2026 Zion Ultras
The 2026 Zion Ultras will take place on April 11, 2026, at Ruby Rider Ranch in Smithsonian Butte, Rockville, Utah, USA. Located in the high-desert mesas near Zion National Park, the event offers a unique blend of technical trail running, stunning panoramic views, and a remote, immersive experience. The weather in Apple Valley on this date is expected to be mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 50°F to 65°F and minimal precipitation. Runners can anticipate a mix of trail types, including technical singletrack, dirt roads, and slickrock, making this race a test of endurance and skill. The event features multiple distances, from a 30K to a 100-mile race, each offering distinct challenges and scenic routes through the rugged terrain.
What is the Zion Ultras?
The Zion Ultras is a trail running event set in the high-desert mesas surrounding Zion National Park. It features a variety of distances, including 100 miles, 100K, 60K, 30K, and a Half Marathon. The course includes technical singletrack, dirt roads, and slickrock, with breathtaking views of sandstone walls, the Virgin River, and expansive desert landscapes. Runners will navigate rim sections, long sustained climbs, and technical descents, making it a demanding yet rewarding experience.
What distances are available for this event?
- →100 Miles starting at 6:00 AM with a 36-hour cutoff
- →100K starting at 6:30 AM with a 22-hour cutoff
- →60K starting at 7:00 AM with a 14-hour cutoff
- →30K starting at 8:00 AM with a 7-hour cutoff
- →Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) starting at 11:00 AM with a 6-hour cutoff
What is the elevation gain and loss for each distance?
- →100 Miles: +10,481' / -10,481'
- →100K: +5,646' / -5,646'
- →60K: +3,075' / -3,072'
- →30K: +1,621' / -1,621'
- →Half Marathon: +1,179' / -1,179'
How many aid stations are available for each distance?
- →100 Miles: 13 fully stocked + 2 water-only stations
- →100K: 8 fully stocked + 1 water-only station
- →60K: 5 fully stocked stations
- →30K: 2 fully stocked stations
- →Half Marathon: 2 stations
What are the key course features for each distance?
- →100 Miles: Wire Mesa, Grafton, Gooseberry Mesa, Smith Mesa, Flying Monkey Trail, Dalton Wash, Guacamole slickrock area, and the Virgin River corridor. Crosses Highway 9 twice.
- →100K: Wire Mesa, Grafton desert singletrack, Gooseberry Mesa rim trails, Crazy Jug Point out-and-back, Red Bull Rampage cliffs descent, Virgin Desert, Virgin River Dam area, and town of Virgin.
- →60K: Wire Mesa loop, Grafton desert singletrack, Gooseberry Mesa rim trails, Crazy Jug Point out-and-back, and slickrock.
- →30K: Wire Mesa loop via Smithsonian Butte Wilderness edge, singletrack toward Grafton area, and dirt road back to finish.
- →Half Marathon: Dirt road out of Ruby Rider Ranch to Wire Mesa, singletrack loop around Wire Mesa, and return via dirt road to finish.
What are the course maps for each distance?
What are the meal options for runners?
Multiple hot meal options are available at the expo and finish line. Meal hours are as follows:
- →Friday: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- →Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Runners must present the meal ticket attached to their bib to redeem meals. Crew, pacers, and spectators may purchase food separately at the finish line. The post-race recovery area is open to all registered runners, including those who did not finish.
What is the zero waste policy for this event?
The event enforces a zero waste policy, with no cups provided. Runners must carry their own hydration system, such as a vest, belt, or handheld. Waste must be sorted into the following categories:
🟢 Compost: Food scraps, fruit peels, liquids
🔵 Recycle: Plastics #1–7, cans, paper, cardboard, glass
⚫ Landfill: Wrappers, gel packs, non-recyclables
Reusable cups and hydration products are available for purchase at the merchandise area.