank you for a great race and my first 60k distance!
Scenic run and extremely well run event
Vacation Races does the best job putting on an event out of all the ultras I’ve done. The aid stations are well stocked with a large variety of foods, the … MORE
Vacation Races does the best job putting on an event out of all the ultras I’ve done. The aid stations are well stocked with a large variety of foods, the volunteers go out of their way to be helpful, and the event always runs smoothly. The course has beautiful scenery and you get to see Bryce without actually being in the national park. A challenging race but definitely worth it if you prepare.
This race has it all!!
Incredible scenery! Very challenging! Best aid stations with so many options! I have nothing bad to say about this one! Everyone was great from the race director to volunteers. And … MORE
Incredible scenery! Very challenging! Best aid stations with so many options! I have nothing bad to say about this one! Everyone was great from the race director to volunteers. And did I mention scenery??
Exceeded my Expectations!!
This was my first Ultra. I originally signed up for the 50k but my running partner canceled last minute. At packet pickup I decided to change to the 60k. I … MORE
This was my first Ultra. I originally signed up for the 50k but my running partner canceled last minute. At packet pickup I decided to change to the 60k. I am so glad I did.
That was a very challenging and rewarding course for me. Views were spectacular at every turn. The weather was perfect all day (even though other parts of Bryce had hail).
The Aid stations were so well stocked with anything you could need. The volunteers were second to none! Every one was so helpful.
Once I got to the car i immediately started searching for another Vacation Race! I am hooked!!!
Most pics I’ve ever taken in a race !
I loved this 50 (53) miler! The course was beautiful and challenging. The aid stations were so stocked with everything including amazing volunteers. Will do again!!! Oh the lollipop loop … MORE
I loved this 50 (53) miler! The course was beautiful and challenging. The aid stations were so stocked with everything including amazing volunteers. Will do again!!! Oh the lollipop loop will steal your soul 😂
The views make the climbing worth it
Technical trails and lots of climbing. But the views make every moment worth it. Great aid stations and volunteers. The aid stations are perfectly placed. Small amounts of sand. MORE
Technical trails and lots of climbing. But the views make every moment worth it. Great aid stations and volunteers. The aid stations are perfectly placed. Small amounts of sand.
Beautiful fast 60k course
Start with a little bit of a climbs and then it is nice and fast. The single track is very runnable and the Hoodoo's are beautiful. Miles 28 to 36 … MORE
Start with a little bit of a climbs and then it is nice and fast. The single track is very runnable and the Hoodoo’s are beautiful. Miles 28 to 36 were tough for me (ups and downs) and then a nice fast finish for the last 2.7 miles. The Aid stations were great. And the post race food was excellent as well. Lots of kind and helpful volunteers.