High-desert mesa running with nonstop views of Zion's sandstone walls
Other trail races within 198 miles
The Zion Ultras 100 Mile traverses some of the most dramatic high-desert terrain in the American Southwest, running adjacent to Zion National Park across a series of sandstone mesas above the Virgin River canyon. From the Ruby Rider Ranch basecamp, the course links Wire Mesa, Gooseberry Mesa, and Smith Mesa through a mix of singletrack, slickrock, ATV roads, and desert washes. The highlight stretch drops off Gooseberry Mesa via the Mondo Z Cut, passing the cliffs made famous by Red Bull Rampage, before entering the Virgin Desert. A long sustained climb to Smith Mesa precedes the technical Flying Monkey Trail — narrow rocky singletrack with a fixed rope descent that tests runners thoroughly in the dark. The final push back over the Mondo Z Cut and into the finish at Ruby Rider Ranch cements this as a race of sustained challenge and relentless beauty.
Experienced ultrarunners
Apple Valley, UT, United StatesApril 11, 2026
| Location | Mile | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
Wire Mesa Aid 1&2 Mile 8, 15.3 Aid Station | 7.3 | 4,564 ft |
Mondo Z Aid Mile 23, 34.6, 91.7 Aid Station | 20.9 | 5,059 ft |
Crazy Jug Point Aid Station | 24.9 | 5,305 ft |
Gooseberry Aid 30.8 Aid Station | 28.0 | 5,262 ft |
Virgin Desert Aid Mile 42.9 Aid Station | 38.9 | 3,776 ft |
Virgin Dam Aid Mile 51.5 Aid Station | 47.3 | 3,645 ft |
Hwy 9 Crossing 1 Aid Station | 51.4 | 3,556 ft |
Water Monster Mile 55.9 Aid Station | 51.4 | 3,556 ft |
Smith Mesa Aid Mile 59.7 Aid Station | 55.1 | 5,023 ft |
Flying Monkey Water Monster Mile 66.5 Aid Station | 61.6 | 4,865 ft |
Guacamole Aid Mile 74.9, 81 Aid Station | 69.7 | 4,472 ft |
Virgin BMX Aid Mile 69.1, 87.5 Aid Station | 80.8 | 3,655 ft |
Hwy 9 Crossing 2 Aid Station | 81.9 | 3,533 ft |
Ruby Rider Start/Finish Start | 90.7 | 4,925 ft |
Sign in to see cutoffs, crew access, drop bags, and services for every aid station.
Primitive camping at Ruby Rider Ranch (same location as expo, start, and finish). Options include tent, car camping, hammock, or RV. Tent rental available for an additional fee. Reserve a spot in advance — space is available but it's treated as a large group site.
Exposed desert mesa terrain with minimal shade for extended stretches — sun protection essential
April desert weather can swing rapidly — temperatures may drop significantly at night on exposed ridgelines and mesa tops
No required gear specified
No recommended gear specified
No reviews for this event yet. Be the first to share your experience!
