Situated within the Navajo Nation, Monument Valley boasts amazing formations that reach over 1,000 feet into the sky and draw your gaze in wonderment. You will likely recognize these formations or “monuments” from the hundreds of movies that have been filmed in this desert backdrop over the years. Vibrant colors and dramatic shadows cast along the valley floor will give you a sense of becoming “in tune” with nature, experiencing the same inclusion with the natural world that the Native Americans have practiced for generations. Running becomes less of an activity and more of an intrinsic way in which to absorb the landscape.
2. Antelope Canyon Ultra
Experience two of the most photographed land features in the country- Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend of the Colorado River. After traversing the desert sand and slickrock to reach these unbelievable features, the run finishes out on smooth single track around the plateau that the city of Page, AZ is built upon, with jaw-dropping views of Lake Powell.
3. Zion Ultra
Adjacent to Zion National Park, Zion Ultra marathon is a challenging but scenic run through the southern Utah desert. The climb up Gooseberry Mesa will make grown men cry -- but the rewards are the views, and the bragging rights!
4. Grand Canyon Ultra
This race is run in the Kaibab National Forest near the entrance to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The route traverses the famous Kaibab Plateau and skirts the rim of the canyon, taking you to breathtaking overlook points.
5. Bryce Canyon Ultra
This scenic, mountain course runs around the northern half and along the western edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, offering spectacular views above and below the hoodoos. The race is run at high elevation, with most of the miles on this rugged course between 7,000 – 9,000 ft.
