Prepare for a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience at the Dude Peak Derby Trail Race, set to take place on June 20, 2026, in the heart of Salt Lake City, Utah. This 16-mile trail race is the perfect way to celebrate the Summer Solstice, offering a grassroots, human-powered adventure that champions the vibrant trail running community. With typical race day conditions seeing highs around 88°F and lows near 61°F, and only a 4% chance of precipitation, runners can expect a warm and dry challenge.

The course is a demanding journey through the beautiful Salt Lake City foothills, featuring an impressive 4,000 feet of vertical gain. Starting from Memory Grove Park, runners will ascend into City Creek Canyon, transitioning onto the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST) before making their way towards Ensign Peak for a quick photo opportunity. The route then navigates technical singletrack and service roads, including a steep, "hands-on-knees" climb towards the radio towers, before reaching the ridgeline near Dude Peak. While permitting restrictions mean runners won't summit the actual peak, the turnaround point still offers spectacular ridgeline views of the city.

Embrace the self-supported nature of this cupless event. Runners should come prepared with their own hydration and nutrition, although a water cache with running calories and soda will be available near the tower road (around miles 6 and 9). The race culminates with exhilarating descents back into City Creek Canyon, following the City Creek trail to cruise down to the finish line at Memory Grove Park. Dogs are welcome to join the adventure, provided they are on a leash.