One of America's most scenic runs, the course takes you from high desert through red rock canyons, majestic mesas and towering rock monoliths. A challenging 37km (22.5 mile) course from gate to gate on Rim Rock Drive over the Colorado National Monument.

The course winds up the paved Rim Rock Drive on the Colorado National monument. There is 1710 foot elevation change (starting at 4930 and ending at 6640) to the summit in about 8 miles with the first 4 steeper than the next. The scenery is incredible. After the summit, the course starts back down and ends about 260 feet below the starting elevation. The last 4 miles, like the first are the steepest.