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Behind the Rocks Ultra 50 Miler (Captain Ahab, Amasa Back)
Trail Running Route
Hard
49.28 mi
6,195 ft
One of the most challenging ultramarathons around Moab, paying visit to both Amasa Back and Behind the Rocks areas.
Presented by [Mad Moose Events]( at the start of spring, Behind the Rocks Ultra is one of the region's most renowned trail running races. Mixing rugged slickrock singletrack with challenging doubletrack, the 50 Mile course was designed to test both your physical and mental limits along rugged backcountry trails. Located in a Wilderness Study Area, the race promoter considers this area "Moab's last hidden gem," the event offering an array of "tall standing Navajo Sandstone domes and fins [that] can be seen from many places along the course."
A world-renowned 4x4 area, this trail network also offers incredible views of the nearby La Sal Mountains, typically capped in snow until the summer. The course differs from the 50k in that, instead of turning around at the end of Hunter Rim, racers must cross the road and into the infamous Amasa Back area. Technical slickrock singletrack fills the middle portion of the run and is easily the most difficult portion of the entire race.
While running the entire course outside of race day is possible, it's very uncommon due to a lack of water. Caching water and supplies at Kane Creek Boulevard would be needed should you attempt it. Other than special events, there is no drinking water or restrooms anywhere on this route.
If you're not looking to race and merely seek solitude on a long desert run, the [50k]( route is an excellent option to explore the beautiful red rock desert landscape without the full mileage commitment. The Amasa Back area is a destination that could instead be visited on another day.
The 50 Mile racers depart at 6am, a course with a stout 7,000' of climbing and one that the race director states "is among our most challenging events." While a few runners have finished in less than eight hours, the median finishing time is around 12 hours, with a course cutoff at 7pm (14 hours). The 50 miler includes several aid stations, though most racers still choose to wear a hydration pack.
The start and finish area are located along Behind the Rocks Road, a ~30 minute drive from town. When driving from Moab, the right turn from the highway can be difficult to spot - look for mile marker 113, the turn is just beyond. Give yourself plenty of time to make the 2.5 mile drive up the "technical, but passable" road to the start/finish area and adhere to all parking attendant instructions upon arrival. RV/Camper parking is also available in addition to free on-site camping all week. It also comes recommended to bring plenty of food, water, and adult beverages along since the drive to town is monotonous.
Source:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Presented by [Mad Moose Events]( at the start of spring, Behind the Rocks Ultra is one of the region's most renowned trail running races. Mixing rugged slickrock singletrack with challenging doubletrack, the 50 Mile course was designed to test both your physical and mental limits along rugged backcountry trails. Located in a Wilderness Study Area, the race promoter considers this area "Moab's last hidden gem," the event offering an array of "tall standing Navajo Sandstone domes and fins [that] can be seen from many places along the course."
A world-renowned 4x4 area, this trail network also offers incredible views of the nearby La Sal Mountains, typically capped in snow until the summer. The course differs from the 50k in that, instead of turning around at the end of Hunter Rim, racers must cross the road and into the infamous Amasa Back area. Technical slickrock singletrack fills the middle portion of the run and is easily the most difficult portion of the entire race.
While running the entire course outside of race day is possible, it's very uncommon due to a lack of water. Caching water and supplies at Kane Creek Boulevard would be needed should you attempt it. Other than special events, there is no drinking water or restrooms anywhere on this route.
If you're not looking to race and merely seek solitude on a long desert run, the [50k]( route is an excellent option to explore the beautiful red rock desert landscape without the full mileage commitment. The Amasa Back area is a destination that could instead be visited on another day.
The 50 Mile racers depart at 6am, a course with a stout 7,000' of climbing and one that the race director states "is among our most challenging events." While a few runners have finished in less than eight hours, the median finishing time is around 12 hours, with a course cutoff at 7pm (14 hours). The 50 miler includes several aid stations, though most racers still choose to wear a hydration pack.
The start and finish area are located along Behind the Rocks Road, a ~30 minute drive from town. When driving from Moab, the right turn from the highway can be difficult to spot - look for mile marker 113, the turn is just beyond. Give yourself plenty of time to make the 2.5 mile drive up the "technical, but passable" road to the start/finish area and adhere to all parking attendant instructions upon arrival. RV/Camper parking is also available in addition to free on-site camping all week. It also comes recommended to bring plenty of food, water, and adult beverages along since the drive to town is monotonous.
Source:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| V BTR 2nd Split $ | 3.12 mi | -384 ft | -2.2% |
| V BTR 3rd Split $ | 5.70 mi | -892 ft | -2.2% |
| V BTR 4th Split $ | 3.88 mi | -574 ft | -2.4% |
| Kane Springs Road Climb | 0.39 mi | 148 ft | 6.9% |
| Moab Kane Creek Boulevard Climb | 0.38 mi | 138 ft | 6.8% |
| Hunter Canyon Rim Descent | 2.71 mi | -568 ft | -4.0% |
| Moab Kane Creek Blvd Climb | 0.52 mi | 259 ft | 9.4% |
| Hymasa Intro descent | 0.36 mi | -157 ft | -7.9% |
| Hymasa Trail Ascent | 3.23 mi | 748 ft | 3.3% |
| HyMasa Singletrack to 1st Overlook | 2.39 mi | 535 ft | 4.2% |
| Jacksons Ladder Down | 0.63 mi | -449 ft | -13.1% |
| I’ll have one on the rocks! | 0.49 mi | 436 ft | 16.4% |
| Jacksons Ladder | 0.33 mi | 387 ft | 21.9% |
| Beginning Ladder | 0.18 mi | 171 ft | 17.1% |
| Utah 279 Climb | 0.36 mi | 154 ft | 8.0% |
| Jackson Trail DH (Run) | 1.57 mi | -486 ft | -5.8% |
| Moab Kane Creek Blvd Climb | 0.80 mi | 256 ft | 6.0% |
| Kane creek climb | 0.47 mi | 128 ft | 5.1% |
| V BTR 5th Split $ | 3.91 mi | 568 ft | 2.4% |
| Moab Kane Creek Boulevard Climb | 0.30 mi | 148 ft | 9.3% |
| Moab Kane Creek Boulevard Climb | 0.67 mi | 207 ft | 5.8% |
| V BTR 6th Split $ | 7.68 mi | 968 ft | 1.6% |
| Behind The Rocks Rd Climb | 0.96 mi | 289 ft | 5.7% |