Day 1 - Bryce Canyon: Beginning this race required taking the time to allow my body and breathing to adapt to the high altitude. Once I set into a rhythm, … MORE
Day 1 – Bryce Canyon: Beginning this race required taking the time to allow my body and breathing to adapt to the high altitude. Once I set into a rhythm, the fun really set in on the single track amongst the amazing views of vast forest followed by mind blowing hoodoos. The brutality came in the last few miles when climbing was the only option. Running was impossible for a while and you wondered if the end would come, but in some ways didn’t mind because of the magnitude of rock formations that surrounded you on every side. This was the hardest day, but so worth it.
Day 2 – Zion: This one was the most runner friendly of them all. The first 3 miles were downhill gravel and packed dirt. Then we set into more single track that consisted of dirt or slick rock. This one was not marked as well in my opinion and I had to question myself a few times, but managed to stay on course for the entire race. The views were spectacular!
Day 3 – Horseshoe Bend: When you reach Horseshoe Bend at the very beginning, the beauty and vastness stops you in your tracks. You just want to stand and stare. Climbing over the sandstone made for a fun challenging course, but nothing nice can be said of the sand. Running in the deep “beach-like” sand was not pleasant and was exhausting. Thank goodness for the views.
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Bounds of Beauty & Brutality
Day 1 - Bryce Canyon: Beginning this race required taking the time to allow my body and breathing to adapt to the high altitude. Once I set into a rhythm, … MORE
Day 1 – Bryce Canyon: Beginning this race required taking the time to allow my body and breathing to adapt to the high altitude. Once I set into a rhythm, the fun really set in on the single track amongst the amazing views of vast forest followed by mind blowing hoodoos. The brutality came in the last few miles when climbing was the only option. Running was impossible for a while and you wondered if the end would come, but in some ways didn’t mind because of the magnitude of rock formations that surrounded you on every side. This was the hardest day, but so worth it.
Day 2 – Zion: This one was the most runner friendly of them all. The first 3 miles were downhill gravel and packed dirt. Then we set into more single track that consisted of dirt or slick rock. This one was not marked as well in my opinion and I had to question myself a few times, but managed to stay on course for the entire race. The views were spectacular!
Day 3 – Horseshoe Bend: When you reach Horseshoe Bend at the very beginning, the beauty and vastness stops you in your tracks. You just want to stand and stare. Climbing over the sandstone made for a fun challenging course, but nothing nice can be said of the sand. Running in the deep “beach-like” sand was not pleasant and was exhausting. Thank goodness for the views.
Brutal but can't beat the scenery
Pace yourself! Three days of running trails is no joke. Bryce Canyon was the first race and the toughest. But once you make it through that the rest is easier. … MORE
Pace yourself! Three days of running trails is no joke. Bryce Canyon was the first race and the toughest. But once you make it through that the rest is easier. Not easy, but easier. Views are amazing, make sure you stop and take everything in.
Beautiful trail runs
Race directors do a great job with attention to detail - always looking to improve their events and value the runners opinions. Beautiful trail runs located in areas with no … MORE
Race directors do a great job with attention to detail – always looking to improve their events and value the runners opinions. Beautiful trail runs located in areas with no crowds, mountain bikes – together with amazing scenery throughout.
Zion - A little piece of heaven
The first 3 miles were downhill on loose gravel/packed dirt. Then you set in to some single track, some dirt, some slick rock. This one was the most “runner friendly” … MORE
The first 3 miles were downhill on loose gravel/packed dirt. Then you set in to some single track, some dirt, some slick rock. This one was the most “runner friendly” of the 3 races. This one was not marked as well in my opinion and I did question myself a few times, but managed to stay on course throughout the entire race. We ran into some mountain bikers along the way that were incredibly kind and cheered us on. The views were amazing. You couldn’t help but stop and snap a few pictures. Just like all the races, the aid station was perfectly placed and flowed well.
Absolutely gorgeous views
Amazing views, super fun races. First time visiting Utah and first vacation race event, the experience was unforgettable. Base camp also had camping and fun activities every night. MORE
Amazing views, super fun races. First time visiting Utah and first vacation race event, the experience was unforgettable. Base camp also had camping and fun activities every night.
Absolutely stunning, challenging course!
The first day of Grand Circle Trailfest was certainly the most challenging, with lots of elevation especially the last 5 miles. However, the spectacular views were so worth it! The … MORE
The first day of Grand Circle Trailfest was certainly the most challenging, with lots of elevation especially the last 5 miles. However, the spectacular views were so worth it! The generous cutoff allowed for breaks to catch your breath and take photos! Around every corner was another incredible sight. Simply the best way to explore this area!
Beautiful but unraceable
Beautiful course but the distance went from 12 miles to 16 miles, with complaints met with a shrug by organizers. Complete lack of first aid on course despite a tragic … MORE
Beautiful course but the distance went from 12 miles to 16 miles, with complaints met with a shrug by organizers. Complete lack of first aid on course despite a tragic accident in 2021 coupled by way too many walkers clogging the trail makes this a never again for me.
Amazing. Do it!
Expect a challenging series of runs with spectacular views! I am mostly a road runner and was definitely not well prepared for the terrain. I was just happy to be … MORE
Expect a challenging series of runs with spectacular views! I am mostly a road runner and was definitely not well prepared for the terrain. I was just happy to be there to slowly traverse the miles. I finished each day with a smile. My first Vacation Races event, and hopefully not my last!
Awesome Race and Event!
This was my first trail run event and I had a great time! Vacation Races did a great job at Basecamp with providing food, entertainment, activities and recovery stations. We … MORE
This was my first trail run event and I had a great time! Vacation Races did a great job at Basecamp with providing food, entertainment, activities and recovery stations. We had access to compost toilets, showers, and flush toilets throughout the Basecamp. The camping experience was okay – we had to camp in the back Basecamp where there was a lot of wind and loose dirt/sand. I wish I could have camped in the grass at the Basecamp park like previous years, however, the move was due to a city request.
The three courses were challenging but very fun and scenic. Bryce Canyon was a tough course as it was the longest, had the most elevation gain and was nearly a single file trail throughout. It was tough to pass other runners and the downhill sections could get dangerous with other runners present. I was a fan of the Zion course as it was much more open and had wider paths. Also, this course had great views throughout the race. Lastly, the Horseshoe Bend course was tough to run as it was mostly sand and had uneven terrain throughout. We did get an awesome view of Horseshoe Bend in the beginning of the course.
Overall, I am glad I got to experience this event and came out of it with an overall positive experience. This is a must try for any trail runner who wants a fun and challenging experience!
Bryce Canyon - Beauty of a Beast
This race will challenge you, but man are the views worth it! Don’t skip this one! It’s worth the struggle! Starting out I had to get comfortable with the high … MORE
This race will challenge you, but man are the views worth it! Don’t skip this one! It’s worth the struggle! Starting out I had to get comfortable with the high altitude and adjust my breathing. Once I got into a rhythm, the fun really set it. Running single track, listening to other runners stories, and looking out across the horizon made for an unforgettable experience. The real struggle came after mile 9, but I wouldn’t trade it for something easier. The amazing walls of rock formation that surrounded you as you climbed, climbed, climbed were overwhelmingly beautiful. This may have been my most memorable race day of GCTrailfest.
This race was long, high and treacherous
This race was supposed to be 12 Miles but it was changed on short notice to 14 miles but it ended up be 16 miles long! I finished but I … MORE
This race was supposed to be 12 Miles but it was changed on short notice to 14 miles but it ended up be 16 miles long! I finished but I think other runners were unprepared for the terrain and length.
Trail running at it's finest!
This 3-day race is so unique. Camp or find a place to stay nearby, and run in some of the most beautiful and epic locations in the country. The event … MORE
This 3-day race is so unique. Camp or find a place to stay nearby, and run in some of the most beautiful and epic locations in the country. The event is very well organized with post-run massages, yoga, local musicians, a beer garden and plenty of entertainment. Plus, trailrunners are some of the most interesting and nicest people you’ll ever meet.
Amazing Event!
This was my first trail race event and I had a blast! I was very nervous coming into this, but overall, everything went smoothly. Vacation Races did a great job … MORE
This was my first trail race event and I had a blast! I was very nervous coming into this, but overall, everything went smoothly. Vacation Races did a great job in keeping the runners informed and comfortable. I am incredibly impressed with Vacation Races and their dedication to preparing a fun and safe event. Though challenging, the courses were beautiful and a lot of fun to run in. I would absolutely recommend this event to someone that is interested in a unique, scenic, and challenging experience. I look forward to participating in future Vacation Race events!
Challenge accepted!
If you’re like me and love the feeling of knowing that you have completely exhausted yourself doing something active and worthwhile, do this! Such a personal accomplishment for me. It … MORE
If you’re like me and love the feeling of knowing that you have completely exhausted yourself doing something active and worthwhile, do this! Such a personal accomplishment for me. It was tough but truly the memories and experience overshadow that. The best part, well it’s all the best part! From the race support to the festival, the swag, accommodations, staff, volunteers…. All of it. The views and where we get to run are incredible! Amazing and inspiring, I felt special that I had the opportunity to connect with a tiny part of this earth. My feet took me through but Vacation Races made it possible! Thank you for a great event! I will be back.
Vacation Races are the best!
Trailfest is for anyone who loves to run and loves the great outdoors. Vacation Races does an excellent job organizing everything. All you have to do is show up, meet … MORE
Trailfest is for anyone who loves to run and loves the great outdoors. Vacation Races does an excellent job organizing everything. All you have to do is show up, meet some new friends, and have the time of your life!
Extraordinary experience
If you’re looking for a challenge and overall adventure this experience is it!!!! The camping was a blast, the races were amazing!!!! If you go, camp! Get the full experience … MORE
If you’re looking for a challenge and overall adventure this experience is it!!!! The camping was a blast, the races were amazing!!!! If you go, camp! Get the full experience
Definitely add this to your list.
Great adventure. This was my second time completing this race. Very well run and the scenery cannot be beat. They have generous cut offs (20mm) and amazing support for all … MORE
Great adventure. This was my second time completing this race. Very well run and the scenery cannot be beat. They have generous cut offs (20mm) and amazing support for all levels of runners. Their race guide is comprehensive and informs you of everything you could need to know. Overall a fulfilling , easygoing experience that I will continue returning for.
Great event
Trailfest is a 3 day event that takes you to some amazing places. Bryce, Horseshoe and Zion didn't disappoint. Race was well organized and it's one that I will most … MORE
Trailfest is a 3 day event that takes you to some amazing places. Bryce, Horseshoe and Zion didn’t disappoint. Race was well organized and it’s one that I will most likely repeat.
Grand circle trailfest must do!
If you love trail running, this trailfest is for YOU! Three EPIC days of running in beautiful Utah. Bryce half marathon, then Zion 10.5 miles, and horseshoe bend 10.8 miles. … MORE
If you love trail running, this trailfest is for YOU! Three EPIC days of running in beautiful Utah. Bryce half marathon, then Zion 10.5 miles, and horseshoe bend 10.8 miles. Worth the long drive to UT, the cost, and the metals are awesome. Best race experience by far! So beautiful. And you explore the national parks afterwards. Kanab was a nice little town with their own trails too worth exploring. The staff was amazing and production spot on. Don’t miss out!
Best Race Ever!
The three day trailfest was the best run race ever! From the time we arrived at the venue everything was seamless. The "home base" was perfect. Check-in was flawless, with … MORE
The three day trailfest was the best run race ever! From the time we arrived at the venue everything was seamless. The “home base” was perfect. Check-in was flawless, with great swag and lots of evening activities from movies, bands, performances, smores and more. The Bryce course was amazingly difficult, but beautiful. Of the three days Zion was the easiest. Horseshoe Bend was filled with lots of sand. Honestly the best run event I have ever been too. Such a great feeling of accomplishment with the most supportive participants and staff.