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.

See the 2025 Race Guide. 

Bears Ears Ultra 50 Mile Course Map

Bears Ears Ultra 50 Mile Interactive Map

Bears Ears Ultra 50 Mile GPX File *download file to view

• Lowest Point   7600'

• Highest Point  10727'

• Elevation Gain 10400'

• Elevation Loss 10404'

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Bears Ears Ultra 50k Course Map

Bears Ears Ultra 50K Interactive Map

Bears Ears Ultra 50K GPX File *download file to view

• Lowest Point   8211'

• Highest Point  10525'
• Elevation Gain 6854'
• Elevation Loss 6854'

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Bears Ears Ultra 30k Course Map

Bears Ears Ultra 30K Interactive Map

Bears Ears Ultra 30K GPX File *download file to view

• Lowest Point   8209'

• Highest Point  10524'
• Elevation Gain 3215'
• Elevation Loss 3215'

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Aid Station Mileage, Cutoff Times, and Course Limit Information

That's right! We have gone cupless!

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What does that mean?

• Bring your own re-useable cup (Mad Moose Hydrapak cups are available for purchase during packet pick-up)

• Water dispensers will be located at the start/finish line and at every aid station.

• Runners can use these to fill bladders, bottles​, and reusable cups

Date: Friday, June  20, 2025

Time: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Location: Veteran's Memorial Park

17 N E (near library)

Monticello, UT 84535

Race Day Packet Pick-up:

Saturday, June 21, 2025

4:30 a.m.- 6:45 a.m. 

Check-in and Packet Pickup at the starting line

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Information Regarding Packet Pickup Process:

• You will need to have a photo ID in order to receive your packet.

• Runners may pick up the goody bag and shirt of a registered runner, who will not be in attendance.

• Runners may not pick up someone else's bib.  

• Entries are non-transferable

• See race guide for all information about packet pickup.

GPS Coordinates (Click for Google Map):

37.91956, -109.47558

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The start/finish line is located on Forest Rd. 5419. Monticello, UT 84535.

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Directions to the start from Monticello: From Main St, head west on W 200 S for .3 miles. Turn Left on Abajo St. In .4 miles, continue onto N Creek Rd. Drive 7.1 miles, then go slight right onto Spring Creek (0105). You will see Monticello Lake and the vault toilet on the corner. On race day, you will see signs directing you. 

 In 1 mile, drive straight ahead on RD 5419. Drive 1 mile, where you will reach the start/finish line parking area. See Google Map below.

 IMPORTANT: If you arrive after 6 AM, please drive slow on the dirt road.  This section of the road is also a part of the course.

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Once entering the lot, cars may not exit again until all runners have cleared the road. We will keep the exit closed for around 20 minutes after the start of each race, keeping cars to a minimum along this stretch keeps our runners safe!

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Camping is not allowed at the start/finish line, or along the dirt road just before the start/finish line. Please see the Google Map at bottom of page to see locations for dispersed camp sites, along with several campgrounds in the area. 

Packet pickup and drop bag collection will be located at the start line area. See FAQ page for specific drop bag requirements.

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Race Morning Packet Pickup

4:30 a.m. - Check-in and Packet Pickup at the starting line

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5:00 a.m. - 50 Mile Start

6:00 a.m. - 50K Start

7:00 a.m. - 30K Start

10 minutes before each race start - pre-race announcement

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RUNNERS MUST ATTACH CHIP TO SHOE. NO CHIP ON SHOE = NO TIME

The finish line is located in the exact same location as the starting line. No camping at the start/finish line. We will be serving runner approved goodies! We'll also have water, soda, etc available.

All runners will receive a custom race shirt, custom BOCO Gear Technical Trucker, and a finishers' medal.

See the FAQ Page for information about:​

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-Pricing

-Race Rules

-Distance Changes

-Cancelation, transfer, and no refund policy

-Other Runner Requirements​

See LIVE RESULTS here on race day. Official results will be posted on UltraSignup after the event!

Join the Mad Moose Herd and make a difference in the running community by volunteering at one of our upcoming events. It's always a fun time! 

As a volunteer you'll have the chance to support runners. As a thank you for your time and effort, we offer credits toward free race entries of your choice. (Friends and Family - You can earn race credits for your runner to use toward their next Mad Moose Event!)

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Whether you're a seasoned runner or just love being a part of the action, we have volunteer opportunities for everyone.

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Some of our aid stations require 4 x 4 access in remote areas. We are always in need of volunteers to drive to far out aid stations and transport some gear. If you enjoy driving to beautiful places, come help us out. 

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Click here to discover how you can contribute and be a part of creating remarkable experiences for runners.