Crimson Canyons Ultra

2021 Registration Opens December 1st

[UPDATE] The Crimson Canyons Ultra will move up one weekend in 2021 to the third weekend in September. We have approval from the Forest Service for the 25km and 50km distances. The routing will be the same great route as 2020. We are still in negotiations with the Forest Service on the 50 mile route.

True Adventure

The wild red rock canyons and rainbow hills around Richfield, Utah offer endless exploration and adventure. This run links together several canyons, dry washes, remote sections of the Paiute ATV Trail systems, and the brand new Pahvant Mountain Bike Trail System*, into a very unique experience. Run up a slot-like red rock canyon, trek atop a packed natural clay fin under colorful hills, power up and speed down remote trails, and catch great vistas along ridgelines. There will be a 25km (approximately 16 miles) and a 50km ultra (approximately 32 miles).

The 25km runs up the magical Dairy Canyon, out Flat Canyon, a loop out Cathedral Canyon, up the red rock roller coaster of trail 84, both the upper and lower sections of the Faulty MTB trail, down along the spectacular Scorpion Ridge overlooking Cottonwood Canyon, and ending on several other brand new single track trails just created the summer of 2019 & 2020, including the Cairn-Age and Tank Run trails.

The 50km will start with a loop up to near the summit of Table Mountain, with great views of Willow Creek Canyon, before descending both the upper and lower branches of Ken's Canyon. After passing back through the starting area, the 50km then follows the 25km route described above. The 50km runs in 4 total canyons, and along the rim of a 2 others.

This is a trail run, with a light sprinkling of adventure elements. The large majority of the race is run on trails or streambeds, but there are parts in two of the canyons where you may need to do a little climbing or easy scrambling over boulders. Both distances run through the lower 2 miles of Dairy Canyon, which has several small overhangs, a few fallen boulders, and a 4-foot ledge at the end (with a step and rope to assist). In Cathedral Canyon there is the large chock stone to climb over, and one small easy ledge. Besides these two canyons where runners might need to use hands, the rest of the course is pure, glorious running.

The Run

Racing in the heart of Panoramaland involves running in dry streambeds/washes, traveling on defined yet remote sections of the Paiute ATV trail, hitting sections of the brand new Pahvant Trail (mountain bike) System, and of course occasionally clambering over sandstone boulders or overhangs in your path.

Elevation Gain
* 25km (16.5 miles) 3196 feet / 974 meters (time limit 7 hours)
* 50km (31.9 miles) 5430 feet / 1655 (time limit 12 hours)

Getting There and Logistics

Richfield is located in Central Utah, about an 1hr 45min drive South of Provo, and about 1hr 40min North of Cedar City. There are many hotels to choose from in Richfield, as well as a KOA. Our race partner hotel, the Sylo Inn (recently purchased from Days Inn) of Richfield is actually the very closest to the starting line. They have discount pricing for race participants. A field close to the event will also be available for free camping. Packet Pickup will be the afternoon before the race inside Gary's Shoes. Morning-of pickup is discouraged, but available if you arrive at least 45 minutes before your race begins. Races start at 7:00 AM (50 km), and 7:30 AM (25km). As we get closer to the race, we will make a determination on necessary health precautions, but let's all pray for a return to more normalcy post-pandemic. Timing will be chipped again by Runnercard.com. There will be several aid stations throughout the course, stocked with standard ultra fare, including Hammer gels, fizz, & Heed. Given distances in rugged canyons and time (1 to 2 hours between stations), all runners MUST carry a personal hydration solution. Drop bags will be available at two aid stations for 50km runners.