Stage 1 – The Prologue – 6 miles

Start:  Brian Head Resort                         Finish:  Brian Head Resort

 

The American Mountain Classic will start with a 6 mile Prologue using trails in the town of Brian Head.  Unlike 2008, this year’s Prologue will count in the overall stage race standings.

 

Stage 2 - The Rim – 55 miles                   5,000 + feet of elevation gain
Start:  Navajo Lake                                    Finish:  Woods Ranch

 

With over 40 miles of single track, 30 miles on the Virgin River Rim Trail, this stage established itself as the signature stage of the American Mountain Classic.

 

After a 10 mile fire road start, racers begin a journey on one of Utah’s most well designed and spectacular trails.  The Virgin River Rim Trail winds it’s way along Utah’s famous Pink Cliff and offers views of Zion National Park to the south.

 

Midway through the race, racers descend off of the Rim Trail and circumnavigate Navajo Lake which includes a section of single track trough an ancient lava flow.  Then it’s back to the Virgin River Rim Trail and a finish at Woods Ranch County Park.

 

NOTE:  This stage starts near Navajo Lake and requires transportation to the Start.  The drive takes approximately 25 minutes; we suggest driving to the Start, car pooling if possible, then arrange a shuttle from the Finish back to the Start. 

 

Shuttles: 
Shuttle service can be arranged by calling Bob at 435.590.1473.  Fees Apply

 

Feed Zones:
Two fully stocked / Support accessible
One Remote / Hydration only

 

Stage 3 - The Peak – 52 miles                 5,000 + feet of elevation gain
Start:  Brian Head Resort                         Finish:  Brian Head Resort

 

The first 5 miles of this stage takes racers from 9,500 feet to 11,000 feet, just below Brian Head Peak.  After a single track descent down Louder Ponds Trail, racers head out to the Red Desert and Tippets Valley area.  Aspen trees and flat fast fire roads are a welcome change from the opening climb.

 

The return trip up Sidney Valley Road, Sidney Peaks Trail and a side trip to Brian Head Peak at 11,306 is spectacular but painful.  The reward comes knowing that you are at 11,306 feet, the Finish is at 9,500, and 6 miles of single track and an unbelievable view of Cedar Breaks National Monument await you.

 

Feed Zones:
Two fully stocked / Support accessible
Two Remote / Hydration only

 

Stage 4 – Dark Hollow – 48 miles           6,600 feet of elevation gain
Start:  Brian Head Resort                         Finish:  Brian Head Resort

 

This stage features trails that are the pride of Brian Head; Dark Hollow, Louder Ponds, Scout Camp and Sidney Peaks Trail.  This is a two lap stage with 32 miles of the 48 being single track.

 

Racers will be challenged by one of the most technical descents in Southern Utah; Dark Hollow.  Throw in 3300 feet of climbing per lap and you have the most challenging courses of the American Mountain Classic.

 

Feed Zones:
Three fully stocked / Support accessible
One Remote / Hydration only

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