The Dude Peak Derby Trail Race returns to Salt Lake City, Utah on June 20th, offering runners a challenging yet scenic journey through the heart of City Creek Canyon and beyond. This event is not just any race; it's an invitation into the rugged beauty of the Wasatch Mountains, where each step up the winding roads and singletrack trails feels like a page from a storybook about endurance and nature’s grandeur.
As runners make their way from Memory Grove Park through City Creek Canyon, they’ll experience the unique blend of urban energy transitioning seamlessly to mountain tranquility. The early morning light will cast long shadows across the canyon floor as participants start up the road into the canyon, setting the stage for an afternoon filled with varied terrain and breathtaking vistas. By midday, the sun’s warmth will be palpable, adding a layer of challenge but also rewarding runners with panoramic views that stretch from the Salt Lake Valley to distant peaks.
Since its inception in 2018, the Dude Peak Derby Trail Race has become more than just an annual event; it's a celebration of trail running culture and community spirit. Each year sees hundreds of participants coming together for this self-supported adventure, with prize money awarded to top finishers as a way to honor their dedication and hard work. Over these years, runners have come to know the course intimately, sharing stories around campfires about narrow paths, steep climbs, and the camaraderie that forms among those who take on such challenges together.
The Dude Peak Derby Trail Race unfolds along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST), a historic path that leads through City Creek Canyon. The route begins at Memory Grove Park before ascending into the canyon's dense greenery. Runners will encounter several elevation changes, including a steep climb up to Ensign Peak and another ascent near Dude Peak itself, where they must navigate singletrack trails leading back down towards the finish line. Aid stations are strategically placed along the tower road for hydration but runners should come prepared with their own supplies.
On race day in June, temperatures typically range between 15°C and 29°C, feeling like a comfortable yet sunny summer’s afternoon on average. The breeze will be gentle enough not to disrupt efforts too much while still offering some relief from the heat. With humidity levels around 30%, trail conditions are expected to remain hard but dry underfoot, making for steady progress through rocky outcrops and dense foliage.
16 Miles
25.7K • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $60.00
Dude Peak Derby Trail Race offers one distance: a rigorous **16 miles** (25.7 kilometers) journey that winds its way across challenging terrain in City Creek Canyon and beyond. This 25.7K run is meticulously planned to provide runners with an unforgettable experience, testing their endurance against the backdrop of Utah’s stunning natural beauty.
Registration for this event can be completed online at [https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=133136](https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=133136). Entry fees are $50 from January 1st to April 30th, increase to $60 in May and remain at this rate until June 20th. Race day registration is available but subject to availability due to a set runner cap. Participants should plan to park along East Capitol Blvd., near the start location at Memory Grove Park.
Bib pickup will take place on race morning from 7:30 AM onwards, located at 300 N Canyon Rd in Salt Lake City. Runners are advised to bring identification and any necessary registration confirmation emails for check-in purposes. The event is open to all ages but minors must have parental consent; ensure you review the full set of rules available online before participating.
The Dude Peak Derby Trail Race concludes its journey back at Memory Grove Park on June 20th, bringing together runners from Salt Lake City and beyond who share a love for trail running. This event is more than just another race in Utah—it's an opportunity to challenge yourself amidst the splendor of nature while contributing to a vibrant community that celebrates every step along the way.
