Enchanted Forest Trail Races 2026

Enchanted Forest Trail Races 2026

Presented by Gemini Adventures
Trail Running
Red River, NM
Jul 25, 2026
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About This Event

Gemini Adventures brings two challenging trail runs through Carson National Forest in Red River, New Mexico. The Marathon covers 25 miles with 4,000 feet of elevation gain, while the Heavy Half tackles 14.7 miles with 1,700 feet of climbing. Both courses start and finish at Brandenburg Park in downtown Red River.

The Marathon begins with an ascent up dirt Old Pass Road to the Switchback aid station at mile 4, followed by rolling terrain to Enchanted Forest at mile 7.4. Here, marathoners complete a demanding 5.5-mile loop through dense forest before returning to town via the singletrack river trail. The course’s signature challenge comes at mile 20: ascending The Face, a steep ski slope with no marked trail, leading to a dramatic finish at the top of the Platinum lift where spectators can gather.

The Heavy Half follows the same route to mile 7.4 at Enchanted Forest, then turns back for a finish on the river trail. Most climbing happens early, making for a fast return descent.

Six cupless aid stations stock water, gels, chips, Skittles, and LMNT drink, so bring your own bottles. The cupless format keeps the remote mountain environment pristine. Medical support is stationed throughout the course.

The event captures Red River’s authentic mountain town atmosphere, with the challenging terrain of Carson National Forest providing a true backcountry experience. The unique ski slope climb and forest loop distinguish this race from typical trail runs, while the intimate mountain setting creates a welcoming community feel. An after-party at the finish line includes awards for top finishers across six age categories.

Gemini Adventures

Event Organizer
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Founded in 2003 by a group of passionate runners, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts, Gemini Adventures has become a premier producer of endurance events in the American Southwest. The company is renowned in Colorado for organizing challenging backcountry races that blend intense physical demands with breathtaking natural scenery. Gemini Adventures specializes in events that take participants through remote, rugged landscapes, primarily across Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico.

Key Events

  1. Desert RATS Trail Running Festival
    • One of the flagship events, this festival is part of the prestigious UTMB World Series. It features various distances, including a grueling 100k that takes runners through the dramatic desert terrain around Fruita, Colorado. Participants face significant elevation gains and must navigate technical trails that showcase the stunning beauty of the high desert, including mesas and cliff edges.
  2. Adventure Fest
    • Held in Fruita, Colorado, Adventure Fest is a multi-sport extravaganza that combines mountain biking, gravel racing, and trail running over a single weekend. Events like the Sarlacc Attack 50K MTB, Fruita Trail Half Marathon, and Dirty Edge Gravel 50K are part of this festival, attracting outdoor athletes from across the country. The festivity celebrates not only competition but also the vibrant outdoor culture of Fruita, offering participants and spectators alike a full immersion into the world of endurance sports.
  3. Rexy Co2uT
    • Known as the “Queen of the Desert,” this unique gravel race spans the challenging terrain from Colorado to Utah, connecting the iconic cycling towns of Fruita and Moab. The event is designed for the hardcore gravel enthusiast, featuring long stretches of technical riding, substantial elevation gains, and awe-inspiring desert vistas.
  4. Enchanted Forest Trail Races
    • Set in Red River, New Mexico, this event offers a variety of trail races, including a marathon and a half marathon. The course takes runners through the picturesque Enchanted Forest, known for its lush landscapes and challenging elevation changes, making it one of the top trail running events in the Southwest.

Gemini Adventures is dedicated to creating experiences that push participants beyond their limits while providing them with the support necessary to tackle such demanding courses. Each event is not only a race but a journey through some of the most stunning and remote areas in the United States, making Gemini Adventures a favorite among endurance athletes seeking both competition and adventure.

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