Bears Ears Ultra 2026

Description

Run through the heart of sacred and scenic land at Bears Ears Ultra, a high-elevation trail race in the remote Abajo Mountains of southeastern Utah. With 50 mile, 50K, and 30K distances, this course takes runners through Bears Ears National Monument, offering an unforgettable journey through one of the most culturally and visually significant landscapes in the American West. The Bears Ears region is home to ancestral lands of several Indigenous tribes, including the Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Hopi Tribe, and Pueblo of Zuni.

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The race begins in the early morning quiet, as the sun rises over Canyonlands National Park. From there, the course climbs into remote alpine terrain, topping out near 11,000 feet on Robertson Pasture Trail. Along the way, runners are rewarded with panoramic views of Bears Ears Buttes, Monument Valley, Dead Horse Point State Park, Six Shooter Peaks, the Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area, and the La Sal Mountains. On a clear day, you can even see the San Juan Mountains of Colorado.

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In addition to the breathtaking views, runners traverse some of the most wild and little-traveled singletrack trails in Utah. Whether you’re tackling the full 50 miles or the scenic 30K, the Bears Ears Ultra is a raw, immersive experience through a landscape rich with beauty, solitude, and history.