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Built on bad decisions in Boulder, CO.

Royal Gorge Groove 50K

Basic Listing
  1. Aravaipa Running
  2. 2026 Edition

Rim-top loops above the Royal Gorge with 900-foot canyon views

Directions
DeadlineApril 20, 2026
This event took place on April 25, 2026

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All trail races in Colorado→
April 25, 2026
Saturday 7:00am MDT start
Cañon City, CO
United States
31.3 miles
Loop Course
3,310 ft
Elevation Gain
Open Registration
No lottery
No Service Requirement
Does not require trail or volunteer work
No Qualifier
No qualifier race required
Challenging
Some ultra experience recommended
Links
WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTube
2009
Established
88%
Finish Rate

What Makes It Great

A demanding loop through the dramatic rim country above the Arkansas River canyon. Runners trace singletrack trails along the Royal Gorge rim with sweeping views 900 feet above the river, passing through high desert terrain with rolling ridgelines and exposed canyon vistas. The course completes two distinct loops from the Ranch & Resort, sharing the first 18 miles with the 30K before adding a second loop to the southwest.

Difficulty

Intermediate
5/10

Some ultra experience recommended

Variable Weather
Exposed Ridgeline
Sun Exposure
Steep Climbing

Race Highlights

900 feet above the Arkansas River
Trails run along the rim of the Royal Gorge with dramatic views deep into the canyon below
Double-loop course from the resort
The 50K covers two distinct rim loops, sharing the first half with the 30K before adding more canyon terrain
Spring Colorado racing in April
Race weekend coincides with wildflower season — but Colorado April means snow is always possible
High finish rates (~89%)
Well-marked, well-stocked course consistently sees strong finish rates across all distances
Run & Bike Weekend
Royal Gorge Groove Rides on Sunday let participants experience the same trails on two wheels

Royal Gorge Groove 50K

Cañon City, CO, United StatesApril 25, 2026

April 25, 2026
Course map for Royal Gorge Groove 50K
DistDistance31.3 mi
GainElevation Gain3,310 ft
LimitCutoff11 h
Variable WeatherExposed RidgelineSun ExposureSteep Climbing

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.
31.3 mi
Distance
Loop
Route
11h
Cutoff Time
6,526 ft
Average Elevation
3,310 ft
Total Ascent
3,310 ft
Total Descent
7,110 ft
High Point
6,053 ft
Low Point
Course map
Launch Course Explorer

Aid Stations

LocationMileElevation
Start
Start
0.06,289 ft
Dream Weaver Water Drop
Aid Station
2.56,526 ft
Tower Aid Station
Aid Station
6.77,110 ft
Canyon Rim Aid Station
Aid Station
11.16,726 ft
START/FINISH (mid-loop)
Aid Station
18.36,289 ft
Dream Weaver Water Drop
Aid Station
20.96,526 ft
Canyon Rim Aid Station
Aid Station
24.26,726 ft
Finish
Finish
31.46,289 ft

Sign in to see cutoffs, crew access, drop bags, and services for every aid station.

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 are welcome to support runners at the start/finish area. Spectators allowed at start/finish; parking may be limited so carpooling is encouraged.
Weather
Rapid Weather Changes

April weather in Colorado can shift rapidly. Snow is rare but possible; temperatures are generally cool. Race organizers may turn runners around if conditions become unsafe.

Gear Rules

Required Gear

No required gear specified

Recommended Gear

No recommended gear specified

Featured Videos

Royal Gorge Groove Runs 2023
Royal Gorge Groove Runs 2023
Aravaipa Running•2023
Royal Gorge Groove Trail Runs | Cañon City, CO
Royal Gorge Groove Trail Runs | Cañon City, CO
Aravaipa Running•2024

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Register•April 25, 2026