Last Updated May 1, 2024
Vacation Races – Bryce Canyon Ultras is a scenic Utah mountain course that runs around the northern half and western edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, offering spectacular views above and below the hoodoos. The race is run at high elevation, with most miles on this rugged course between 7,000 – 9,000 ft which is one reason we at Strambecco consider this to be one of the Best Trail Running Race Events in the Southwest. The event is produced by Vacation Races, who pride themselves on producing meticulously organized running events at the world’s most breathtaking destinations.
Below you will find information on course details, lodging, dining, and other outdoor activities to do while in town for the Bryce Canyon Ultras.
Event & Course Info
The event is a qualifier event for both the UTMB World Series and the Western States 100. Bryce Canyon Ultras comprises four distance options, 50 Mile, 60K, 50K, and 30K, however organizers plan to offer the 100 mile option again in 2024. Note that 100 Mile Ultra is a rotating Vacation Races event meaning they do not host the event annually – after this year, it will be 2 years until they host it again.
Bryce Canyon National Park, a sprawling reserve in southern Utah, is known for crimson-colored hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations. Hoodoos (irregular columns of rock) exist on every continent, but here is the largest concentration on Earth. Situated along a high plateau at the top of the Grand Staircase, the park’s high elevations include numerous life communities, fantastic dark skies, and geological wonders that defy description. Check out Relive to explore interactive maps of the course as well as thorough course descriptions on the organizer’s website.
Awards presented at the finish line include a finisher medal and specialty awareness for each course. The Vacation Races – Bryce Canyon Ultras include special awards for the top three male and female finishers. There are aid stations throughout each course, a mix of water-only and full stations with food supplies and medical support. A finish line is a welcoming place with supporters, your fellow participants, and many amenities like a recovery area with food, beverages, and a medical tent. Check out the official Race Guide for all of the important details.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
Where to Stay in Hatch
The area around the race is a bit remote, however there are lodging options in nearby towns of Hatch, Panguitch, or Bryce. If you prefer a more home-like experience, there are many vacation rentals in the area. For those that are up for primitive camping, there is convenient $40 drive up camping available just for the event – no reservation required – and $10 showers available at nearby Riverside Ranch.
Dining in Hatch
Hatch, Utah, boasts a charming and rustic culinary scene, reflecting its small-town atmosphere and proximity to natural wonders. The local eateries offer a variety of American comfort foods, often featuring home-style cooking with a focus on hearty, satisfying meals ideal for fueling up before or after outdoor adventures. Local favorites include Sevier Coffee Co., the Outlaw Saloon, and Bryce Canyon Pines Restaurant.
Outdoor Activities around Hatch
After the event, explore everything that Bryce Canyon country has to offer. Beyond the National Park, you can enjoy fishing in the Seveir River or Panguitch Lake, enjoy a drive on Highway 12 Scenic Byway, or explore Dixie National Forest.
The Sevier River, which runs near Hatch, is a prime spot for fly fishing, especially in the spring when the water flow stabilizes and the fish are active. Anglers can enjoy casting for brown and rainbow trout in the serene waters surrounded by picturesque views. The river’s accessibility for waders along with the abundance of fish makes it a rewarding experience for both novice and experienced fishers looking for a peaceful day in nature.
For those who prefer their adventures on two wheels, the Thunder Mountain Trail offers one of the most visually stunning mountain biking experiences in the area. Located just a short drive from Hatch, this trail features incredible hoodoos, bright red rock formations, and panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. The trail is challenging with its climbs and descents, making it an exciting day trip for mountain bikers seeking thrills against a breathtaking backdrop.
A less crowded neighbor of Bryce Canyon, Red Canyon offers spectacular red rock formations and a network of hiking trails that are perfect for exploring in May. Trails like the Birdseye and Golden Wall trails provide varied landscapes, from deep forests to vast vistas. Additionally, the area is a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, including mule deer, hawks, and numerous songbirds, making it a fantastic location for wildlife watching enthusiasts.
Related Events
Vacation Races is best known for producing masterfully organized trail half-marathons and ultra-marathons at the world’s most breathtaking national parks. They also host running festivals and multi-day trail running experiences at stunning global destinations. Several of their events are qualifiers for UTMB Worlds Series and the Western States 100, including Zion Ultras, Antelope Canyon Ultras, and Bryce Canyon Ultras.
The Western States 100 is the grandaddy of ultra-running events. It is an epic 100-mile trail run from Olympic Valley to Auburn, CA, in one day on the last weekend of June. It is the world’s oldest 100 trail race, starting in 1974 as one of the ultimate endurance tests. Over the course, runners will climb more than 18,000 feet and descend 23,000 feet. See the dedicated Western States Endurance Run website for details on the lottery process, training, support, and volunteer opportunities. Participants must qualify for the race within two years and enter the lottery. If you are selected as part of the lottery, you are officially sent details to register within two weeks. If not completed in time, the registration will be available to runners on the waitlist of 50-75 people. Nearby qualifying races include Black Canyon Ultras, Moab Trail Marathon & Half Marathon, and Canyon Endurance Runs. Register and plan for the ultimate experience that will challenge your endurance.
UTMB World Series is the ultimate global trail running series uniting the sport’s biggest stars and amateur runners through a leading international event series in the most stunning locations. The UTMB World Series gives all trail runners a chance to experience UTMB events worldwide, with 25 events taking place across Asia, Oceania, Europe, and the Americas in 2022. It is the only place runners can begin their quest to UTMB Mont-Blanc, home of the prestigious UTMB World Series Finals. The UTMB World Series integrates three levels of events:
- UTMB World Series Finals
- UTMB World Series Majors
- UTMB World Series Events
To qualify to enter the lottery for Finals or Major events, you must collect a “Running Stone” by finishing qualifier events in the 20k, 50k, 100k, or 100M categories. Only 1 Running Stone acquired in the past two years is mandatory to enter the lottery. Running Stones are cumulative, have no expiration date, and each Running Stone gives you an additional chance to be drawn. Collecting Running Stones is the only way to access regular runners’ UTMB World Series Finals. Discover the events that will allow you to collect Running Stones this year to enter the UTMB Mont-Blanc lottery from this year onwards here.
For multi-sport athletes looking for other premier races and events in Utah and the broader Southwest region, be sure to check our our complete guides of Strambecco “Best” rated events:
