Zion Ultras

The Southwest's most stunning mesa and desert trails.

The Zion Ultras run across high-desert mesas, linking long stretches of singletrack, slickrock, and exposed desert trails. The courses are demanding, and the terrain ever-changing. Runners will experience long, sustained climbs, narrow rim sections, and sections with technical footing that will test mental fortitude. But what makes this race special is how nonstop the views are. Starting and finishing from basecamp at Smithsonian Butte, the experience feels remote, expansive, and immersive from the very first step. You’re moving through wide-open mesas with huge sightlines to Zion’s sandstone walls. West Temple. The Watchman. And the Virgin River far below. It will keep hitting you over and over: I get to run here? If you love a course that keeps you guessing while offering nonstop natural beauty, this one will stick with you.

Available Distances

100 Mile: Conquer a punishing 100-mile journey featuring the slickrock of Gooseberry Mesa and the famous Red Bull Rampage cliffs. The ultimate test lies on the technical Flying Monkey Trail, where you will face a heart-pounding, fixed-rope descent in the dark. It is a brutal, legendary loop designed for the truly resilient. 100 KM: This relentless 100K hammers up to Gooseberry Mesa for dizzying rim views at Crazy Jug Point before bombing down the infamous Mondo Z Cut. From there, you will cruise down the rugged Virgin River Dam area through a mix of singletrack and desert washes. One final, sting-in-the-tail climb stands between you and glory at the ranch. 60 KM: Experience the best of Zion’s desert landscape without the overnight sufferfest. You will find your flow on the Wire Mesa singletrack, grind up to Gooseberry Mesa, and sprint out to Crazy Jug Point. It is a fast, high-energy loop packed with technical slickrock and stunning rim views high above the Virgin River. 30 KM: Dive into a fast, runnable desert course that highlights the region's classic terrain. You will blast through the flowing singletrack around Wire Mesa before tracking toward the historic Grafton area for a second section of trail. It is a scenic, double-loop adventure designed to keep your pace high from start to finish. Half-Marathon: The perfect introduction to desert trail running, this fast loop packs massive views into a shorter distance. You will fly past the Smithsonian Butte Wilderness and onto the rolling, flowing singletrack around Wire Mesa. It is an accessible, postcard-perfect race that finishes right back where you started.

Race Details

Saturday, April 10, 2027 100 Mile: 6:00 a.m. MT 100K: 6:30 a.m. MT 60K: 7:00 a.m. MT 30K: 8:00 a.m. MT Trail Half Marathon: 11:00 a.m. MT Location: 100 West Main Street Apple Valley, UT, 84737 Bib Pickup & Expo Exp: Friday, April 9, 2027 Expo Bib Pickup Hours: 1:00 - 7:00 pm Ruby Rider Ranch (Apple Valley, Utah)

Go Further with Charity Bibs

Accomplish more with a charity bib for this event! Engage your community to raise funds in support of a nonprofit of your choice and your registration fee is waived. Register here: Zion Charity Bibs YOU choose whether the funds you raise go to support one of the WP official community partners or an organization that matters to you when you sign up for a charity bib. Fundraising minimums are as follows: 100 Mile: $2000 100K: $1500 60K: $1250 30K: $1000 Trail Half Marathon: $1000 Please understand that by signing up for a charity bib, you are making a serious commitment to raise the amount you agreed to. If you are not able to meet the minimum fundraising amount by the week of the race, you will be charged for a late registration regular bib. All donations are final. All “your choice’ charities will be verified by Wander Project using the criteria spelled out in Wander Projects FAQ/policies.