SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Expedition Wild West, a brand-new ARWS Demonstration Race is set to take place in Utah from 19–26 June 2027.
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Expedition Wild West, a brand-new ARWS Demonstration Race is set to take place in Utah from 19–26 June 2027.
Designed as an ideal stepping stone for international and national teams preparing to compete on the global stage, the 4.5-day, 450 km expedition will showcase some of the most dramatic mountain terrain, high-desert canyons, and alpine wilderness in North America. Expedition Wild West, from GRIT Adventure Racing, will bring world-class expedition racing back to the heart of the American West.
Unmatched Singletrack in the Utah Wilderness
Expedition Wild West promises to be one of the most singletrack-heavy courses in ARWS history, featuring close to 90 miles of world-class singletrack with 10,000 feet (3,000 metres) of flowing descents.
Navigating from Park City to Salt Lake City through the rugged Uinta and Wasatch mountain ranges, competitors will trek, mountain bike, packraft, canyoneer, and navigate technical fixed-rope sections.
From alpine ridgelines to flowing mountain-bike trails, scenic rivers, waterfall rappels, and remote wild country, the new course is built to showcase the very best of Utah adventure. Designed with a distinctly European flair, the route incorporates shorter, fast-moving stages and exciting mini-adventures layered throughout the grand expedition journey.
Honouring the Legacy of Primal Quest
The event marks a return to iconic territory, taking place 21 years after Primal Quest tested world-class adventure racing teams across Utah’s terrain in 2006.
Reflecting on the vision behind the race, Race Director Nick Hurff shared his deep connection to the region:
"Over the years, exploring Utah again and again has only deepened my connection to this place. I’ve ridden hundreds of miles of singletrack through Park City and the Wasatch, explored high alpine terrain, moved through remote slot canyons, and experienced an outdoor culture where adventure is part of everyday life. For me, Utah captures the spirit of the American West — huge mountains, open spaces, wild country, and the feeling that there is always something waiting beyond the next ridge It is exactly what I believe expedition adventure racing should be: moving through an enormous landscape under your own power and experiencing places in a way few people ever will.
“There is also something special about bringing a major expedition race back to Utah 21 years after Primal Quest challenged teams across this landscape in 2006. That race holds an important place in the history of North American adventure racing, and Expedition Wild West is our opportunity to pay tribute to that spirit while creating an entirely new journey through a different side of Utah."
Stress-Free Logistics and Seamless International Travel
A core priority for the organizers at GRIT Adventure Racing is eliminating logistical friction for participating teams. Expedition Wild West has a ‘fly-and-race’ model structured to make international and domestic travel to the start line simple, affordable, and hassle-free:
- Direct Airport Access & Shuttles: Teams fly directly into Salt Lake City International Airport — a major hub with direct global connections — where race shuttles will transport competitors directly to Race HQ and the host hotel in Park City.
- No Rental Cars or Hotel Hassles: Pre-race accommodation is provided in Park City the night before the race. On Monday morning, race buses transport teams to the secret start location.
- Seamless Finish & Recovery: The course finishes in Salt Lake City, where hotel rooms await exhausted racers for recovery, showers, and celebrations.
- Following Friday's finish and Saturday morning's breakfast and awards ceremony, free shuttles transport teams directly back to Salt Lake City International Airport.
- Family Support: A dedicated family guide with sample itineraries will be released to help family members follow the race at transition areas and highlights throughout the week.
Leadership and Experience from GRIT Adventure Racing
Race Director Nick Hurff brings his years of endurance racing experience in the USA and internationally, and a passion for backcountry exploration, to the event. Nick is a military veteran with experience of special operations in Afghanistan as an Army Ranger and carries the discipline from his years of training into the race organisation. Competitors can expect rock solid logistics, clear communication and world class safety planning.
As they step onto the world stage of adventure racing GRIT Adventure will deliver a professionally managed, athlete-focused experience from start line to finish line.
Event Summary & Key Dates
Event Dates: 19–26 June 2027 (Race runs Monday, 21 June to Friday, 25 June 2027)
Location: Park City to Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Format: 4.5-Day Expedition Race (450 km) - ARWS Demonstration Race
Team Structure: Teams of 2 to 4 racers
Disciplines: Trekking, Mountain Biking (Singletrack), Packrafting, Canyoneering/Rappelling, Fixed Ropes, Zip Line, Navigation, and Mystery Challenges
For more information and to register, visit the official event website: https://gritadventureracing.com/expedition-wild-west
