| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
| H (°F) | 70 | 68 | 77 | 87 | 79 |
| L (°F) | 36 | 52 | 48 | 36 | 43 |
This festival was a great experience! I’d never ran a trail race, let alone 3 back to back with courses like these! They were gorgeous but definitely challenging. I was … MORE
This festival was a great experience! I’d never ran a trail race, let alone 3 back to back with courses like these! They were gorgeous but definitely challenging. I was wore out but don’t regret one minute! I’ll be doing it again in the future!
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Be ready for some technical terrain, awesome views and great camaraderie out there! The course was perfectly marked and the after race “food box” was great. The race organizers din … MORE
Be ready for some technical terrain, awesome views and great camaraderie out there! The course was perfectly marked and the after race “food box” was great. The race organizers din an incredible job with the complex logistics af an event like that.
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Non-Elite runner here. More like an "average athlete." Trailfest is the longest race I've ever done, and by far the hardest. Coming from the East Coast, it was absolutely the … MORE
Non-Elite runner here. More like an “average athlete.”
Trailfest is the longest race I’ve ever done, and by far the hardest. Coming from the East Coast, it was absolutely the hardest thing I’ve ever done with the terrain and altitude. I fought for every step of every mile.
It was cold, hot, impossible, beautiful, painful, hilarious, scary, emotional, and sometimes just outright insane. But, it was worth it.
I saw the most incredible landscapes I’ve ever seen. I helped and was helped by complete strangers. I was humbled to my core. I fought inner demons for miles. I had conversations with people from all over the world. It was magic.
And the teams that work together to put all this on were top tier. There was so much support, care, and love going on the whole time.
It was worth the training. Worth the travel. Worth the money. And worth every hard moment.
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Unmatched scenery and very well organized. Trails are amazing, though challenging and not quite as well-marked as advertised. Definitely recommend. MORE
Unmatched scenery and very well organized. Trails are amazing, though challenging and not quite as well-marked as advertised. Definitely recommend.
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Beautiful course, epic scenery, and a conveniently placed aid station before the final grueling 5m loop. Took it easy as the first day of Trailfest, and enjoyed several stops for … MORE
Beautiful course, epic scenery, and a conveniently placed aid station before the final grueling 5m loop. Took it easy as the first day of Trailfest, and enjoyed several stops for photos. Very runnable!
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Beautiful trails to explore with a well-organized and supportive organization. With over 700 participants running 3 consecutive days on remote courses- so much could have gone wrong. But nothing did! … MORE
Beautiful trails to explore with a well-organized and supportive organization. With over 700 participants running 3 consecutive days on remote courses- so much could have gone wrong. But nothing did! Highly recommend others to invest in this experience!
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This run was amazing! Lots of single track trail. Loose gravel on top of packed hard track. Last 5 miles are the most difficult with 4 large climbs and descents. … MORE
This run was amazing! Lots of single track trail. Loose gravel on top of packed hard track. Last 5 miles are the most difficult with 4 large climbs and descents. Coming from somewhere with little to no elevation to train on it was difficult to breath at times.
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Everything ran smoothly at this event which is amazing considering how many people were there. Decent evening entertainment each night, solid food for dinner and breakfast, and the swag was … MORE
Everything ran smoothly at this event which is amazing considering how many people were there. Decent evening entertainment each night, solid food for dinner and breakfast, and the swag was great (which it should be for how much this cost). The run locations were amazing and I would do this again.
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The trails are beautiful and with varying difficulty. The last five miles at Bryce were brutal, and the last few miles at Horseshoe Bend were soft sand, but despite the … MORE
The trails are beautiful and with varying difficulty. The last five miles at Bryce were brutal, and the last few miles at Horseshoe Bend were soft sand, but despite the rougher spots of the terrain, it was all worth it! The views are amazing, the organization is the same high quality I’ve come to expect from any event with Vacation Races, and being at camp with everyone in the evenings is a great chance to make a lot of friends.
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As always a very well put on race. Perfect. Tough trail, great views, good people, well organized. Trailfest is one of the best events in running. MORE
As always a very well put on race. Perfect. Tough trail, great views, good people, well organized. Trailfest is one of the best events in running.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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Trailfest first-timer
This festival was a great experience! I’d never ran a trail race, let alone 3 back to back with courses like these! They were gorgeous but definitely challenging. I was … MORE
This festival was a great experience! I’d never ran a trail race, let alone 3 back to back with courses like these! They were gorgeous but definitely challenging. I was wore out but don’t regret one minute! I’ll be doing it again in the future!
This was an absolutely beautiful race!
Be ready for some technical terrain, awesome views and great camaraderie out there! The course was perfectly marked and the after race “food box” was great. The race organizers din … MORE
Be ready for some technical terrain, awesome views and great camaraderie out there! The course was perfectly marked and the after race “food box” was great. The race organizers din an incredible job with the complex logistics af an event like that.
I came back different...
Non-Elite runner here. More like an "average athlete." Trailfest is the longest race I've ever done, and by far the hardest. Coming from the East Coast, it was absolutely the … MORE
Non-Elite runner here. More like an “average athlete.”
Trailfest is the longest race I’ve ever done, and by far the hardest. Coming from the East Coast, it was absolutely the hardest thing I’ve ever done with the terrain and altitude. I fought for every step of every mile.
It was cold, hot, impossible, beautiful, painful, hilarious, scary, emotional, and sometimes just outright insane. But, it was worth it.
I saw the most incredible landscapes I’ve ever seen. I helped and was helped by complete strangers. I was humbled to my core. I fought inner demons for miles. I had conversations with people from all over the world. It was magic.
And the teams that work together to put all this on were top tier. There was so much support, care, and love going on the whole time.
It was worth the training. Worth the travel. Worth the money. And worth every hard moment.
Phenomenal experience
Unmatched scenery and very well organized. Trails are amazing, though challenging and not quite as well-marked as advertised. Definitely recommend. MORE
Unmatched scenery and very well organized. Trails are amazing, though challenging and not quite as well-marked as advertised. Definitely recommend.
Bryce Canyon Trailfest Kickoff
Beautiful course, epic scenery, and a conveniently placed aid station before the final grueling 5m loop. Took it easy as the first day of Trailfest, and enjoyed several stops for … MORE
Beautiful course, epic scenery, and a conveniently placed aid station before the final grueling 5m loop. Took it easy as the first day of Trailfest, and enjoyed several stops for photos. Very runnable!
Awesome and Inspiring
Beautiful trails to explore with a well-organized and supportive organization. With over 700 participants running 3 consecutive days on remote courses- so much could have gone wrong. But nothing did! … MORE
Beautiful trails to explore with a well-organized and supportive organization. With over 700 participants running 3 consecutive days on remote courses- so much could have gone wrong. But nothing did! Highly recommend others to invest in this experience!
Gorgeous Sights
This run was amazing! Lots of single track trail. Loose gravel on top of packed hard track. Last 5 miles are the most difficult with 4 large climbs and descents. … MORE
This run was amazing! Lots of single track trail. Loose gravel on top of packed hard track. Last 5 miles are the most difficult with 4 large climbs and descents. Coming from somewhere with little to no elevation to train on it was difficult to breath at times.
Superb event with great swag
Everything ran smoothly at this event which is amazing considering how many people were there. Decent evening entertainment each night, solid food for dinner and breakfast, and the swag was … MORE
Everything ran smoothly at this event which is amazing considering how many people were there. Decent evening entertainment each night, solid food for dinner and breakfast, and the swag was great (which it should be for how much this cost). The run locations were amazing and I would do this again.
Trail running, camping, & site seeing
The trails are beautiful and with varying difficulty. The last five miles at Bryce were brutal, and the last few miles at Horseshoe Bend were soft sand, but despite the … MORE
The trails are beautiful and with varying difficulty. The last five miles at Bryce were brutal, and the last few miles at Horseshoe Bend were soft sand, but despite the rougher spots of the terrain, it was all worth it! The views are amazing, the organization is the same high quality I’ve come to expect from any event with Vacation Races, and being at camp with everyone in the evenings is a great chance to make a lot of friends.
Bryce Canyon leg of Trailfest
As always a very well put on race. Perfect. Tough trail, great views, good people, well organized. Trailfest is one of the best events in running. MORE
As always a very well put on race. Perfect. Tough trail, great views, good people, well organized. Trailfest is one of the best events in running.
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.