Trail running course near Auburn, California, USA
The Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB

The Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB 100 Miles

100 miles·Auburn, California
ultra100 milemountaintechnicaltrailqualifierpoint to point

AI-generated image

Distance100 miles
DateApr 24, 2026
Difficulty5/5

About This Race

The Canyons 100 Mile follows the Western States Trail through the Sierra Nevada foothills east of Auburn, offering runners a chance to test themselves on one of ultrarunning's most storied courses. This UTMB Index Race traverses rugged gold rush country, moving through oak woodlands, river canyons, and exposed ridgelines where temperatures can swing 40 degrees between night and midday. The 30-hour cutoff demands efficient pacing and disciplined fueling strategy. Runners face technical singletrack, sustained climbs, and loose descents that require focused footwork even as fatigue accumulates. Night navigation skills are essential, as most runners will spend significant time on trail after dark. This is a proving ground for experienced ultrarunners, many using it as preparation for Western States or to earn UTMB Index points. The course demands respect: strong technical skills, practiced aid station efficiency, and the mental toolkit to manage low points across a long day and night in the mountains.

The route follows much of the Western States Trail, starting and finishing in Auburn. Runners navigate varied terrain including narrow singletrack through oak and pine forests, exposed fire roads with limited shade, and technical sections along river canyons. The course is well-marked but requires attention, particularly during night hours when familiar trails can feel disorienting.

Location

Practical Info

Weather

Late April in the Sierra foothills typically brings mild to warm days (60-75°F) with cool nights (40-50°F). Conditions can vary significantly with elevation changes. Rain is possible but less common than earlier in spring. Runners should prepare for sun exposure on open sections and potentially muddy conditions if recent rain has occurred.

Nearest Airport

SMF - Sacramento International Airport

Accommodation

Auburn offers hotels and vacation rentals within minutes of the race start. Nevada City and Grass Valley, 25 miles north, provide additional lodging options. Early booking is recommended as this race weekend draws runners and crews from across the country.

Best For

experienced trail runnersultra runnersmountain runners

Notable Features

The Canyons 100 Mile offers access to the legendary Western States Trail without the lottery, making it valuable for runners seeking to experience this historic course or prepare for the Western States 100. As a UTMB Index Race, it provides qualifying points for runners targeting events in the UTMB World Series. The race organization brings UTMB's international standards to California's gold country, with well-stocked aid stations and experienced course support throughout the long day and night.

Other Distances at This Event

25K

2,789 ft gain

The entry-level distance offering runners a sample of the famous Western States Trail without the ultra commitment. Despite the shorter distance, participants still experience the historic Sierra Nevada foothills and gold rush country atmosphere.

50K

The 50K route covers approximately 31 miles of the Western States Trail system, characterized by technical singletrack that demands attention to foot placement. Rocky sections and exposed roots require consistent focus, while the crossing of the Middle Fork American River provides a memorable mid-race feature that can involve wading depending on seasonal flow levels. The course strings together single-track segments used by Western States 100 competitors, offering runners a taste of that legendary route's technical character in a more compressed format.

100K

The route follows a challenging out-and-back configuration through the Sierra Nevada foothills between Auburn and Michigan Bluff. Runners encounter the full spectrum of Western States terrain: exposed fire roads through oak and manzanita, technical singletrack requiring careful foot placement, and canyon crossings that test both climbing power and descending control. The course crosses multiple aid station locations twice, allowing crew access at strategic points and giving runners mental waypoints to manage the distance. While specific elevation figures aren't confirmed in available data, the terrain profile mirrors the relentless nature of the Western States course. The route never allows for sustained flat running, instead demanding constant adjustment between climbing and descending through terrain that becomes increasingly technical as fatigue accumulates. Footing varies from smooth dirt to embedded rock, with the latter sections requiring focused attention even from experienced trail runners.