Prepare for a true test of grit and spirit at the Elephant Rock Trail Run, set to unfold on August 8, 2026, in the scenic Wasatch Mountains above Bountiful, Utah. This demanding event, now in its ninth year, offers a range of challenging distances: a 50K, 26.8-miler, 13.8-miler, and a 7-miler, each designed to push runners through spectacular high-alpine terrain. Expect typical race day conditions with highs around 86°F and lows around 66°F, with minimal chance of precipitation, creating a quintessential summer mountain running experience.

The Elephant Rock courses are renowned for their rugged beauty and significant elevation changes. The marquee 50K, often referred to as "Utah's gnarly 50k," is a point-to-point journey traversing diverse landscapes from the Holbrook Canyon trailhead through The Great Western, Sessions Mountains, Mill Creek, and the pristine Mueller Park. Runners on the 50K course will tackle approximately 8,600 feet of climb, with over 6,000 feet concentrated in the initial 15.5 miles, primarily on 80% dirt trails and 19% dirt roads. All distances include challenging sections like "Elephant Ridge," featuring an 800-foot vertical climb in under half a mile, followed by "The Chute," a technical descent marked by rocky, gravelly terrain.

Runners will discover hidden gems within the Wasatch Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the valley, the Great Salt Lake, and Antelope Island as they ascend. While the shorter distances within Mueller Park present around 2,516 feet of elevation gain, the 50K demands serious preparation; participants are strongly encouraged to have completed a trail marathon prior to toeing the line. Aid for the 50K is limited with only two stations in the first 15.5 miles, necessitating runners to carry at least two liters of water for the initial climbs. Finishers across all distances will be awarded a handcrafted medal, celebrating their accomplishment on these memorable Utah trails.