ENJOY THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE SOUTHWEST
ENJOY THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE SOUTHWEST
Weather/Conditions
Closest Airport
Basecamp Location
Difficulty
Course Locations
Terrain
Grand Circle
SCHEDULE
Whether you're an experienced runner or just starting out, Grand Circle Trailfest is the perfect opportunity to meet other outdoor enthusiasts, discover new trails, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the American Southwest. So, don't miss out on this incredible trail festival experience and the opportunity to hike the best places in the United States
Day 1
Bryce Canyon | 15.7 mi.
September 18th, 2026
Start: 7:00 am (MT)
Cutoff: 4.5hrs
Elevation: +1,267 ft / -1,263 ft
Nowhere is the force of erosion more tangible than at Bryce Canyon. Its wilderness of phantom-like rock spires attracts nearly 2 million visitors every year.
You'll see all the beauty but avoid the crowds as you run on remote trails through the magical hoodoos unique to the Paunsaugunt Plateau.
Save $100
Day 3
Antelope Canyon |13.2 mi.
September 18th, 2026
Start: 7:00 am (MT)
Cutoff: 4.5hrs
Elevation: +1,267 ft / -1,263 ft
Run through a range of slot canyons on this impressive tour through Antelope Canyon's famous sandstone corridors.
Want 360 views? Add on a mile of the course to climb and see as far as Bryce Canyon! This revamped course has it all.
Save $100
Day 2
ZION | 10.4 mi.
September 18th, 2026
Start: 7:00 am (MT)
Cutoff: 4.5hrs
Elevation: +1,267 ft / -1,263 ft
The towering sandstone walls and deep slot canyons of Zion National Park are unique to anywhere else on earth and attract 3 million visitors a year.You'll run remote trails along the edge of a mesa, offering you commanding views of the majestic sandstone towers that make Zion famous.
Save $100
Reasons to run
GRAND CIRCLE
Grand Circle Trailfest unfolds as a three-day desert epic, moving from Bryce Canyon’s sunrise-lit hoodoos to Zion’s towering red-rock cathedrals, and into the glowing sandstone passages of Antelope Canyon on Navajo Nation land. Each run feels like entering a new world shaped by shifting light, rich color, and landscapes quietly carved over millennia.
As the miles fade, basecamp settles into an easy desert rhythm. Shoes come off, soft laughter drifts through the evening air, and that shared, satisfyingly tired glow sets in beneath a sky that refuses to hold back its stars. It’s adventure, connection, and awe intertwined—three unforgettable days of running through the Southwest’s greatest story.
Three Scenic Timed Trail Races
Festival Access with Activities
Destination-Inspired Swag
Daily Meals
On-site camping
Reasons to run
GRAND CIRCLE
Grand Circle Trailfest unfolds as a three-day desert epic, moving from Bryce Canyon’s sunrise-lit hoodoos to Zion’s towering red-rock cathedrals, and into the glowing sandstone passages of Antelope Canyon on Navajo Nation land. Each run feels like entering a new world shaped by shifting light, rich color, and landscapes quietly carved over millennia.
As the miles fade, basecamp settles into an easy desert rhythm. Shoes come off, soft laughter drifts through the evening air, and that shared, satisfyingly tired glow sets in beneath a sky that refuses to hold back its stars. It’s adventure, connection, and awe intertwined—three unforgettable days of running through the Southwest’s greatest story.
Three Scenic Timed Trail Races
Festival Access with Activities
Festival Access with Activities
Daily Meals
On-site camping
2026
PRICING
What to
EXPECT
How the Weekend Unfolds
Run
Each morning, you'll run a gorgeous timed race on one of the world's most uniquely beautiful hiking trails. You'll earn a finisher award for each daily race and compete for an overall placement award.
Explore
After the race, spend the day exploring the parks, enjoy day hikes on the local trails, and get to know the local sights and sounds that are available at this epic outdoor adventure festival. Absorb nature with all your senses!
Relax
After a day on the trails, sit back and enjoy well-deserved rest and food at base camp. Be entertained by expert presenters, motivational speakers, live bands, bonfires, a trail running film festival, yoga clinics, gear demos, and more!
DAY 1 | THURSDAY
Bryce Canyon
OCTOBER 1ST, 2026
15.7 MILES
7:00 AM MT
Dirt Trail
5 hours, 20 min
+2135’
This stunningly scenic course runs in, around, and through the colorful hoodoos as it links
the Thunder Mountain and Golden Wall trails of Red Canyon.
After the aid station, there is some climbing during the final 5.7 miles before passing through the Red Canyon campground and finishing back at the Thunder Mountain trailhead.
DAY 2 | FRIDAY
Zion
OCTOBER 2ND, 2026
10.4 MILES
7:00 AM MT
Dirt Trail
3 hours, 30 min
+664’
Enjoy rim running on one of the most beautiful trail systems in America, from Smithsonian Butte to Wire Mesa, with panoramic views of Zion National Park.
A little bit of slick rock, some towering views of Zion Canyon, and some sweeping vistas make this one of our favorite trails. Keep your eye out for petrified wood on the trail!
Day 3 | SATURDAY
Antelope Canyon
OCTOBER 3RD, 2026
13.2(Optional +1 Mile)
7:00 AM MDT
Sand Trail
4 hours, 30 min
+1,160’
Run through a range of slot canyons on this impressive tour through Antelope Canyon's famous sandstone corridors.
Want 360 views? Add on a mile of the course to climb and see as far as Bryce Canyon! This revamped course has it all.
Hear it from our
VACATION RACERS
Stories from runners at past Trailfest events
"I ran Trailfest last year and loved it so much I brought my husband and friends back to experience with me. I met great people and enjoyed every step of the races."
– Maggie
"Trailfest was absolutely amazing! Very well organized and so much fun! Thank you to everyone who helped put this event together"
— Sarah
"I am not into running with others, paying money to run, or training for specific events and yet I loved this event. Three days on three beautiful trails. Each day offers different scenery, mileage, and terrain. Do this event!!!! "
– John
Hear it from our
VACATION RACERS
Stories from runners at past Trailfest events
Event
INFO
Ready to join us for a trail-packed weekend? Festival HQ will be located at Jacob Hamlin Park in Kanab, UT.
You'll check in here, pick up your race packet, find your tent (if applicable), and settle in for 3 days of fun and finish lines.
What you'll get at check-in:
Race Bib:
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You'll receive one bib that you will use for all 3 races. Please do not lose your bib! It has a timing chip on the back, so be careful not to fold the bib or get it wet.
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If you have any issues with your bib, we will have staff and volunteers available throughout the event to help resolve them.
Meal Tickets
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Meal Tickets will be used during the event to exchange for your meals. You can also purchase meal tickets for friends and family at the Info Booth.
Shuttle Wristbands:-
Shuttle access from Event HQ is an additional service that you can reserve by modifying your registration on Let’s Do This.
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You do not need a shuttle wristband for shuttles to and from the race day parking lot each day.
Camp Tag:
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If you’re camping with us, you'll receive a tag to claim your tent during event check-in.
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Tents and sites are assigned on a first come, first served basis. Please follow instructions on-site and head to the camping area to choose an available 4 or 6-person tent
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Festival HQ will be at Jacob Hamblin Park in Kanab, UT. The races are in surrounding areas throughout the Grand Circle region.
We encourage you to drive to the start of each race so you can spend the rest of the day exploring the park and surrounding area on your schedule! However, we will have pre-paid shuttles each day taking runners to that day's course
Race Shuttles
Register for a shuttle pass during event registration
DIRECT SHUTTLE (FROM FESTIVAL HQ)
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Who can ride: Runners only
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Ticket needed: Yes, purchase in advance
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Departure time: Between 5:00am-5:30am
The direct pre-paid shuttles to and from Trailfest HQ in Kanab have limited space and are intended for runners only. You can purchase shuttle tickets when you register for the event.
The return shuttles will be running to Trailfest Headquarters after the race. They will depart as soon they are filled with finished runners.
PARKING LOT SHUTTLES (FROM RACE PARKING)
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Who can ride: Runners and spectators
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Ticket needed: No
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Departure time: Ongoing, starts at 6:30am
To reach the start and finish lines, runners and non-runners who drove themselves will take a short shuttle ride from the parking area.
PLEASE NOTE: Runners will be given first priority when loading these shuttles. There will be enough shuttles for all, but please understand that our focus is to get runners to and from their race.
FORGOT TO PURCHASE SHUTTLE TICKETS?
You can log in here and edit your registration to add-on a shuttle reservation leading up to the event.-
Highly Recommended:
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Camp pillow
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Camp/Shower towel
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Jacket or vest
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Sleeping bag & pad (40° for most nights check weather conditions before)
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Blanket to lounge on
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Snacks/Food
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Soap/Shampoo
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Extra clothing
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Socks for each race
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Running shoes
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Flashlight or headlamp
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Camp shoes
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Camera/Phone/Chargers
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Any personal medication
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Running hydration system/pack
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Warm clothes for nights & mornings
*Many of these items can be purchased in Grand Circle or in one of the communities along the way.
Recommended:
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Sunglasses
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Sunscreen
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Sun hat
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Toiletries
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Extra blanket
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Long underwear
A few more things:
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Personal first aid kit
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Gloves
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Insect repellent
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Rain gear
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Ear plugs
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Reading and writing materials
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Personal Bathroom Kit (personal wipes, hand cleaner, etc.)
*Check the weather beforehand for Grand Circle. If there is a cold front that moves in a 40° bag wont be enough and you would be better off bringing a 20° or layered clothing or an extra blanket. If you sleep cold you might consider bringing a warmer bag anyway.
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Each race will have at least one aid station located about halfway through the course. They will have volunteers on hand to help you! Trailfest aid stations will have the following:
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Water
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Electrolyte drink
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Honey Stinger gels
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Fresh fruit
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Variety of both salty and sweet items
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Meals: We'll provide catered meals each night of Trailfest (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday). We'll also offer a continental style breakfast each race morning (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday).
Runners may help themselves to breakfast each morning without a meal ticket. You'll receive meal tickets when you pick up your bib. Present these tickets when entering the buffet area to eat dinner. Additional meal tickets can be purchased at the registration tent or at the buffet table, cash or credit accepted.
Non-Runnner Meals: For registered runners, a nightly buffet dinner as well as a morning grab-n-go breakfast before each race is included. For those not running, additional meal tickets can be purchased at the registration tent or at the buffet table, cash or credit accepted. Purchased meal tickets will be given to the volunteer at the buffet entrance.
While there is no official lunch served, runners will have post-race snacks to enjoy at the finish line each day. Please note that the Runner Recovery area is for runners only.
All scheduled activities at Grand Circle Trailfest Basecamp are included in the cost of entry. This includes yoga classes, active clinics, nightly entertainment, nightly s’mores and more. While we try to prioritize registered runners in all clinics and classes, non-runners may inquire about available space at any clinic or class.
Non-Runner Participants: Coming with non-runners? They don't need to purchase an All Festival Pass!
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Trailfest will offer plenty to do for the non-runner. All the activities begin after 2:00 pm. Everything from yoga classes, nature walks, massage therapists, and local vendors and shops offer plenty to do for those who don’t want to venture out onto the trails. In addition, the speakers, film-screenings, entertainment, or other parts of the festival aspect are free to join in on. The town of Kanab also offers a couple of unique museums, a movie theater, bar, and several historic sites to keep you busy. While your runner is out on the trail, go for a drive through one of the 3 adjacent National Parks, 2 National Monuments, one of the Navajo Tribal Parks, or Lake Powell!
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Non-runners may share a tent with a runner, or additional camping spots may be added during or after registration.
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Dog Policy: Kanab City ordinance does not allow dogs in Jacob Hamlin Park, where the majority of festival activities, campground and facilities are located. In addition, dogs are not allowed on race shuttles. For that reason, we do not recommend bringing furry friends with you.
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As nature lovers, we are committed to keeping our events sustainable and managing negative impacts on the environment. Here's how you can help us:
CUP-FREE RACING
Single-use plastic is a huge source of waste at any public event. We have reduced that impact by making our events "cup-free".
What does that mean for you?
Coolers of water and electrolyte drink are available at all aid stations, but cups will not be provided on course or at the finish line. In order to stay hydrated, we ask you to bring one of the following:
1. Reusable water bottle
2. Reusable cup - These light-weight cups fold into a pocket or waistband. Request one when you sign up to run!
3. Hydration pack - These are refillable backpacks meant for running that allow you to access fluid via a built-in straw.
ZERO WASTE CONTAINERS
You can help us reduce trash by sorting disposable items into the appropriate container.
You’ll notice three containers at our events:
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Compostables: Organic goods like banana peels and most food items (without the wrapper please!)
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Recyclables: Paper, aluminum, cardboard, steel, and glass. Please dump out any liquids into the compost bin BEFORE recycling the container.
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Everything Else: Non-recyclable food wrappers like from used gel packets and styrofoam. Please dump out any food matter BEFORE throwing away the container.
Please avoid putting organic waste and compostable items in the wrong bin. It gets gross to sort through.
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The Awards Ceremonies will be held back at Trailfest Headquarters each night after the Event Director Report. Top 3 Male, Female and Non-Binary overall and Top 3 Male and Female Masters awards will be given out nightly. Awards will be based on gun time, so if you’d like to compete for these awards, please plan to start in the first wave of each race. On Day 3, we will be giving out Overall Finisher Awards to the top 3 males, females, non-binary and masters males and females with cumulative best gun times over the three races.
Results:
Live results will be hosted online by Laurel.
Visit the results button below for final finisher times after the event is completed. Keep in mind, the results are not official until all runners have crossed the finish line, and have been reviewed by the event director. Because our age group winners are based on chip time, it is possible to cross the finish line before someone else in your age group while still finishing with a slower time than them. Got questions about your placement? Please email timing@brooksee.com.
Ship My Medal:Top Finisher but missed the awards ceremony? You can request to have your place medal shipped to you! Visit this link to have your place medal shipped to you.
Photos:New for 2026, FinisherPix will be at each event to capture your race memories. Within 24-48 hours post-event, your photos will be available at the link below. You can purchase your race photos ahead of race day during registration or directly through FinisherPix. The FinisherPix Photo Pack includes ALL photos we identify of you in all digital formats (Basic digital image, Digital images with Finish Time, Digital images in certificate format). A link to download all images will automatically be emailed to you when photos are available online. Click the button below to view race weekend photos once available. Search for your individual photos by last name or bib number.
The official Race Shirt is picked up at expo upon check-in, and the official race medal is awarded upon crossing the finish line.
Exclusive Race merchandise will be available both at the race expo and near the finish line! When possible, we'll have race merch for sale in our online store after the race is over. Please allow time for us to add items online.Now, you can make it last forever with an iTab, a custom engraved plate with your name and finishing time that clips right onto your medal ribbon.
Pre-order before race day, and it’ll be sent to you automatically after results have been verified and posted. Shipping will take about 2 weeks post event. If you missed out on pre-order, no worries. You can order yours today for just $15, including postage & packaging here.
Explore
GRAND CIRCLE
We realize that the trail race destinations are out of the way for most runners, and it may be the only time that you visit these breathtaking areas. One of our biggest desires is that you walk away from this event having fully experienced what the region has to offer. While in the area we encourage you to continue the adventure and spend time in the parks!
Sand Caves
Carved by hand into Navajo Sandstone, these fascinating caves were once used to harvest sand and remain a one-of-a-kind slice of local history. The hike is moderate overall, but reaching the caves involves some genuine rock scrambling across slickrock terrain; so come prepared and know your comfort level before you go.
Difficulty - easy
Elevation - 137 ft
1.5 miles
Land Beyond Zion
Ready to go deeper into canyon country? Land Beyond Zion offers guided adventures into some of the region's most iconic terrain; from Angels Landing and the Narrows to insider Zion tours and off-road expeditions. A great way to extend your trip beyond the festival.
Difficulty - easy
Elevation - 137 ft
1.5 miles
Tilted Mesa
Whether you're looking to shred some singletrack or shake out your legs between races, Tilted Mesa delivers. This beloved local trail network offers a range of routes suited to every ability level; from casual spins to more technical rides and runs.
Difficulty - easy
Elevation - 137 ft
1.5 miles
2026
MEDAL & TEE
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Coming Soon
If camping under the desert stars isn’t quite your thing at Trailfest, you can still make Kanab your home base for the weekend.
Race weekend isn’t just a start line — it’s a full-on adventure, and we want your trip to feel smooth from the moment you arrive. If camping isn’t your style, or you’re looking for a little extra comfort after race day, HotelPlanner makes it easy to book the right place to stay with exclusive discounted rates for Grand Circle Trailfest participants, friends, and family, plus a seamless booking experience and 24/7 customer support. Your Grand Circle HotelPlanner page is set up with official race weekend dates and lodging options near key event areas like the Expo, Start Line, and Finish Line, so you’re close to the action and ready for a stress-free race morning.
Book early to secure the best rates and make the most of your Grand Circle adventure.
Book Your Stay with HotelPlanner Now:
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