True Adventure
Experience primal trails and canyons on the Pahvant Range! Distances: 10k, 25k, 55k**, and 50miles. This Crimson Canyon Ultra and Trail Runs links together canyons, dry washes, remote sections of the Paiute ATV Trail systems, and the new Pahvant Mountain Bike Trail System into a very unique experience. Run up red rock streambeds in narrow canyons, trek atop packed natural clay fins under colorful hills, power up and speed down groomed dirt trails, and catch great vistas along ridgelines.
Both the 50 Miler and 55km take an all new breathtaking route up to the summit of White Pine Peak (10,200 feet), and then descends 18 miles on the Spinal Tap MTB Trail. This is the signature center of both ultra distances. At the bottom of Spinal Tap, 50 mile runners will then complete the 25km Dairy Canyon loop
The 25km loop runs up the slot-like Dairy Canyon, out Flat Canyon, loops the enchanting Cathedral Canyon, up the red rock roller coaster sections of trail 84, hits both the upper and lower sections of the Faulty MTB trail, down along the awe inducting Scorpion Ridge overlooking Cottonwood Canyon, and finishes on several other single track trails created since 2019, including the Cairn-Age and Tank Run trails.
The 10km runs up the Big Red and Kiln-It Trail to aid station #8, and there connects with the 25km route coming back down Cairn-Age & Tank Run Trails.
This is a trail run, with a light sprinkling of adventure elements. The large majority of the race is run on trails or streambeds, but the 25km and 50 miler hit two canyons with a little climbing or easy scrambling over boulders. Both distances run through the lower 2 miles of Dairy Canyon with several small overhangs, a few fallen boulders, and a 4-foot ledge at the end (with a step and rope to assist). In Cathedral Canyon there is one small easy ledge. Besides these two canyons where runners might need to use hands, the rest of the course is pure, glorious running. The 10km is run on groomed bike trails and a gravel mountain road, but it still has some good elevation changes.
The Run
Racing in the heart of Panoramaland involves running in dry streambeds/washes, traveling on defined yet remote sections of the Paiute ATV trail, hitting sections of the brand new Pahvant Trail (mountain bike) System, and of course occasionally clambering over sandstone boulders or overhangs in your path. These are all part of the Fishlake National Forest. (Slight route updates below as of August 2024)
Elevation Gain
* 10km (6.2 miles) 1264 feet / 385 meters (time limit 4 hours)
* 25km (16.5 miles) 3104 feet / 946 meters (time limit 8 hours)
* 55*km (37.8 miles). 7326 feet or 2233 Meters (time limit 13 hours)
* 50 Miles (83.7km) 9737 feet / 2968 Meters (time limit 18 hours)
** Note with Forest Service route changes August 2024, the 50 Miler is now actually exactly 52 miles, and the 55km is actually 60km. The medals and records for the 55km will be adjusted to reflect the 60km distance :-)
Getting There and Logistics
Richfield is located in Central Utah, about an 1hr 45min drive South of Provo, and about 1hr 40min North of Cedar City. There are many hotels to choose from in Richfield, as well as a KOA. Our race partner hotel, Ramada of Richfield is actually the very closest to the starting line. Book accommodations soon as there are several other large events in Richfield the same weekend. They have discount pricing for race participants. A field close to the event will also be available for free camping. Packet Pickup will be the afternoon before at the Lion's Park where the race starts/ends from 4-7PM. Morning-of pickup is discouraged, but available if you arrive at least 45 minutes before your race begins. Races start at 5:00 AM (50 miler), 7:30 AM (25km), and 8:00 AM (10km). Timing will be chipped again by Runnercard.com. There will be several aid stations throughout the course, stocked with standard ultra fare, including Hammer gels, fizz, & Heed. Given distances in rugged canyons and time (1 to 2 hours or more between stations), all runners MUST carry a personal hydration solution. Drop bags will be available at several aid stations for 50 mile & 50km runners, and one for 25km runners.
Event's current local time: 7:16 AM MT
