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Grand Circle Trailfest 2023

Sports and Recreation

September 30, 2023

From: Grand Circle Trailfest

Whether you're an experienced runner or just starting out, Trailfest 2023 is the perfect opportunity to meet other outdoor enthusiasts, discover new trails, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the American Southwest. So, don't miss out on this incredible trail festival experience and the opportunity to hike the best places in the United States. Register now for Trailfest 2023!

Run.
Each morning, you'll run a gorgeous timed race on one of the world's most uniquely beautiful hiking trails.

Explore.
After the race, spend the day exploring the parks, enjoy day hikes on the local trails, and get to know the local sights and sounds that are available at this epic outdoor adventure festival.

Relax.
After a day on the trails, sit back and enjoy well-deserved rest and food at base camp. Be entertained by expert presenters, motivational speakers, live bands, bonfires, a trail running film festival, yoga clinics, gear demos, and more!

October 5th, 2023

Bryce Canyon (15.7 mi.)

Course Description:

The Bryce Canyon course starts at the Coyote Hollow Trailhead and jumps onto some single track pretty quickly. Despite the trail not being wide at this point, it is the easiest spot to pass runners by stepping off the trail through the trees. A few miles in and the single track starts to have slight drop offs which make it more difficult to pass. The crowd should thin out a bit during these first few miles. Being on the same plateau as Bryce Canyon National Park you will be treated with some spectacular views and run among the hoodoos and red rocks! Today's challenge: elevation and climbing.

Trail Note: We share these trails with others- whether it's a fellow hiker, a mountain bike rider, or even trail rides. In fact, there will likely be a trail ride occurring while the race is taking place. Please note that horses have the right of way. All runners must yield to horses.

Cutoff Note: The cut-off will be enforced at the aid station. If runners reach the aid station at mile 10 AFTER 11:30 am, they will be pulled off the course by race officials.

Start Time: 7:30 am MT
Distance: 15.7 miles
Aid Station: Mile 10
Cutoff: 5 hrs and 20 mins (20min/mile)

October 6, 2023

Zion (10.4 mi.)

Course Description:

We've decided to run the Wire Mesa Trail again this year. But even better...no uphill climb at the end!

Smithsonian Butte to Wire Mesa. Enjoy rim running on one of the most beautiful trail systems in America with panoramic views of Zion National Park. A little bit of slick rock, some towering views of Zion Canyon, and some sweeping vistas make this one of our favorite trails. Keep your eye out for petrified wood on the trail!

Start Time: 7:30 am MT
Distance: 10.4 miles
Aid Station: Mile 7.3
Cutoff: 3.5 hrs (20min/mile)

October 7, 2023

Horseshoe Bend (10.6 mi.)

Course Description:

The views on this course are sure to take your breath away. You’ll start near the rim of the Colorado River and run along the iconic Horseshoe Bend from a vantage point on Navajo Land few get to see.

After running the rim of Horseshoe Bend, and making your way south west to cross the highway, you'll run along the north side of the rim and continue onward the last few miles as originally planned. Running through the desert, you'll reach the finish line near a Navajo Hogan. Although the technical start of the Grand Canyon is a couple miles further down river at Lee’s Ferry, this section along the famous Horseshoe Bend is easily one of the most sought after views of the Colorado River.

Cutoff Note: The cutoff will be enforced at the aid station. If runners reach the aid station at mile 6.2 AFTER 11:15am (MDT), they will be pulled off the course by race officials.

Start Time: 7:30 am MT
Distance: 10.6 miles
Aid Station: Mile 6.2
Cutoff: 4.5 hrs (20min/mile)

Fest Date: October 5 - 7, 2023

Location: Jacob Hamblin Park - 566 North 100 East Kanab, UT 84741

Click here for more information.