Canyons 100K by UTMB

Canyons 100K by UTMB Countdown

16

Days

04

Hrs

12

Min

20

Sec

Next Race

April 25, 2026

17

days to go

The UTMB Americas Major, Canyons 100K runs on sections of the legendary Western States trail through the American River canyons of the Sierra Nevada foothills near Auburn, California. Top finishers earn coveted Golden Ticket entries to the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, making this one of the most competitive 100K fields in the world.

UTMB World Series MajorITRA 4 Endurance Points

Est.

2021

Distance

100km / 62mi

Course

Point-to-point

Surface

Technical Trail

Elev. Gain

4000m

Elev. Loss

4200m

Field Size

~800

When

April

Time Limit

22h

THE COURSE

Gain

+4000m

Loss

-4200m

MI 0

KM 0

Foresthill Start

The race begins on the Foresthill Divide at roughly 1,000 meters elevation, near the famous Foresthill Bridge — one of the tallest bridges in California. Runners head out on the Western States trail into the deep river canyons below.

ELEV: 1000ft

MI 15

KM 24

American River Canyons

The course drops into the stunning Middle and North Fork American River canyons, crossing the river at several points. The technical singletrack winds through oak woodland and mixed conifer forest with river views hundreds of meters below.

ELEV: 300ft

MI 28

KM 45

Deadwood Canyon & Devil's Thumb

One of the most iconic sections of the Western States trail, runners descend into Deadwood Canyon before facing the relentless 550-meter climb up Devil's Thumb. This exposed, south-facing ascent is a defining moment of the race.

ELEV: 850ft

MI 40

KM 65

Michigan Bluff to Volcano Canyon

Passing through the Gold Rush-era hamlet of Michigan Bluff, runners tackle a steep descent into Volcano Canyon before climbing back out on single-track trail. The mid-race rollers through this section require careful pacing management.

ELEV: 700ft

MI 61

KM 98

No Hands Bridge & Auburn Finish

The final descent crosses the famous No Hands Bridge over the American River — a landmark of Western States lore. From there, runners climb the paved Robie Point trail to the finish at Placer High School in downtown Auburn, greeted by a passionate trail-running crowd.

ELEV: 400ft