Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB

The Desert RATS Trail Running Festival by UTMB is a unique stop on the UTMB World Series calendar, set in the rugged high desert of western Colorado. Based in Fruita, a small town beloved by mountain bikers and trail runners alike, the event showcases some of the most striking terrain in the American West.

Runners navigate red sandstone canyons, exposed mesa tops, and technical singletrack carved through ancient desert landscapes. The proximity to the Colorado National Monument adds a dramatic backdrop of sheer cliff walls and vast panoramas stretching to the Book Cliffs.

The festival atmosphere in Fruita is relaxed and community driven, with a strong sense of camaraderie among participants. The dry desert air, the crunch of sand underfoot, and the golden light of a Colorado sunset make this an experience that stays with you long after you cross the finish line.