The Bears Ears Ultra, set for June 20, 2026, in Monticello, UT, offers an extraordinary journey through the remote and sacred Abajo Mountains of southeastern Utah, with distances including 50M, 50K, 30K, and 13K. This high-elevation trail race, hosted by Mad Moose Events, immerses runners in a landscape rich with beauty, solitude, and history, as the course traverses Bears Ears National Monument, ancestral lands of several Indigenous tribes. Runners will be challenged by significant elevation changes, topping out near 11,000 feet on the Robertson Pasture Trail, and navigating a mix of wild, little-traveled singletrack, groomed dirt, pavement, and 4WD roads. Typical race day conditions in June see highs around 88°F and lows around 59°F, with a low chance of precipitation, though runners should be prepared for varied mountain weather, as past events have seen everything from warm sun to rain and hail.

The course promises breathtaking panoramic views, from the early morning quiet and sunrise over Canyonlands National Park to vistas of Bears Ears Buttes, Monument Valley, Dead Horse Point State Park, and the distant La Sal and San Juan Mountains. Runners consistently praise the "absolutely awesome" and "excellent course" for its stunning scenery and well-organized atmosphere, noting the well-stocked and staffed aid stations, which operate on a cupless system, requiring runners to bring their own reusable cups. The start and finish lines are conveniently located in the same area on Forest Rd. 5419, making logistics straightforward.

Whether tackling the challenging 50-mile ultra with its approximately 10,400 feet of elevation gain or the shorter, scenic distances, the Bears Ears Ultra delivers a memorable blend of altitude, solitude, and unparalleled panoramas. This event is a true test of endurance and a unique opportunity to experience some of Utah's most remote and visually significant landscapes.