This high-altitude ultra runs around the northern half and western edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, delivering spectacular views above and below Bryce Canyon’s famous hoodoos. The course sits between 7,000-9,000 feet elevation, making it one of the more challenging mountain ultras in the Southwest from an altitude perspective alone.

Vacation Races offers five distance options: 100 mile, 50 mile, 60K, 50K, and 30K, with the event serving as a qualifier for both the UTMB World Series and Western States 100. The rugged terrain winds through an area that holds the world’s largest concentration of hoodoos—those distinctive spire-shaped rock formations that define Bryce Canyon’s otherworldly landscape.

The high plateau setting creates a unique running environment with multiple life communities and geological features that shift dramatically as you move around the course perimeter. Runners tackle significant elevation changes while navigating between dense forest sections and exposed ridgeline segments that offer sweeping views across the Grand Staircase region.

Vacation Races is known for meticulous organization, and this event reflects that reputation with well-positioned aid stations mixing water-only stops with full-service stations offering food and medical support. The finish line creates a welcoming atmosphere with recovery areas, food, beverages, and medical support for incoming runners.

Awards include finisher medals for all distances plus special recognition for top three male and female finishers in each category. The remote setting adds to the event’s appeal, creating an intimate racing environment focused purely on the running experience rather than urban distractions.