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Bryce Canyon Ultra Marathons
Few races on earth can match the raw beauty of the Bryce Canyon Ultras. Held each September in the red-rock canyon country of southern Utah, this event sends runners through hoodoo amphitheaters, high desert plateaus, and forested singletrack at elevations ranging from 7,000 to 9,000 feet — a challenge that rewards the adventurous in full.
The Course
The event offers six distances: 100 Mile, 50 Mile, 60K, 50K, 30K, and a Trail Half Marathon (13.1 miles). All races start and finish at Lucky 7 Ranch in Hatch, Utah, with courses navigating the northern half and western edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Signature terrain includes the Grandview Trail (singletrack through a hoodoo amphitheater), Thunder Mountain Trail (punchy ridges with steep descents), the Golden Wall and Red Canyon sections, and stretches of doubletrack climbing through ponderosa pine forests. Expect cumulative elevation gain of 1,100 to 16,000+ feet depending on distance, with the high-altitude terrain adding an extra layer of challenge for runners not acclimated to the elevation. The 50K and 60K start at 6:00–6:30 a.m.; the 100 Mile begins at 5:00 a.m. the previous evening.
Race Day Experience
Aid stations are stocked with water, electrolyte drinks, gels, chips, fruit, PB&J, and — for longer distances — hot food like quesadillas and soups at later stations. Finisher medals are unique per distance, and the event partners with FinisherPix for race photography. Bib pickup and the race expo take place the day before at Lucky 7 Ranch. A post-race meal is included with registration for all finishers. Pacers and crew are permitted for the 50-mile and 100-mile events.
Why Run the Bryce Canyon Ultras?
The Bryce Canyon Ultras delivers something rare: a technically demanding trail race in a setting that genuinely takes your breath away — both figuratively and literally at altitude. The event is organized by Vacation Races, known for exceptional production quality and runner experience. The courses are challenging but not overly technical, making them accessible to trail runners beyond the elite. The mission extends beyond the race itself, with an emphasis on environmental stewardship and community benefit for the local Utah region.
Travel & Logistics
Lucky 7 Ranch is located in Hatch, Utah, approximately 4.5 hours south of Salt Lake City and 1.5 hours north of Las Vegas. Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is the most popular gateway. Camping is available on-site at Lucky 7 Ranch (pre-register during race registration), with options ranging from car camping to tent sites and RV spaces. For hotel accommodations, Panguitch (~15 miles north) and Bryce Canyon City (~20 miles east) offer lodging close to the start. The Bryce Canyon National Park area also features Ruby’s Inn Resort as a popular runner basecamp. Book early — September is peak season in canyon country.
How to Register
Entries sell out across all distances, often before race day. Register at the Vacation Races official website as soon as registration opens to secure the best pricing.
Check out our race catalog for more exciting races.
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Bryce Canyon Ultra Marathons
Few races on earth can match the raw beauty of the Bryce Canyon Ultras. Held each September in the red-rock canyon country of southern Utah, this event sends runners through hoodoo amphitheaters, high desert plateaus, and forested singletrack at elevations ranging from 7,000 to 9,000 feet — a challenge that rewards the adventurous in full.
The Course
The event offers six distances: 100 Mile, 50 Mile, 60K, 50K, 30K, and a Trail Half Marathon (13.1 miles). All races start and finish at Lucky 7 Ranch in Hatch, Utah, with courses navigating the northern half and western edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Signature terrain includes the Grandview Trail (singletrack through a hoodoo amphitheater), Thunder Mountain Trail (punchy ridges with steep descents), the Golden Wall and Red Canyon sections, and stretches of doubletrack climbing through ponderosa pine forests. Expect cumulative elevation gain of 1,100 to 16,000+ feet depending on distance, with the high-altitude terrain adding an extra layer of challenge for runners not acclimated to the elevation. The 50K and 60K start at 6:00–6:30 a.m.; the 100 Mile begins at 5:00 a.m. the previous evening.
Race Day Experience
Aid stations are stocked with water, electrolyte drinks, gels, chips, fruit, PB&J, and — for longer distances — hot food like quesadillas and soups at later stations. Finisher medals are unique per distance, and the event partners with FinisherPix for race photography. Bib pickup and the race expo take place the day before at Lucky 7 Ranch. A post-race meal is included with registration for all finishers. Pacers and crew are permitted for the 50-mile and 100-mile events.
Why Run the Bryce Canyon Ultras?
The Bryce Canyon Ultras delivers something rare: a technically demanding trail race in a setting that genuinely takes your breath away — both figuratively and literally at altitude. The event is organized by Vacation Races, known for exceptional production quality and runner experience. The courses are challenging but not overly technical, making them accessible to trail runners beyond the elite. The mission extends beyond the race itself, with an emphasis on environmental stewardship and community benefit for the local Utah region.
Travel & Logistics
Lucky 7 Ranch is located in Hatch, Utah, approximately 4.5 hours south of Salt Lake City and 1.5 hours north of Las Vegas. Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is the most popular gateway. Camping is available on-site at Lucky 7 Ranch (pre-register during race registration), with options ranging from car camping to tent sites and RV spaces. For hotel accommodations, Panguitch (~15 miles north) and Bryce Canyon City (~20 miles east) offer lodging close to the start. The Bryce Canyon National Park area also features Ruby’s Inn Resort as a popular runner basecamp. Book early — September is peak season in canyon country.
How to Register
Entries sell out across all distances, often before race day. Register at the Vacation Races official website as soon as registration opens to secure the best pricing.
Check out our race catalog for more exciting races.
Related Races You Might Like
Looking for more race options? Explore similar races:
See our complete guides: Best California Races • Best San Diego Races