The Course (Zion)
We challenge any other endurance event to match the setting of the Red Rock Relay! Remember you will visiting these locations in early fall colors and under starry skies. Below is a brief description of the collection of venues that runners will experience throughout their 187 mile red rock journey. To view these locations be sure to visit our RRR Zion Photo Gallery.
Brian Head Resort: Starting line
“Top 10 US Getaway for Family Travelers”
Description & History
The Brian Head area was first opened for skiing in the winter of 1964/1965. Ten years later, in 1975, the area around the resort was incorporated as the Town of Brian Head. The Brian Head ski area grew from its beginning as a one-chairlift operation to a complete resort offering guests a diversity of skiing and mountain biking terrain, snow tubing, dining, hiking trails, a host of other activities, and of course just plain old relaxing in the scenic beauty and pristine air. Brian Head was the only ski/snowboard resort in the U.S. to be honored as a “Top 10 Getaway for Family Travelers” by the Family Travel Forum. Experience a scenic chairlift ride to 11,000 ft. with cool alpine temperatures, expansive vistas, and Southern Utah’s unique red-rock panorama. It’s easy to understand why guests love Brian Head Resort and why it makes an ideal location to start the Red Rock Journey.
Dixie National Forest: Miles 12-40, 80-120
“Largest National Forest in Utah”
Description & History
Dixie National Forest occupies almost two million acres and stretches for about 170 miles across southern Utah. As the largest National Forest in Utah, it straddles the divide between the Great Basin and the Colorado River. Elevations vary from 2,800 feet near St. George, Utah to 11,322 feet at Blue Bell Knoll on Boulder Mountain. The southern rim of the Great Basin, near the Colorado River, provides spectacular scenery. Dixie canyons are made up of many-colored cliffs and steep-walled gorges. Runners will follow roads throughout the forest while passing running streams, evergreen fields, and mountain peaks.
Cedar Breaks National Monument: Miles 10-30
“Top 8 Unique Destinations to View Fall Colors” -NBC Today Show
Description & History
Resting on top of the Colorado plateau, at over 10,000 feet in elevation, breathtaking views abound. Millions of years of sedimentation, uplift, and erosion are carving out this giant amphitheater, which spans over three miles and is more than 2000 feet deep. On August 22, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared Cedar Breaks a National Monument. Cedar Breaks National Monument can receive 15+ feet of snow during the winter months. Although the park is closed during this time, it is open to cross-country skiers and snowmobiles. The oldest tree at Cedar Breaks National Monument is the Bristlecone Pine which dates back to 1,600 years old. Cedar Breaks has one of the darkest documented night time skies. Visit on a moonless night for one of their Star Gazing Parties. Ideal for our September race date, Cedar Breaks National Monument was rated as one of the “Top 8 Unique Destinations to View Fall Colors,” by the NBC Today Show.
Snow Canyon: Miles 130-145
“…sheer red canyons mixed with unique volcanic formations create a stirring scene.”
Description & History
Red Navajo sandstone, capped by an overlay of black lava rock, makes photography, hiking, biking, camping, and RUNNING in Snow Canyon State Park a true treat. Early spring and fall use of the park is especially appealing due to southern Utah’s moderate winter climate. Two volcanic cones are found near the head of the canyon. This colorful canyon erupted thousands of years ago, and sent molten rock through the valley leaving deposits hundreds of feet thick. Several locations on the enclosing cliffs have examples of ancient Indian petroglyphs. Snow Canyon offers 16 miles of hiking trails, technical rock climbing, horseback riding, year-round camping, nature studies, wildlife viewing, and photographic opportunities galore. All of this is set against a stunning backdrop of towering sandstone cliffs in red and white, and peaks and valleys of jumbled black lava rock, interspersed with serpentine sandy washes.
ZION National Park: Finish Line
“The most scenic and accessible National Park in the Western United States.”
Description & History
Millions of people visit Zion National Park each year and for good reason. This Southern Utah National Park is sensational! So much is packed together in one tight bundle, making it easy to experience every spectacular corner of the Zion. The park is characterized by high plateaus, a maze of narrow, deep sandstone canyons and striking rock towers and mesas. These unique sandstone cliffs range in color from cream, to pink, to red. They could be described as sand castles crowning desert canyons. The trails in the park are adventurous, spectacular and something you will want to include in your vacation plans! The hikes range from easy walk,s to strenuous climbs on sheer cliffs, to wading through the famous Zion Narrows. As the run course nears its end (heading north), the northern portions of the park are thickly forested with aspen and evergreen as massive canyon walls ascend toward a brilliant blue sky. The very name Zion, a Hebrew word for refuge, captures the serenity you will feel as you run the Red Rock this September.
