The MOCO Trails Wild West Backyard Ultra returns to Loudy Simpson Park in Craig, Colorado on August 15th, 2026 as a challenging endurance event for runners who enjoy testing their limits both physically and mentally. This community-driven race follows the classic Backyard Ultra format where participants complete a rigorous loop every hour until only one runner remains standing. The park, located along the banks of the Yampa River in Craig, offers scenic views and a unique trail experience.
On race morning at 8 AM sharp, runners will gather on the hard surface trails of Loudy Simpson Park for an early start under relatively mild conditions typical for this time of year. Participants can expect temperatures ranging from around 13 to 29 degrees Celsius with an average humidity level of about 42 percent and a risk of light rainfall totaling approximately 1.1 millimeters throughout the day.
Since its inception, the MOCO Trails Wild West Backyard Ultra has become a significant event in Craig’s community calendar, drawing runners from near and far to test their endurance against nature's rhythms. The race continues to grow each year with more participants drawn by the challenge of maintaining pace over multiple loops under varying conditions. In addition to the main event, there is also a single-loop option for those not ready to commit fully but still wanting to experience part of the excitement.
The course itself winds through Loudy Simpson Park along scenic paths that follow the Yampa River and traverse varied terrain including bridges and wooded areas. Each loop measures 4.167 miles in length, presenting runners with a consistent yet demanding challenge as they must complete each lap within an hour to remain eligible for subsequent rounds.
As participants prepare themselves for this grueling format, conditions on race day are expected to be dry under clear skies, offering trail runners the chance to push their limits without dealing with muddy or overly wet surfaces. The course features a hard and durable surface that holds up well despite high temperatures and UV exposure levels reaching into the "High" category.
MOCO Trails Wild West Backyard Ultra
Start: 08:00:00 • Fee: $140.00
MOCO Trails Wild West Citizens Race
Start: 08:30:00 • Fee: $40.00
The MOCO Trails Wild West Backyard Ultra offers an intense 4.167 mile loop format for endurance athletes looking to test their limits, alongside a single-loop option known as the Citizens Race which covers the same scenic route through Loudy Simpson Park without requiring full commitment to multiple rounds.
Participants can register for either distance via the official site at [https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=137267](https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=137267). The registration fee is $140.00 for the main event and $40.00 for the single-loop Citizens Race, with deadlines approaching quickly as race day draws near.
For those attending in person on August 15th, bib pickup will take place at Loudy Simpson Park starting from early morning hours until shortly before start time. Runners should bring a valid photo ID and proof of payment to claim their entry materials efficiently upon arrival.
The event begins promptly at the corner address of 701 S Ranney Street in Craig where participants can find clear signage directing them towards the staging area within Loudy Simpson Park itself. Age requirements are set for runners aged eighteen years or older, ensuring all competitors meet necessary safety standards before embarking on their endurance journey.
The MOCO Trails Wild West Backyard Ultra in Craig, Colorado is scheduled to take place on August 15th, offering a unique and challenging race format that pushes the boundaries of physical and mental stamina. This event draws runners from across the region eager to test themselves against both nature’s elements and fellow competitors in this exciting community tradition.
