Desert Rats Trail Running Festival by UTMB has four unique distances, three days of racing and indescribable views of the desert. There is something for every runner. Enjoy views of the Colorado River as you race through flowy singletrack, climb up the mesa, and take in the vastness of the desert.
Join us for 3 days of racing and 4 different distances on the beautiful trails of Fruita, Colorado in 2025. For over two decades this race has brought the whole community together for an epic weekend adventure. Whether you're new to trail or an ultra veteran, you will not want to miss the celebration this April.
Schedule:
21K
Fruita CO, Mack Exit, Hawkeye Trailhead - 08:30
Max Allowed Race Time: 5 Hours
The half marathon is a loop with all of the views and rugged desert terrain of the longer courses. It was recognized as one of the most scenic half marathons by Active and fully deserves the title.
Start. Runners head out the gently rolling dirt road for a mile until they take a sharp right turn for 0.3mi to the top of the hill. From there, the first Aid Station is visible and racers cross the cattle guard, staying on the road, and head down the steep hill to the Crossroads Aid Station.
Crossroads #1. You will leave the Aid Station down the steep, rocky gully for a short distance until it flattens out but continues twisting and turning. Runners will reach a “T” in the road where they take a left hand turn. A narrow trail and big drop offs will eventually open up as you begin following the rim in and out of the canyons. On an incredibly picturesque course, this section is generally considered the most beautiful. You will follow along the beautiful rim for a short time before heading up a steep ledgy section to the Pizza Overlook Aid Station.
Pizza Overlook. Upon leaving the Aid Station, the trail widens and begins climbing. After you reach your high point the descent becomes rugged and twisting. Don’t let the view of the aid station draw you in, the descent is longer than you think.
Moore Fun. The trail becomes rocky and technical as it makes the big climb to the top of this fun section. After it levels off for a short distance, the trail will make a fun technical decent to the cattleguard. From there, you will go back the same way you came, down the short steep section to the dirt road and along the double-track to the finish.
Additional Dates:
