Day 1 | Thursday

Bryce Canyon

  • Date: October 5, 2023
  • Start Time: 7:30 am MT
  • Distance: 15.7 miles
  • Aid Station: Mile 10
  • Cutoff: 5 hrs (20min/mile)

Course Map & Elevation Chart

Course map for the 2023 Bryce Canyon run at Trailfest
Elevation profile of the Bryce Canyon Trailfest course

Course Description

The Bryce Canyon course starts at the Coyote Hollow Trailhead and jumps onto some single track pretty quickly. Despite the trail not being wide at this point, it is the easiest spot to pass runners by stepping off the trail through the trees. A few miles in and the single track starts to have slight drop offs which make it more difficult to pass. The crowd should thin out a bit during these first few miles. Being on the same plateau as Bryce Canyon National Park you will be treated with some spectacular views and run among the hoodoos and red rocks! Today's challenge: elevation and climbing.

Trail Note: We share these trails with others- whether it's a fellow hiker, a mountain bike rider, or even trail rides. In fact, there will likely be a trail ride occurring while the race is taking place. Please note that horses have the right of way. All runners must yield to horses.

Cutoff Note: The cut-off will be enforced at the aid station. If runners reach the aid station at mile 10 AFTER 11:30 am, they will be pulled off the course by race officials.

Avenza Map

We plan to mark the course thoroughly. That being said, we recommend downloading the free Avenza app (available for iOS, and Android devices) before the event. There you can find our uploaded maps that work without cell coverage.

Day 2 | Friday

Zion

  • Date: October 6, 2023
  • Start Time: 7:30 am MT
  • Distance: 10.4 miles
  • Aid Station: Mile 7.3
  • Cutoff: 3.5 hrs (20min/mile)

Course Map & Elevation Chart

Course Description

We've decided to run the Wire Mesa Trail again this year. But even better...no uphill climb at the end! 

Smithsonian Butte to Wire Mesa. Enjoy rim running on one of the most beautiful trail systems in America 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!

Avenza Map

We plan to mark the course thoroughly. That being said, we recommend downloading the free Avenza app (available for iOS, and Android devices) before the event. There you can find our uploaded maps that work without cell coverage.

Day 3 | Saturday

Horseshoe Bend

  • Date: October 7, 2023
  • Start Time: 7:30 am MT
  • Distance: 10.6 miles
  • Aid Station: Mile 6.2
  • Cutoff: 4.5 hrs (20min/mile)

Course Map & Elevation Chart

Course Notes for 2023:

While you will be able to experience and see Horseshoe Bend in a unique and special way, unfortunately we were unable to be permitted to run through the Water Holes slot canyon in the latter half of the race. We know this can be a little disappointing– we are disappointed too. But don't let that get you down too much as this will still be a beautiful course. After running the rim of Horseshoe Bend, and making your way south west to cross the highway, instead of dropping down into Water Holes Canyon, you will be running along the north side of the rim and continue onward the last few miles as originally planned. 

If you have the time before or after the race, we highly encourage you to tour a slot canyon while in the area. Whether you see Upper Antelope Canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon, or tour Water Holes Canyon – we think they are all amazing! 

Tip: We recommend booking in advance.

Map of the updated 2022 Horseshoe Bend course that follows the canyon rim instead of entering waterholes canyon.
Elevation chart for the updated 2022 Horseshoe Bend course

Course Description

The views on this course are sure to take your breath away. You’ll start near the rim of the Colorado River and run along the iconic Horseshoe Bend from a vantage point on Navajo Land few get to see. 

After running the rim of Horseshoe Bend, and making your way south west to cross the highway, you'll run along the north side of the rim and continue onward the last few miles as originally planned. Running through the desert, you'll reach the finish line near a Navajo Hogan. Although the technical start of the Grand Canyon is a couple miles further down river at Lee’s Ferry, this section along the famous Horseshoe Bend is easily one of the most sought after views of the Colorado River.

Cutoff Note: The cutoff will be enforced at the aid station. If runners reach the aid station at mile 6.2 AFTER 1:15pm (MDT), they will be pulled off the course by race officials.

A reminder that this entire course is on Navajo land. Remember that we are guests here and to be respectful of the area.

Avenza Map

We plan to mark the course thoroughly. That being said, we recommend downloading the free Avenza app (available for iOS, and Android devices) before the event. There you can find our uploaded maps that work without cell coverage.

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