+ 25
Behind the Rocks Ultra 50k
Trail Running Route
Hard
31.22 mi
3,482 ft
A scenic ultramarathon through Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area, one of Moab's most prized gems.
Presented by [Mad Moose Events]( at the start of spring, Behind the Rocks Ultra is one of the region's most renowned and scenic trail running races. Mixing rugged slickrock singletrack with challenging doubletrack, this course offers desert solitude that will test both your physical and mental stamina. 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 backcountry trail network also offers incredible views of the nearby La Sal Mountains capped in snow. Whether you're here to race or just looking to enjoy a quiet run in the desert, the 50k route is an excellent option to explore the beautiful red rock desert landscape. Other than events, there is no drinking water or restrooms on the entire route, so pack plenty if you plan to run this course outside of race day.
The 50k begins at 7am and includes 3,500' of climbing. For those looking for a longer race, the "50 Mile course is among our most challenging events" according to Mad Moose Events. While the faster runners have completed the course in under five hours, mid-pack runners typically finish between 6 and 7 hours, with a course cutoff of 7pm. Due to the remote wilderness setting, the 50k course includes only four aid stations, making a hydration pack necessary for most runners.
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's also recommended to bring plenty of food, water, and adult beverages along since the drive to town can be 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 and scenic trail running races. Mixing rugged slickrock singletrack with challenging doubletrack, this course offers desert solitude that will test both your physical and mental stamina. 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 backcountry trail network also offers incredible views of the nearby La Sal Mountains capped in snow. Whether you're here to race or just looking to enjoy a quiet run in the desert, the 50k route is an excellent option to explore the beautiful red rock desert landscape. Other than events, there is no drinking water or restrooms on the entire route, so pack plenty if you plan to run this course outside of race day.
The 50k begins at 7am and includes 3,500' of climbing. For those looking for a longer race, the "50 Mile course is among our most challenging events" according to Mad Moose Events. While the faster runners have completed the course in under five hours, mid-pack runners typically finish between 6 and 7 hours, with a course cutoff of 7pm. Due to the remote wilderness setting, the 50k course includes only four aid stations, making a hydration pack necessary for most runners.
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's also recommended to bring plenty of food, water, and adult beverages along since the drive to town can be 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% |
| 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% |
| V BTR 7th Split $ | 1.71 mi | 361 ft | 4.0% |
| Behind The Rocks Rd Climb | 0.96 mi | 289 ft | 5.7% |