The Zion Ultras & trail half marathon offers a challenging, scenic run through the Southern Utah desert, adjacent to Zion National Park. We offer multiple distances- a half marathon, 30K, 60K, 100K, and a 100-miler. Trail Half Marathon: Runners set out from Ruby Rider Ranch onto dirt roads toward Wire …
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The Zion Ultras & trail half marathon offers a challenging, scenic run through the Southern Utah desert, adjacent to Zion National Park. We offer multiple distances- a half marathon, 30K, 60K, 100K, and a 100-miler.
Trail Half Marathon: Runners set out from Ruby Rider Ranch onto dirt roads toward Wire Mesa, passing the edge of the Smithsonian Butte Wilderness before transitioning onto singletrack. They complete a loop around Wire Mesa, then return via dirt roads to finish back to Ruby Rider Ranch.
100 Miler: The course begins at Ruby Rider Ranch and follows a dirt road toward Wire Mesa, passing along the edge of Smithsonian Butte Wilderness before transitioning to singletrack around Wire Mesa. The course continues into the Grafton area through rolling desert terrain and additional singletrack. From Grafton, the course follows Gooseberry Mesa Road to Mondo Z, then heads out onto Gooseberry Mesa. Trails trace the rim above the Virgin River and desert floor, crossing a mix of slickrock and singletrack before returning across the mesa. The course drops off the mesa via the Mondo Z Cut, passing the cliffs made famous by Red Bull Rampage before descending through ATV roads and washes into the Virgin Desert. Runners continue along desert singletrack above the Virgin River canyon and toward the Highway 9 corridor.
After crossing Highway 9, runners climb steadily to Smith Mesa, the course’s longest sustained ascent. At the top, the terrain transitions to singletrack and ATV roads before dropping onto the Flying Monkey Trail. This section narrows into rocky, technical singletrack and can be particularly challenging in the dark. One section features a large drop with a fixed rope to assist with the descent. If you’re not fully comfortable on technical descents, it’s important to take your time here as you make your way back toward the Virgin River area. The course then travels through Dalton Wash, where water crossings are possible, before heading out toward the Guacamole area across extended sections of slickrock. After returning through Dalton Wash, the route turns south and works back toward Highway 9.
The final segment crosses Highway 9 again, follows ATV roads, and climbs back up the Mondo Z Cut before returning to Ruby Rider Ranch via dirt road.
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Hard Trail Race
This is second so called trail race and boy was it hard. Its a hard race due the heat at the beginning of the race and elevation gain but well … MORE
This is second so called trail race and boy was it hard. Its a hard race due the heat at the beginning of the race and elevation gain but well worth it. I was able to run the course before the sun light faded. Being a road runner it would have been lot harder for me if I had to run some part of the course on the mesa in the dark.
Hot race day in Wonder Land.
Lots to say about this event. The good and the bad. This is a beautiful race, I have done parts of this course 6 times. 1/2's-Trailfest-50K etc. You can't go … MORE
Lots to say about this event. The good and the bad. This is a beautiful race, I have done parts of this course 6 times. 1/2’s-Trailfest-50K etc. You can’t go wrong with this good course. Aid stations are great, good work was done on these. We started cold, 45 degrees, it got hot, I pulled off at 80 degrees. I wanted to do the 60K, ran into problems so dropped to the 30K, You will like this race. Remember, turn off to the site is Main and HWY 59. Don’t blink or you will fly by. Couple things about VR, they give google directions but not addresses, ( take a map), also this race, several runners got off course on loop two, flags missing and dots turned to blue then split into two course, neither dots were correct. One lady, a very good runners took off on one blue course, it was the wrong way, who knows what happened to her. I was off by about 1.5 miles and had to back track. Their trail markings need really a lot of improvement!! I appears that since the change of management or sale of the company, they seam to be focus a great deal on making money. So don’t over expect. Lots of changes going on.
Loved the Zion 50k!
I’ve done multiple Vacation Races half marathons, and I have always loved how they put on a race. So for my first 50k it just made a lot of sense … MORE
I’ve done multiple Vacation Races half marathons, and I have always loved how they put on a race. So for my first 50k it just made a lot of sense to pick Vacation Races, and they did not disappoint. From packet pickup to the finish line everything was so well done. Following the trail did get a little difficult at times but we managed. And the ascent near the end of the Grafton Mesa loop was tough and definitely something one should be mentally prepared for. But overall I loved the course and the views. The food provided during and after the race were great and ALL of the volunteers were amazing. And of course the race shirt and medal are both great too
Gorgeous Gooseberry Views of Zion
This was my first 50k, and it certainly did not disappoint. The views from Gooseberry Mesa were unreal. The aid stations were well stocked with water, Gnarly, pickle juice, the … MORE
This was my first 50k, and it certainly did not disappoint. The views from Gooseberry Mesa were unreal. The aid stations were well stocked with water, Gnarly, pickle juice, the usual snacks and gels, and even some had quesadillas.
After the first loop around Gooseberry, there is a long trek back on the dirt road you started on, which was tough when it started to warm up, as it was also mostly a steady slight uphill climb. The loop around Grafton mesa was a bit challenging and technical. This was fun, but will definitely slow you down, followed by another uphill climb on a dirt road headed to the finish line.
There were plenty of camping, glamping, hotel or STR options nearby. I enjoyed exploring Zion and the surrounding area and can’t wait to come back.
I would 100% recommend this race to anyone looking for a challenging but scenic course.
Beautiful Course!
This is a great course. It has a little bit of everything, technical trails, some fast fire roads, views for days and some great single track. Do not overlook this … MORE
This is a great course. It has a little bit of everything, technical trails, some fast fire roads, views for days and some great single track. Do not overlook this one when planning your next race. I enjoyed it so much I’ll be returning for the 100M.
Gorgeous scenery with a tricky course
Cons- the slick rock was more prevalent than I anticipated, but still plenty of runnable course. The race directors have not addressed the issues with getting lost on course. There … MORE
Cons- the slick rock was more prevalent than I anticipated, but still plenty of runnable course. The race directors have not addressed the issues with getting lost on course. There didn’t seem to be any consistency in how far apart markers were set, so it was hard to know if you were lost of just in a long expanse without one.
I don’t care for the swag shirts. You can “buy” a cool design tshirt, but for the $ to register, I would like to receive a nicer tech shirt or cotton shirt
Post race area was kind of sad. There was food and a meal ticket but not enough places for people to sit or hang out.
Pros- amazing aid stations and volunteers, lots of food options , and the views were gorgeous!
Easy parking!! That was great to park right at event- and good race communication. Nice bag drop options and Convenient drop bag mailing so you could leave prior to them getting back. Elevation was not a real issue. The medals are very nice, pretty and unique
Get your head in the game
Wow, the views are amazing! The course is challenging but not too challenging. Lots of running and sandstone. Flying Monkey is a definite highlight as I rarely get to rappel … MORE
Wow, the views are amazing! The course is challenging but not too challenging. Lots of running and sandstone. Flying Monkey is a definite highlight as I rarely get to rappel during a race. The climb back up Gooseberry can break your heart and is the only section I cried, but that was in relief when I made it to the top. Stop and enjoy the night sky and listen to the frogs near the water. I even saw a shooting star….brilliant! I have a wonderful experience and I am in love with my handmade belt buckle. It is the prettiest one in my collection.
Excellent Introduction to 13.1
We were seeking a gentle and laid-back introduction to The 13.1 Club for our kiddo and Zion Ultras did not disappoint. From the jubilee of the Expo, to a volunteer … MORE
We were seeking a gentle and laid-back introduction to The 13.1 Club for our kiddo and Zion Ultras did not disappoint. From the jubilee of the Expo, to a volunteer shift of shirt distribution to race participants, to running the half marathon – the Zion Ultras weekend was an entire vibe filled with exuberant cheer. The dirt road 5-out and 5-back undulated at 5k. feet in altitude. It was perfectly paired with a more technical 3ish-mile loop around Gooseberry Mesa with spectacular scenery. Almost 2-weeks later and kiddo is still proudly wearing his race shirt at every opportunity and carrying his medal around to share his excitement with others.
The race could be ‘improved’ with the elimination of the uphill climb back to the finish line, but then where would the challenge be? The most unique aspect was the views from Gooseberry, or maybe the cow that tried to join in on the fun? We would recommend this race to anyone that is not madly in love with road running and/or anyone that likes to test their limits with challenges at higher altitudes.
Unforgettable Experience
Views were incredible, aid stations were absolutely perfect, and all the wonderful souls involved who volunteered and worked the race were the best you could ask for. I flew all … MORE
Views were incredible, aid stations were absolutely perfect, and all the wonderful souls involved who volunteered and worked the race were the best you could ask for. I flew all the way in from upstate NY and couldn’t have asked for anything better.
Most Beautiful Run I’ve Ever Done!
Be prepared to add at least 10 min to your finish time for taking in the beautiful scenery!! It is worth it!! Don’t miss the chance to be completely mesmerized … MORE
Be prepared to add at least 10 min to your finish time for taking in the beautiful scenery!! It is worth it!! Don’t miss the chance to be completely mesmerized by the beauty. Half way through the course there’s a bit of a rock scramble but it’s not too intimidating in fact it’s quite fun.
Most scenic race I have ever run!
It is truly a beautiful course! The vistas and overlooks are amazing! I did not enjoy running so long on the (park road/fire road) You had cars coming by constantly … MORE
It is truly a beautiful course! The vistas and overlooks are amazing! I did not enjoy running so long on the (park road/fire road) You had cars coming by constantly spinning dust and sand up ion your face, Once on the single track it was HEAVEN!
Zion race was beautiful!
This was my first ultra-marathon and this course was so scenic and beautiful. Overall, my time was slower than I thought it would be but I also enjoyed myself way … MORE
This was my first ultra-marathon and this course was so scenic and beautiful. Overall, my time was slower than I thought it would be but I also enjoyed myself way more than I thought I would.
Notes on the course: the first 10-15 miles of terrain was a lot of climbing up and down rocks, and the end of the race has a 5-mile loop that’s pretty tough but makes for a rewarding end.
The aid stations were great, they had water, snacks, gels, and hydration packets. All the race volunteers were nice and the race was put together very well.
Beautiful and brutal
The views are unmatched and the course really offers a challenge. Two great things! The aid stations offer a lot of variety and support. I did run out of water … MORE
The views are unmatched and the course really offers a challenge. Two great things! The aid stations offer a lot of variety and support. I did run out of water on the backside of Smith Mesa and suggested to the organizer an extra water station out there as lots of us were in the same position. This is my second time running the course as I did not finish the first time. Now that I’ve finished it, I want to come back and see if I can get a better time. I just keep coming back! It’s addictive.
Stunning Views Make the Pain Easier
One of the best organized races I have participated in, Vacation Races knows what they are doing. Super friendly volunteers both years I have done this race. Aid stations are … MORE
One of the best organized races I have participated in, Vacation Races knows what they are doing. Super friendly volunteers both years I have done this race. Aid stations are well stocked and well taken care of. Great views throughout the course with varying terrain. Climbs are condensed and challenging, the road climb is brutal in the heat of the day if you don’t plan your hydration. Fun event!
Gorgeous, well-organized adventure
Very well organized check-in, camping, and prep before race First 20 miles were a short dirt road and then on top of a large mesas is rolling lava fields - … MORE
Very well organized check-in, camping, and prep before race
First 20 miles were a short dirt road and then on top of a large mesas is rolling lava fields – incredible, sweeping views of the surrounding valley
Second 20 miles started with a steep descent into the surrounding valleys during the heat of the day. Rolling hills, river, and road section through a town.
Last 20 miles were a steep climb out and then loops around two large mesas with gorgeous views of surrounding mountains/rock formations during sunset
This event felt like a true adventure – almost no repeating miles and you see SOOO much
Like Running in a Postcard
The hardest part of the race was not stopping every 5 minutes to take pictures! The course was absolutely beautiful! The worst part of the course was the road at … MORE
The hardest part of the race was not stopping every 5 minutes to take pictures! The course was absolutely beautiful!
The worst part of the course was the road at the start and finish.
Great first 50K
This was my first 50K and I’m so glad that it was because the scenery was top notch, there were plenty of people to run with, and aid stations were … MORE
This was my first 50K and I’m so glad that it was because the scenery was top notch, there were plenty of people to run with, and aid stations were well stocked. I probably could have gotten by only carrying a water bottle. My only complaints were that aid stations were not exactly at the mile markers that they were said to be (usually within a mile though) and the course was hard to follow at times. There was a section on a mesa around mile 14 that was very confusing and there was a group of about 10-15 of us stumbling around looking for the next pink flag constantly. I mostly stayed behind other runners so I would stay on course. Overall, very well put on race and we would definitely do it again.
Beautiful backdrop but challenging!
This race really challenged me! It’s my 7th half marathon but first trail run. I live in Kansas so training for trail running is a bit difficult. But I finished! … MORE
This race really challenged me! It’s my 7th half marathon but first trail run. I live in Kansas so training for trail running is a bit difficult. But I finished! Running through Gooseberry Mesa was incredible; stopped to take some pictures. It’s just gorgeous. Highly recommend this race to challenge yourself!
Just wow!
This race gave you a tons of beautiful scenery, all along the course. The organisation is awesome, like you are the part of a big family. It was a really … MORE
This race gave you a tons of beautiful scenery, all along the course. The organisation is awesome, like you are the part of a big family. It was a really cool event. The difficulty of the course was really well balance and made it really accessible to any first timer.
Awesome Race
This was simply a well run race. Great swag and shirts, highly organized, great aid stations. This was my 3rd race with Vacation Races and they have all been great. … MORE
This was simply a well run race. Great swag and shirts, highly organized, great aid stations. This was my 3rd race with Vacation Races and they have all been great. Will continue to do Vacation Races events.