+ 70
Dead Horse Ultra 50 Mile
Trail Running Route
Hard
47.75 mi
4,508 ft
The 50 Mile course for the Dead Horse Ultra, one of Moab's most coveted trail races.
Voted "Best Destination Race" according to Mad Moose Events, Dead Horse Ultra "was created to feature the Magnificent Seven Trails off of Gemini Bridges." Affectionately referred to as "Mag 7" by locals, this race explores one of Moab's majestic trail networks, offering incredible views of the La Sal Mountains, nearby Arches National Park, and sweeping views of the entire Moab Valley.
First held in 2014, the race takes places each November and offers three separate distances: 30k, 50k, and 50 mile. All distances start and finish at Gemini Bridges Trailhead about 10 miles northwest of town on Highway 191. The day of the event, there are parking attendants directing traffic since space is limited. Race day excluded, you shouldn't have issue finding parking and there is no potable water or restrooms at the trailhead.
As with most regional races, this event is highly renowned for its incredible views. The snow-capped La Sal's contrast the vibrant red desert, and its early morning start awards racers with a view of the sunrise over nearby Arches National Park and Grandstaff Canyon (sometimes referenced as Negro Bill Canyon).
This route is a mixture of remote backcountry 4x4 roads and new-school singletrack in the "Mag 7" riding area, none of which is too technical. With a total of 4,500' of vertical change for the 50 mile course, the Dead Horse Ultra is a great race to shoot for a PR, and a relatively easy course compared to other regional races. Top racers complete the course in just under 7 hours, while average mid-pack runners typically take 9 to 10 hours to complete the entire course.
50 mile racers will pass through 9 aid stations total along the way. There is no potable water along the route, so pack plenty if you plan to run this route on your next visit. If you have two vehicles, you could leave one along highway 313, and run the route in one direction. If you choose that option, your run would be around 25 miles.
For a comprehensive race guide, including all distances, click [here](
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Voted "Best Destination Race" according to Mad Moose Events, Dead Horse Ultra "was created to feature the Magnificent Seven Trails off of Gemini Bridges." Affectionately referred to as "Mag 7" by locals, this race explores one of Moab's majestic trail networks, offering incredible views of the La Sal Mountains, nearby Arches National Park, and sweeping views of the entire Moab Valley.
First held in 2014, the race takes places each November and offers three separate distances: 30k, 50k, and 50 mile. All distances start and finish at Gemini Bridges Trailhead about 10 miles northwest of town on Highway 191. The day of the event, there are parking attendants directing traffic since space is limited. Race day excluded, you shouldn't have issue finding parking and there is no potable water or restrooms at the trailhead.
As with most regional races, this event is highly renowned for its incredible views. The snow-capped La Sal's contrast the vibrant red desert, and its early morning start awards racers with a view of the sunrise over nearby Arches National Park and Grandstaff Canyon (sometimes referenced as Negro Bill Canyon).
This route is a mixture of remote backcountry 4x4 roads and new-school singletrack in the "Mag 7" riding area, none of which is too technical. With a total of 4,500' of vertical change for the 50 mile course, the Dead Horse Ultra is a great race to shoot for a PR, and a relatively easy course compared to other regional races. Top racers complete the course in just under 7 hours, while average mid-pack runners typically take 9 to 10 hours to complete the entire course.
50 mile racers will pass through 9 aid stations total along the way. There is no potable water along the route, so pack plenty if you plan to run this route on your next visit. If you have two vehicles, you could leave one along highway 313, and run the route in one direction. If you choose that option, your run would be around 25 miles.
For a comprehensive race guide, including all distances, click [here](
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Hot Start to 55k/33K Split | 3.92 mi | -427 ft | -0.3% |
| U.S. 191 Climb | 1.10 mi | 335 ft | 5.8% |
| Unnamed Rd Climb | 0.40 mi | 213 ft | 10.0% |
| Arth's Climb | 1.58 mi | 217 ft | 2.4% |
| Gemini Bridges Trail Climb | 0.55 mi | 164 ft | 5.6% |
| 7-Up to Whirlwind | 6.31 mi | 653 ft | 1.8% |
| Unnamed Road Climb | 0.85 mi | 174 ft | 3.9% |
| full bull | 4.62 mi | -627 ft | -2.4% |
| Great Escape Descent | 3.41 mi | -440 ft | -2.3% |
| Gemini Bridges Rd Backside Climb to 191 Overlook | 2.65 mi | 413 ft | 2.9% |
| U.S. 191 Climb | 1.04 mi | 272 ft | 4.9% |