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Built on bad decisions in Boulder, CO.

Royal Gorge Groove 20K

Basic Listing
  1. Aravaipa Running
  2. 2026 Edition

A shorter loop showcasing the best of the Royal Gorge rim

Explore the Course
Interactive map with aid stations, elevation & weather
DirectionsExplore
DeadlineApril 20, 2026
This event took place on April 25, 2026

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All trail races in Colorado→
April 25, 2026
Saturday 8:00am MDT start
Cañon City, CO
United States
12.9 miles
Loop Course
1,370 ft
Elevation Gain
Open Registration
No lottery
No Service Requirement
Does not require trail or volunteer work
No Qualifier
No qualifier race required
Beginner Friendly
Suitable for first-timers
Links
WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTube
2009
Established

What Makes It Great

A 13-mile introduction to the Royal Gorge rim trails, looping from the ranch through high desert terrain with canyon views and a single mid-course aid station. An ideal entry point to the Groove for runners building toward longer distances.

Difficulty

Entry-Level
2/10

Suitable for first-timers

Royal Gorge Groove 20K

Cañon City, CO, United StatesApril 25, 2026

April 25, 2026

Royal Gorge Groove 20K is a loop trail race in Cañon City, CO, United States, held on April 25, 2026. The course covers 12.9 miles, climbs 1,370 ft, and has a 10h30m cutoff.

Course map for Royal Gorge Groove 20K
DistDistance12.9 mi
GainElevation Gain1,370 ft
LimitCutoff10.5 h

Entry Timeline

Registration DeadlineApril 20, 2026
Race DayApril 25, 2026

Lottery

This event uses open registration - no lottery entry required.

Qualifier

This event does not require a qualifier for entry.

Service Requirement

This race does not have a service requirement for entry.
12.9 mi
Distance
Loop
Route
10h30m
Cutoff Time
6,447 ft
Average Elevation
1,370 ft
Total Ascent
1,370 ft
Total Descent
6,850 ft
High Point
6,053 ft
Low Point
Explore Course
Course map for Royal Gorge Groove 20K
Launch Course Explorer

Aid Stations & Cutoffs

LocationMileElevationCutoffCrewDrop bags
Start
Start
0.06,289 ft—
Crew
Dream Weaver Water Drop
Aid Station
2.36,526 ft—
Canyon Rim Aid Station
Aid Station
5.86,729 ft—
START/FINISH
Finish
13.06,289 ft
10h30m6:30 PM
Crew
Drop Bags

Aid station details for this race are still being filled in. Cutoffs and access rules come from the race’s own published information and can change — check the official race details before planning around them.

Sign in for race-day weather at every station, points of interest, segment-by-segment analysis, pacing, and to save this race to your calendar.

On-Site Camping Available

East Ridge Campground reserved for race weekend, 5-minute drive from start/finish with canyon views. Sites $35/night, includes limited spots for small RVs/trailers. On-site lodging at Royal Gorge Vacation Rentals (yurts $199/night, airstreams $249–299/night) adjacent to the start/finish area on the Arkansas River. Book via (719) 275-7238 or use code RG-GROOVE-AR10 for 10% discount April 24–29.

Crew Access Points

Pacer Rules

No Pacers Allowed

Crew Rules

  • Crews welcome at the start/finish area. Spectators allowed; carpooling encouraged.

Gear Rules

Required Gear

No required gear specified

Recommended Gear

No recommended gear specified

Videos from other Royal Gorge Groove Trail Runs events

Video thumbnail: Royal Gorge Groove Runs 2023
Royal Gorge Groove Runs 2023
Royal Gorge Groove 50K
Aravaipa Running•2023
Video thumbnail: Royal Gorge Groove Trail Runs | Cañon City, CO
Royal Gorge Groove Trail Runs | Cañon City, CO
Royal Gorge Groove 50K
Aravaipa Running•2024

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