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Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB
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Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB 2027

Fruita, Colorado, CO

Friday, April 9, 2027

Registration open

Weather

MonthAvg high / lowBand
April38–65°FMild
Moderate cold risk~0.7 in typical precipLow humidity typical of high desert; wind can be a factor on exposed mesa ridgelines.

Historical averages for planning — not a forecast. Always check conditions before race week.

Route & course

100K

Lollipop · Trail
Elev gain
6,205 ft
Elev loss
—
High point
5,400 ft
Low point
4,500 ft
  • A shared stem leads into a loop
  • Note the loop direction
Start · 4,500 ftFinish · 4,500 ftHigh point · 5,400 ft

Lollipop course: Kokopelli Loops on Mack Ridge, then out via the rugged Kokopelli Trail 4WD road to the Western Rim Loop. The climb back off the Western Rim is notably brutal. Western States qualifier: sub-20-hour finish required. UTMB Index earned on finish.

Course map

50K

Lollipop · Trail
Elev gain
3,639 ft
Elev loss
—
High point
5,400 ft
Low point
4,500 ft
  • A shared stem leads into a loop
  • Note the loop direction
Start · 4,500 ftAid station

Kokopelli Loops on Mack Ridge with a bonus lap on the fast and flowy Rustler's Loop, starting from the Moore Fun Aid Station (hit twice). Exhilarating climb up Mack Ridge. UTMB Index earned on finish.

Course map

21K

Unknown · Trail
Elev gain
1,540 ft
Elev loss
—
High point
—
Low point
—
Start · 4,500 ft

Ideal balance distance — captures Fruita's scenic essence without overwhelming newcomers. Still includes mesa climbing and technical sections. UTMB Index earned on finish.

Course map

10K

Lollipop · Trail
Elev gain
700 ft
Elev loss
—
High point
—
Low point
—
  • A shared stem leads into a loop
  • Note the loop direction
Start · 4,500 ft

Lollipop on Steve's Loop; overlooks narrow canyons and the Colorado River. Two fully stocked aid stations. Great intro to the Kokopelli trail system.

Course map

Travel

Base town
Fruita
Nearest airport
GJT · 15 min
Rental car
Recommended
Rideshare
Limited
Lodging
Limited
Facilities
Limited
Trip length
3 nights
Travel complexity
4/10

GJT is a small regional airport with limited direct flights; most travelers connect through Denver (DEN). A rental car is essentially required — rideshare is sparse in Fruita. Lodging in Fruita is limited; Grand Junction (10 mi east) has more options but books up around race weekend.

Book lodging early — the Fruita/Grand Junction corridor fills quickly for the race weekend. The trailhead is at I-70 Exit 11 (Mack), about 10 miles west of Grand Junction and convenient from both towns. No permanent facilities at the trailhead; portables are provided by race management.

Best for / avoid if

Best for

  • UTMB World Series Index hunters
  • Western States 100 qualifier seekers
  • Desert scenery lovers
  • Runners wanting a multi-distance festival weekend
  • Families (free kids' race, basecamp festival)
  • Trail purists
  • UTMB qualifiers
  • Desert race fans
  • Runners seeking scenery

Avoid if

  • You dislike sandy, rocky desert footing
  • Heat or sun exposure concerns you
  • You need abundant shade on course
  • You're uncomfortable with exposed cliff-edge trail
  • Dislike technical trails
  • Sensitive to sun/heat

First-timer mistakes

Underestimating the Western Rim climb on the 100K — the descent is runnable but the climb back off the rim is brutal. Also, the trailhead parking fills fast; arrive very early or arrange a carpool.

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